Vive la France

France’s Ambassador Gilles Garachon hosts a glorious Bastille Day party

Food, wine, party and fireworks — and this was even before France won the World Cup! On the occasion of the French National Day on July 14, French Ambassador to Thailand Gilles Garachon and his wife Isabelle Garachon hosted a grand reception at the French Ambassador’s Residence in Bangkok, the handsome property overlooking the Chao Phraya.

Almost 700 guests from including members of the diplomatic corps in Thailand such as US Ambassador Glyn T. Davies, British Ambassador Brian Davidson and EU Ambassador Pirkka Tapiola attended the event in a hearty and warm atmosphere last Saturday.

Before sunset, the French ambassador gave a speech on a cruise boat that made a short trip along the Chao Phraya, departing from the French Residence pier and returning to the same spot. After the cruise, the ambassador gave a second speech in the residence garden, in which he emphasised excellent relations between France and Thailand and announced, to a collective gasp, the forthcoming end of his mission in Thailand.

The party was lively and colourful, as the guests watched fireworks that lit up the Chao Phraya. The evening was animated by a folk music show, a drum show and, quickening the tempo, a DJ set. And of course, with France in the World Cup final — a thrilling match that they would win 24 hours later — expectations ran high and this year’s Bastille Day rang with a special, memorable vibe.

French Ambassador to Thailand Gilles Garachon gives a speech.

From left to right, North America Division director Pirawat Atsavapranee, the French ambassador’s wife Isabelle Garachon, former permanent secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Apichart Chinwanno, Porntip Arya, Dr Gothom Arya, COO of CPF Prasit Boondoungprasert and French Ambassador Gilles Garachon.

From left to right, the British ambassador’s husband Scott Chang, the French Ambassador’s wife Isabelle Garachon, Spanish Ambassador Emilio De Miguel Calabia, British Ambassador Brian Davidson and French Ambassador Gilles Garachon.

From left to right, the French ambassador’s wife Isabelle Garachon, the US ambassador’s wife Jacqueline M. Davies, US Ambassador Glyn T. Davies and French Ambassador Gilles Garachon.

The fireworks over the Chao Phraya.