Serenaded

I attended the Royal Thai Navy Symphony Orchestra in conjunction with the Red Cross Concert charity event held at the Thailand Cultural Center last night, accompanied by a beautiful date.

Mum, elegantly dressed and I had excellent seats - second row - courtesy of her childhood friend, the First Lady.

Upon being dropped off at the entrance, we were greeted by naval officers who politely ushered us to register our attendance and post our donations to the Red Cross.

I've always had a soft spot for the Thai Navy and have deep roots within.

My maternal grandfather was the Vice Admiral of the Royal Thai Navy and have heard nothing but praises left, right and center from figures or veterans in the navy or armed forces.

It certainly is admirable, making me simultaneously proud and honored be to his grandson. He was a well respected gentleman, husband, father, grandfather, civil servant and comrade.

A hero with dignified integrity, he was given a royally sponsored funeral, the highest honour provided by His Majesty the King, when he passed on with many of the military's elite in attendance, even the current Prime Minister who was then a general in the armed forces paid his respects.

I remembered each visit our family paid when he was still around. Grandpa would be in high spirits and delighted whenever we stopped by Bangkok. Yes, those were much cherished times without question and the fondest of memories I have of that gentleman.

I turned to mum, whispering how I missed him and she nodded and smiled with approval.

Back to the conert...

We were left mesmerized by the breathtaking performances of The Royal Thai Navy Orchestra conducted by the impressive Captain Narong Sangboot, the excellent saxophonist Captain Pasakorn Suwanaphan, and the three amazing guest vocalists, Bird Thongchai Mcintyre - Thailand's own King of Pop, who was brilliant with a capital B - , Pat Suthasinee Buddhinan and last but not least Teeranai Na Nongkai.

As the concert came to an end, the crowd were left extremely gushed and provided non-stop applauses for the outstanding performance. We all stood up and bowed as Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the guest of honor, made her exit with the Premier and other VIP guests in tow.

Despite the downpour, it was absolutely a pleasant evening being serenaded by the commended Royal Thai Navy Orchestra and in the company of a beautiful woman.