Queen Suthida Departs Kata Beach, Thailand (2023-12-09)

A series of short clips I filmed on 9 December 2023 as Her Majesty Queen Suthida of Thailand prepared to leave Kata Beach (my home) after staying here for most of the week officiating at the King's Cup Regatta. She even did some sailing, climbing the 73-meter mast of her boat on the final day. His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkhorn was also in town for several days on a private visit.

Ground zero for the large entourage -- Royal Household, Highway Patrol, Royal Thai Army, and others -- was the Karon Municipality Building which I have been inside of on numerous occasions including the Mayor's huge conference room (where I assume the media was setup). The royal car was under the canopy in front. Offshore, one could see two Royal Thai Navy ships -- a cruiser and a patrol boat -- guarding the royals.

I enjoyed chatting with the Thais people waiting with me (some of the nicest security officials I have ever come across). They were quite thrilled with my knowledge of Thailand and I was the only foreigner present in proper attire (yellow shirt -- purple was also desirable but, really, almost anything would be better than the Speedos and thongs and miniscule bikini tops many of the totally clueless foreigners were wearing). When the marching band arrived, many of the high school students recognized me and called out "Teacher Mark!" as they passed by to enter the hotel compound.

When the Queen finally departed, her car was the third (after two Highway Patrol cruisers) and was followed by nearly 50 other vehicles. The Army trucks left last.