Has UK embassy got its priorities skewed?

While keeping in mind the sad death of a British teacher that gave rise to recent correspondence, I must confess to a pang of sympathy for British Ambassador Asif Ahmad at having to recite such a long litany of just what consular assistance he and his staff are able, or rather unable, to provide to their compatriots here.

The “cannots” in the ambassador's letter outnumber the “cans” by about two to one.

In sharp contrast, to judge from the steady stream of local press reports and photo opportunities showing embassy personnel at promotional events, their commercial section seems to suffer from far fewer limitations on what it can and will do to further trade and business interests.

Is this an indication of where the real priorities lie?

Chris Jeffery

Bangkok