On the death of ambassador Karel Hartogh

For me it was inevitable that Karel would not survive the attempt on his life due to cancer, it was only a matter of time. Now that he indeed passed away last August 5th, it comes as a very unpleasant surprise.

I was the first to interview the ambassador in his position in August 2015. You can read the story again here: www.thailandblog.nl/nieuws-uit-thailand/overzicht-karel-hartogh-ambassadeur

In the two years that he was able to work in Thailand, he not only made many Dutch friends, but also foreign ones. He was an open-minded man who was a good listener and managed the embassy in a skilful manner. I know him best from trade promotion, for which he recruited two skilled young diplomats who carried out this task with verve and success.

I have spoken to him a number of times about his illness. He has fought like a lion against the inevitable with unparalleled willpower. Outwardly he was full of hope to return to his post in Bangkok, but I could read between the lines from his emails that he was becoming less and less enthusiastic.

I am glad that I recently met him and his wife again in Bangkok during a drink evening organized by MKB Thailand. Even then, he informed those present that he would soon be able to get back to work in Bangkok.

The Embassy of the Year 2016 was recently announced by Fenedex and to my surprise it was not the Embassy in Bangkok. For me the title should have been given to Bangkok and it would be a great honor if the title for 2017 would be awarded to the Dutch embassy in Bangkok. Ambassador Karel Hartogh and his staff have earned that.

It only remains for me to express my deepest condolences to his wife, Maddy Smeets, his daughter and other family members.