Invitation to Bangkok

[Odinson]

Secretary of State Jackson Fitzgerald arrived via a private, government-chartered flight. Seventeen Secret Service Agents, who were acting on behalf of the Department of State, travelled with the Secretary of State, his wife, and their driver. Ten of these armed agents would stay behind with the aircraft to protect and watch over it. Three vehicles that were normally used for the American Ambassador in Thailand would instead be used to bring the American delegation, plus the American ambassador, to the funeral. One of the drivers, from the Department of State, would drive the ambassador's vehicle that would drive around the VIPs, while two embassy officials would drive the lead and follow vehicles for the small motorcade. Each agent was armed with 9mm Glock pistols, as well as six extra loaded clips that they carried on their persons.

The American delegation was taken to the American embassy in Bangkok where they prepared for the funeral. Meanwhile, word was securely sent to the Rattanakosin Foreign Ministry to alert them that Secretary Fitzgerald and the American delegation had arrived and were ready to go to the funeral. The message went on to say that once they were given further direction, the Secretary's protective detail would drive him to the funeral. Finally, it was requested that Rattanakosin police would provide an escort for the Secretary of State's motorcade as they travelled throughout Bangkok.
Alex

 

[GingeOrCringe]

“I assure you that sentiment is one we share,” smiled Ambassador Savenko.

Upon Yanukovych’s rather unextraordinary arrival he would clasp the minister’s hand in a firm but not vice-like handshake. “Thank you,” he nodded with a diplomatic smile. The flight had most certainly not been comfortable, not according to his own standards, but there was no point in complaining to the minister. “I believe our RSVP was marked for the palace, yes. We certainly look forward to meeting her Royal Highness—although it’s a shame it should be under such somber circumstances.”

Yanukovych would shake Savenko’s hand as well—some insignificant pleasantries were uttered regarding his service to Ukraine as Ambassador—and with that the Ukrainian parties would be ready to proceed to the palace.

Alex

 

[Alex]

The gifts would be handled with great care and search lightly, showing the Koreans the trust that the Queen has placed in them. The food, however, would be taste tested before the consumption of the Queen, but the Koreans would not be told of this. Once the gifts were ok’d by the Queen’s Guard, they would be sent to the Queen at the Grand Palace.

Back at the airport, Minister Chuan Leekpai would be having a conversation with the South Korean delegates. As their Minister of Foreign Affairs would introduce everyone, Minister Chuan would shake their hands. “It is nice to meet you all.” He would state once the introductions were finished. “As for your President, it is completely understandable, we are all busy people. We’re glad you could make it.”

Once inside the vehicles and underway to the Grand Palace, they would begin more delicate conversations. “Well, you already know our Kingdom’s stance on aiding your nation, especially when it comes to North Korea or any other authoritarian state.” The Minister would adjust himself in his seat, making it more comfortable. “In regards to military acquisitions, the Kingdom is always looking to increase the size of its naval forces. Specifically we have been eyeing up the Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin-class and Sejong the Great-class destroyers and the Dodko-class amphibious assault ship. Furthermore, our naval forces currently operate four Jang Bogo-class submarines - we were hoping to eventually discuss with your government the possibility of receiving maintenance licenses for them.”

Jay

---

The Princess would accept the Prince’s condolences. “Thank you, Your Royal Highness, it means a great deal to us that you would take the time to come all the way here to share our grief. And joy, once our Crown Princess becomes our new monarch.” The Queen’s Guard would open the doors for the prince and princess and the security personnel. One of the Guards would state that everyone, including the security should fit within the convoy.

The drive from the national airport to the British Embassy was roughly forty minutes, give or take with the traffic. They would pass by various landmarks on their way there, many of which the Princess out pointed out and explained. “There’s the Wat Lak Si, a buddhist temple built by Myanmar immigrants nearly a hundred and fifty years ago. Up here are the villages, universities, museums and so on - there’s the Bangkok prison, Klong Prem. Down over there is the Royal Line, our people movers, they should be completed some time in January or February of next year.” Further into the center of the city, they would come across more landmarks. “As you can see Bangkok has many malls, my niece is a patron for a lot of them, including the newly built indoor water market.” Nearing the embassy, there would only be a few more landmarks they would pass by. “That building there is the Liwa Ul Islam Mosque, you can spot it from nearly anywhere in central Bangkok due to its unique structure, it was built three and a half centuries ago. This temple here is one to Vishnu, the oldest hindu temple in the city. And finally, here is the Saint Louis, a Catholic church, which offers services in many languages.”

By now they had reached the British embassy. It was located behind a tall corporate building and between some alleyways, overall it was a nice neighborhood but the location proved to be a little complicated for everyone involved. The G-wagens would stop in front of the embassy’s gate, though the alleyway only allowed for a one-car lineup.

“Here we are Your Highness. I hope to see you soon. I would recommend wearing black and no head coverings in any way for the funeral, as for the coronation - anything bright.” With that, if there was nothing else, the Princess and the convoy would depart to the Grand Palace.

Dutchy

---

As the Brazilians touched down at the international airport Princess Chulabhorn would be sent, alongside various Queen’s Guard and their vehicles, to greet them. “Your Imperial Majesty,” she would address the Emperor, “Your Imperial Highness,” she’d address the Prince. “Welcome to Bangkok, I hope your trip here was one of ease. It is a great honor to us for you to have come all the way here from Brazil. Shall we be on our way?”

She would beacon for the G-wagens awaiting them.

JakeDorent

---

Princess Bajrakitiyabha, the daughter of late Prince Vajiralongkorn and his first wife, would be the one to greet the Germans’ arrival at the international airport. “Good day, Chancellor Kohl, President Herzog,” she gave her hand out to them both, “welcome to Bangkok. I’m Princess Bajrakitiyabha and I was sent to escort you to the Grand Palace. If you will?” She beacon them to follow her through the terminal to the waiting convoy or G-wagens. “I hope your flight wasn’t too much of a bore?”

Vaka

---

As the Americans did not seem to want to be greeted at the airport like the other nations, the Queen’s Guard would be sent at the Embassy to escort them from their embassy to the Grand Palace. Once they would reach the Palace, Ubol Ratana, the King-Father’s daughter, would be there to greet them as she communicated best with English.

“Welcome to Bangkok and the Grand Palace, Secretary Fitzgerald.” She would extend her hand to shake his. “Please follow me to the common room, the Crown Princess is waiting for everyone there.”

At the same time, the Ukrainian delegates would have arrived at the Grand Palace and the Minister of Foreign Affairs would have led them through the main gate. “The Crown Princess is waiting in the common room of the Palace, I shall lead you there but once you’re there I shall leave you in the company of the Crown Princess to attend to matters of the funeral and her coronation.”

The Grand Palace's Common Room
​

The common room was an extravagant place. It was lined with large elegant columns made of stone and marble, a floor of black marble covered in an enormous rich rug adorned with countless mosaics, and the walls were lined with enormous portraits of the kings that had come before the Crown Princess inside thick golden frames, and the ceiling was made of twists and turns of turquoise and gold. Beside each of the portraits of the kings were busts made of bronze displayed upon small columns of gold. Around the room were various sitting areas, love seats, and tables surrounded by chairs of strong wood and lined with gold. In the far back of the room, was a small throne of pure gold line on both sides by seven-tiered umbrellas (nine-tiered were she to be crowned) and two large tusks of an elephant.

To any of the guests, this may have seemed extreme luxury, but little would they know that this was the cheapest room in all of the Grand Palace.

The Crown Princess was staring up at the portrait of her grand-father, King Rama IX. The Great they called him… she had hoped that she would at least be known as The Good when she would be crowned Rama X… and to think that not long ago she was still some teen partying and addicted to social media - now she would be crowned as a Queen and had to rule over a nation and millions of people.

The thought gave her nausea. But Prime Minister Prem would take her out of her thoughts as he approached. “Are you doing any better, Your Highness?”

“My father is dead and my grand-father is ill with grief,” she replied simply without taking her eyes from the portrait, “I am not well, sir, and I don’t believe I ever will be.”

“I understand.” He replied with sorrow. “Your father was like a second son to me, I was there for his birth… and I saw his last moments. Please, never believe you are in this alone. I will support you, always, until my last moments.”

With tears in her eyes, she would lay her hand on the Prime Minister’s shoulder. “Thank you, sir.” The Princess gave her a small smile. At this moment the doors of the common room would open and some of the foreign delegates would step inside. “It would appear our guests have arrived, excuse me.”

The Crown Princess would make her way from the throne to where the doors were, passing by various Rattan men and women of importance as she did, including other members of the royal family. The woman extended her hand to greet the American and the Ukrainian not far behind him.

“Thank you for coming, Secretary Fitzgeral. It means a great deal to all of us that you would come all this way.” And then the Ukrainian. “Ambassador Savenko, thank you for the flowers. Prime Minister Yanukovych, you honor me with your visit.” The Princess would beacon for them to follow her to one of the empty tables. “The funeral shall begin once all the guests have arrived, in the meantime I’m certain there are things we could discuss, or at the very least help me keep my mind busy?” Sitting down she would signal for one of the servants. “Are any of you hungry? Thirsty?”

Odinson GingeOrCringe

 

[Jay]

After the introductions and Minister Leekpai's statements, the Foreign Minister responded. "We are glad to be here." They drove towards the Palace and began discussing specific matters. The Foreign Minister would listen before first responding "The Republic of Korea greatly appreciates the Kingdom's support for the reunification of the Korean Peninsula and your support for us politically. We hope that together we can create a framework for regional stability while promoting democratic values and institutions. Of course, this does not mean we are in the name of American-style democratic interventionism, however, I believe, where we can, we must support regional countries in their democratization process"...the Vice Defense Minister would speak after the Foreign Minister had finished her remarks. "With regards to your naval procurement, if the Kingdom is willing to officially begin negotiations over the purchasing of Korean vessels, we can begin them here and hopefully sign them. If you could provide us the documents for the agreement for the Jang Bogo-class submarines, as well as any financial transactions records and delivery documents you may have? This is just to check your data with our systems. I believe we can discuss the maintenance licenses or opening a Korean maintenance facility in the Kingdom. On a side note, we are both curious to understand the Kingdom's armed forces current strength and regional issues, disputes, and concerns. To familiarize ourselves with your concerns." As the Defense Ministers spoke, the Foreign Minister opened her government secured phone and was typing something, whether it was a response to an email, a work question, etc... it was not known.

Alex

 

[Odinson]

Private​

It wouldn't be long before a message was passed from the embassy in Bangkok to the Secretary of State's protection detail (via quiet word of mouth). The situation in Russia had become serious, and had possibly spread to Ukraine. President Gore requested that Secretary Fitzgerald allow the American Ambassador to the Rattanakosin Kingdom to take his place. As soon as Secretary Fitzgerald was able to greet the Princess, he sadly had to inform her that he was needed urgently in Washington and had to return home. He introduced the American ambassador, and gave his deepest condolences for the losses that the Thai people had faced recently, but assured the Princess that the United States will fully support the Royal Family and the nation in stopping the spread of communism in southeast Asia, and maintaining order in their own country. With that, the Secretary would leave much of the same way he arrived, and take the agents and staff that travelled with him. However, the ambassador would remain for the funeral. Secretary Fitzgerald would then take the roughly 12-hour flight home to Washington via the privately contracted government jet.

 

[GingeOrCringe]

Given the great diplomatic importance of the royal funeral, both Yanukovych and Savenko would turn off their cellphones before entering the common room where they would meet the soon to be Queen. Had they left them on, they would have received a call informing them that President Yushchenko had been shot. Instead, they would conduct the meeting in ignorance.

“I hope they brought you some comfort during this difficult time,” Savenko nodded, his face turning slightly red.

“The honor is all mine,” Yanukovych would insist, “though we wish it were under less somber circumstances.” He would glance towards secretary Fitzgerald with a raised eyebrow as the other man departed. He’d been looking forward to mingling with the other dignitaries and the US Secretary was near the top of his list, but he’d mask any disappointment well.

The Ukrainians would follow Sirivannavari to the empty table. If there was any tea or water available they would accept and thank the Princess for her hospitality.

“You have been blessed with such a beautiful country, Your Highness. Ambassador Savenko claims it’s impossible to choose one favorite place in the Rattanakosin Kingdom, as every region and each city boasts countless merits of its own. I don’t doubt this, but surly there’s a place you enjoy spending your time most of all? I’m happy Ukraine can offer defense products to help protect such a hospitable, freedom-loving state,” he’d conclude, trying to gauge what type of conversation the young woman would prefer.


Alex

 

[Jay]

The South Korean delegation would depart back to Seoul, alongside their escorts and other equipment. Having considered their duration longer than expected and appropriate for civil servants, they would return to Seoul the next day. The Foreign Minister had by this point already returned to Seoul prior during the NSC meetings on Russia. The Koreans would thank their gracious hosts, hoping to see the bold and strong leadership of the Royal Family a tone for other autocrats to begin democratization and development of their countries. Nonetheless, the South East Asia programs would unfortunately go bust, with the changes in governance in Indonesia and elsewhere, hopefully, the models of Thailand would be used to inspire stronger regional organization and leadership while bypassing the monarchy. They would take a flight, returning to Seoul at night, and heading to the bar in the arrival sections to catch a good drink before heading home and getting some rest before the debriefing session on the mission.