High Society

Today was the final of the King’s Cup Polo Tournament. I was not involved in shooting it; but the nice ladies from Polo Escape sent me an invitation to the event, held near Bangkok; so it would have been churlish to refuse.

Problem was, the invitation included a dress code, “smart casual”. As she who must be obeyed was quick to observe (a bit too quickly I felt), I do casual really well, but smart is a bit beyond me. I used to be able to make myself reasonably presentable; but once I stopped working, any clothes that could be identified with “office” were quickly disposed of. I now have a couple of pairs of jeans, enough T-shirts for a week, and a pair of sandals; oh, and some underwear in various stages of decomposition but that is best not discussed further.

Still, I resurrected a serviceable pair of trousers, something with a semblance of a collar; and then ruined any chance of presentability with a pair of scruffy black sneakers; my only pair which I keep for special occasions. Looking cheap but cheerful, I headed for Bangkok.

The polo events at Pattaya are relaxed and devoid of any pretentiousness. The big events in Bangkok bring out the “see and be seen” high society crowd and feel far from comfortable in their company, and not just because of my crappy clothing. I am not sure what my values are, or if I even have any, but they certainly don’t match with the sort of people who turn up to these events. I also don’t think I would be very good at being rich; mainly because, if I had a pile of cash, I would immediately spend it on one (or all) of these cars which were on display, and then I would be poor again:

Today I decided on the orange Lambo; but I might change my mind tomorrow. I am so fickle.

There was a marching band before the polo match:

And other entertainment:

Girls with hats:

And, not that many people were watching, polo:

Can’t tell you who won (I expect it was Thailand), because I had to leave early for another appointment (oh, the social whirl!), the official opening of The View restaurant on the beach next to the windsurfing club. More cars I wouldn’t mind owning:

And a load of people having a good time on the beach:

Felt more at home with the windsurfing crowd; but still slightly troubled about whether I have made the right decision with that orange Lambo.

Comments 🔗

2010-01-31 | Wentworth says

For your edification the first girl under the title “girls with hats” is wearing a fascinator not a hat. Unfortunately for her it seems to be made from a leopard skin beer mat, seagull feathers and assorted vegetables. The girl featured in the very first photo appears to be holding a collapsible baton in her right hand, the kind one might use on the paparazzi and their equipment. Her ensemble and accessories are faultless apart from the short and fat boyfriend dressed as a bond villain as seen in photo number 12.

2010-01-31 | Spike says

I stand corrected. I had never heard of a fascinator (neither has Google, is is offering me “hallucinatory” as an alternative). Just shows how knowledgeable you are when it comes to headgear for ladies.

The woman in the first photo is clutching a microphone; some sort of celebrity according to SWMBO.

2010-01-31 | Spike says

Just for you, here is a rear view of the fascinator in all its appalling glory: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2706/4318387127_87764fcd17_o.jpg

2010-01-31 | Wentworth says

Only in Thailand could a microphone become a celebrity. I’m surprised that any sun fearing hi-so type would favour a fascinator over a hat unless they had a parasol.

2010-02-01 | Spike says

It’s a very popular microphone; even has his own show “mornings with mic”.

And there you go again. If she had had a sun protector, I would have called it an umbrella.