We recently lost our great friend Alan "OldLover" Gauton, who passed away at home here in Pattaya leaving his widow Patricia with just her small pension. She has no savings, so we hope to cover the cost of the funeral, as well as raise money for an eventual flight back to England.

And if she wants to spend some money on herself, why not ?

Every penny raised will reach her.

We will be adding some photos and a video later.

So Monday evening I drove to Bangkok with paperwork for the British Embassy, who I would visit Tuesday morning at 8am. This was to get a Consular Letter so that the hospital could release Alan for cremation.

Monday night I went out and raised a few glasses to Alan, then a few more.

Up early at 7am to get to the Embassy by 8. Crossed a traffic lane as I was trying to follow Google Maps, which doesn't work that well under the Skypass, and was pulled over by a very polite policeman who duly fined me 2000 baht, good start to the day. I paid cash.

Got to the embassy who were very efficient and had the Consular letter within 30 minutes.

Back to Pattaya to give the letter to the funeral organiser, who said that the letter had to be taken to Bangkok to pick release Alan, and that I had to go too.

They organized a taxi this morning at 8am. I could have driven, but they insisted because the guy in Bangkok spoke no English and was worried that I wouldn't find him. I think I could have, but as it was I was glad to get some sleep in the taxi, the drive would have been very wearisome both ways again.

We got to the Police Hospital in Bangkok where the autopsies (evreyone who dies here gets one) take place.

Another lot of forms to fill and copies of everything to hand over.

An hour later I was asked to identify the old bugger. "That's him".

Back for another half hour while they did the autopsy report, and then back in the taxi.

On arrival back was told that I had to go to the Police Station to get the police report, which could be handed over now that I had the autopsy report. Now accompanied by Wan, Alan's neighbour who has been an enormous help, Pat loves her and it would have been a nightmare without her.

At the police station, another half an hour, same papers plus the autopsy. Finally got the police report, which I was told I had to take to city Hall to get the Death Certificate.

Handed in all relevant documents at City Hall. once I had found the appropriate department. She went through everything and asked where the visa page from Alan's Passport was.( I had just been told to take copy photo page). Back to Alan's to get his passport. back to City Hall. Another half an hour, maybe more, and I was presented with his death certificate.

Off to the temple where Pat and Wan were waiting. Pat was very pleased to have Alan there, and was very pleased with the whole set up. 

I handed the Death Certificate over to the guy Tang who is the Funeral Director (but really a go-between). Lucky to have him, I did check out a real Funeral website and it is big business. Tang has quoted me 24,800 covering all expenses from body collection, cleaning, hospital expenses, transport of body and myself (seperate vehicles). I will transfer the money tomorrow, and put up copies of everything that is paid out.

My own expenses to Bangkok etc, including the fine are on me, I would have gone up there soon anyway for a night out.

I was then told that there would be prayers tonight from 7pm, but that I needed to be there at 6.45pm as I have to sort the monks out with some cash. I also gave 500 baht for some food for the prayers tonight. Pat would love to see anyone who c an make it tonight, and so would I.

The cremation will be at 1pm tomorrow afternoon, Thursday August 10th. Please come in numbers, Pat would love it. Sorry we had no earlier warning, it all depended on getting things done today.

South Pattaya Road near to the Walking Street end. Wat Chai Mongkhon Temple, the big one.

Through the entrance, turn right and go to the end, then it's on the left.

I got to Bangkok last night, and went to the embassy at 8am this morning.

We now have the Consulate letter, so we will be able to get a date for the funeral.

I am off to Bangkokj now to the British Embassy to give them some documents, and to pick up a consular letter to be able to release Alan for funeral arrangements.