Change of Her Majesty's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand
Mr Mark Kent has been appointed Her Majesty's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand and Her Majesty's Non-Resident Ambassador to the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
He will succeed Mr Asif Ahmad who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Kent will take up his appointment by July 2012.
Mark Kent joined the FCO in 1987 and has spent most of his career working with the emerging powers of South East Asia and Latin America, and with the European Union. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Leadership and Management and has language qualifications in Thai, Vietnamese, Spanish, Dutch, French and Portuguese.
On his appointment as Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand and Her Majesty’s Non-Resident Ambassador to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Mr Kent said:
“I am honoured to be given the opportunity to serve again in South East Asia. Relations with the rising powers of this region are important for the UK’s future prosperity, Thailand is the second largest economy in ASEAN and trade and investment will be high on my agenda. Consular work with UK tourists and residents will also be a priority. The UK aims to play a constructive role with both countries in helping to create a political, social and economic environment which is conducive to fostering further growth in trade, investment, tourism and enhancing our wider relationship, as well as encouraging a strong role within ASEAN and on wider global issues”
Curriculum vitae
Full name:
Mark Andrew Geoffrey Kent
Married to:
Martine Delogne
Children:
Two
November 2010 - Present
Thai Language and other training
2007-November 2010
Hanoi, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
2005-2007
FCO, Deputy Director, Migration
2004-2005
Belgium, International Affairs Adviser to Supreme Allied Commander, Europe
2000-2004
Mexico City, Commercial Counsellor and Consul General
1998-2000
FCO Spokespman covering Middle East and Kosovo Conflict
1993-1998
UKREP Brussels, First Secretary (External relations)
1989-1993
Brasilia, Second Secretary (Press and Political)
1987-1989
FCO, Assistant Desk Officer, Near East and North Africa Department
1987
Joined FCO