More than 100 people turned out to wish Pattaya community leader Archie Dunlop a happy 95th birthday.
The Sept. 22 party at The Venue in Jomtien Complex kicked off with welcome drinks and a chance to take a photo with the guest of honor, who skipped wearing his kilt this year.
James Brabham, a fellow Scotsman and close friend, hosted this year’s celebration with food catered by The Sportsman Pub.
The Venue provided the entertainment with Toi, a local Thai singer, belting out international tunes.
The atmosphere was festive as longtime friends flew in for the event and took advantage of the chance to catch up with Archie.
The birthday boy took the stage with an entourage of entertainers from Cupidol in Boyztown to cut the cake, which had been baked by Nigel a close friend. After a few photo poses, Archie made his wish and blew out the candles.
Archie was born in Carstairs, Lanarkshire on Sept. 22, 1922. He was educated at Lanark Higher Grade School and later worked as an apprentice builder at Carstairs Criminal Lunatic Asylum. At age 17, he volunteered for the Royal Air Force and was posted to Malta in 1940.
In 1962, he left the service to help manage the Zambezi Club in Earls Court, London. He then purchased the Apollo Club in and the Escort Club in Plimico.
More than 40 years ago he arrived in Pattaya for a visit, came back regularly and now has made this lovely city his home. He still continues to travel all over the world and has contributed to many charities, including large amounts of support to Pattaya’s gay community.
Regarded an extraordinary man for his age, Archie is well known in Pattaya and never fails to surprise people with his healthy outlook in life. He is seen normally at Expat Club meetings, Rotary functions and even networking events. Not bad for a 95 year-old. Apart from that, he tends to plan ahead in life, with trips abroad to see friends and family, and going on cruises. So that’s only 95 for now as he continues to look forward to many more happy years to come.