Another exclusive from the files of veteran journalist Ian Mackay , now a Magnetic Island resident, whose adventurous life included reporting in Kenya and covering the Vietnam War .
A 1962 newspaper clipping ,above, in which Ian, on the left, is seen interviewing two RAAF Sabre jet pilots from South Australia - Flying Officers ,John Matthews and Ian Edwards- at Ubol airport, northern Thailand . Cameraman Brian Taylor is on the right .
The Assistant News Editor of Channel 7 , Adelaide ,it was Mackay's first overseas trip . For cameraman Taylor it was his fourth , two to New Zealand and another to Hong Kong.
The Thai assignment was a follow up to the Australian visit of King Phumiphon and Queen Sirikit , during which Mackay and Taylor were introduced to the royal couple at Government House , Adelaide ,see following cutting . King Phumiphon told them he hoped their film would help forge links between the two countries , help the people of Australia gain a better knowledge of Thailand .
During two weeks in Thailand they travelled 1300 miles by air, road , steam launch, canoes and on elephants. In Bangkok they covered a reception by King Phumiphon and Queen Sirikit in the palace .
