My Biography

Who is Ron Elliott?  

I have journeyed along many roads over my lifetime. I had been visiting Thailand for numerous years and retired to live permanently in Chiang Mai in early 2014. In 2024, exactly 10 years later, we moved to NE Thailand, in a small Thai country town on the Mekong River. With my Thai partner, “Ae” (Ace), (we are both naturalised Australians) enjoying the more relaxed and tranquil lifestyle offered in Thailand.

I added to my work experience in Chiang Mai during my 8 year appointment (by the Australian & Thai Government) as the Australian Honorary Consul for northern Thailand.

I had previously retired from Sydney airport operations & with 45 years of professional work experience in Australia and Canada. My overall experience involved the operational, service, commercial, safety, security and protection related fields of policing, critical infrastructure, airports and a family business. 

Arriving in Australia in 1990, from Canada, I secured a role with a Government security agency headquartered in the Nation’s capital Canberra. My initial role involved the management of a newly created national airport security service that provided an opportunity to travel and experience the major cities throughout Australia.

Using my previous background, in aviation and policing, my career with the Australian Protective Service spanned 11 years culminating as National Operations Manager. A career highlight was the significant participation in the 2000 Sydney Olympics’ aviation facilitation planning and security overlay. The games were successful and a great thrill to a part of.

In 2001 I joined Sydney Airport Corporation Limited.  My initial role, as Manager Airport Security, was to ensure that extensive government regulatory requirements, security programs, systems, and costs were appropriately managed and compliant. Later I assumed responsibility as Head of Service Standards for a combined group of safety, security, emergency management and hygiene services; a unique combination of demanding, high risk and profile functions.

I was a significant participant in the Australian Governments National Aviation Security Committee and provided industry leadership to a significant number of Government aviation security policy working groups.  I was an active participant in the Airport Council International’s World and Asia-Pacific Regional Security Committee’s.

Two awards were presented to me recognising my dedicated work in this field. I chaired many strategies and tactical airport working groups and after nearly 13 years retired in December 2013. 

Before immigrating to Australia I had 21 years of distinguished service with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (the National Police in Canada). My career involved the community and specialist policing duties, crime & drug investigations and airport police.  These roles allowed me to live and work in many provinces across Canada. I received an RCMP long service medal after 20 years of service.

Growing up in a small town just north of Toronto, Canada the early years were occupied by hard work in the family-run business when not at school completing my education.  This provided grounding in a strong work ethic, customer service, and satisfaction together with the realisation that people were important to success in business.

My global work and extensive travel experience, varied careers, leadership skills, adaptability and accountability along with an appreciation of people and diversity, as well as being a father and grandfather, has equipped me with the necessary credentials for this role.  

I’m proud & pleased to have been Australia’s Honorary Consul in Northern Thailand.  I considered this an opportunity to give back to and promote Australia and foster good relations with Thailand, were I now reside. The role was terminated by DFAT in December 2023, so I went into full retirement mode.

My partner Ace spent 25+ years in Australia, working & learning in hospitality & healthcare. We are happy in Thailand, look forward to exploring and experiencing new travel and food exploration, enjoying our home, garden, and pets. Lex the English cream golden Retriever, Izzy the Pomeranian and Lucas and (Lindsay now departed), a pair of Burman cats, enjoy privileges of the house.  

I have 3 children – 2 in Australia and 1 in the USA and 3 grandchildren who I keep in close contact with regularly thanks to communication technology (Line app & monthly Microsoft Teams hook-ups). Ace’s family are from Northeast Thailand and he has a sister, brother and nieces, and nephews.