HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]: 

Rotary Clubs install new Presidents and Directors

Bread and baht busses at Skål International

Fletcher scores a half century

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Rotary Clubs install new Presidents and Directors

Pledge to promote peace and understanding throughout the world

Rotary Clubs of Plutaluang, Sattahip, Rayong, Banchang and Mabtapud.

July 1 is traditionally the day that newly elected presidents of Rotary Clubs around the world take over their duties of running their respective clubs for the ensuing 12 months.
During the months of June and July, clubs in Pattaya and the eastern region held installation ceremonies of new presidents and their board of directors for the 2006-07 Rotary year.
These events can be simple affairs held at the regular weekly meetings of the club or they can be grand affairs, held in restaurants or hotels with visiting Rotarians and guests from all over the district, with some attending from all parts of Thailand, and even Rotarians from far off lands who happen to be visiting Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard at the time.
District 3340 of Rotary International under the leadership of District Governor Peera Potipipith (2006-07) covers the entire northeast and the eastern part of Thailand, boasts a total of 60 Rotary Clubs, of which 22 are along the east coast.
Pattaya lays claim to 5 Rotary Clubs. Unique in themselves, the clubs are Thai, English and French speaking. German is also widely spoken in clubs which have a good number of German nationals.
The Rotary Club Eastern Seaboard installation night was held at the Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa. Outgoing President Renato Porzio handed over to Marliese Fritz, a lady from Switzerland who is renowned for always being at the forefront whenever help is needed.
In her installation speech President Marliese thanked all who have helped her and her club with sponsorship, donations and projects, especially Charter President Martin Brands and members of the Rotary Club Pattaya Marina. She noted that Rotary Clubs in Holland and Switzerland play a significant role in the continuation of aid to many people throughout Thailand. “The most important role for all Rotarians is to help those who are in need and to make people happy,” said Marliese. “We have to try our utmost to reach that goal, no matter which nationality we are or what language we speak”.
The Rotary Club of Taksin Pattaya installation took place at the Amari Orchid Resort, when American Charles Evans took over from Germany’s Stephan Heynert, who had been in this position for the unusually long period of 20 months. Stephan worked with all five Rotary Clubs of Pattaya during his presidency, joining in different activities and projects. He proudly announced that during his term of office, he raised the membership of his club by 92 percent.
In his acceptance speech, President Charles said that he would follow on in the footsteps of Stephan, even though it would be very hard to equal his achievements. “But I will give my best.” Students from the Redemptorist Center for the Blind entertained the many guests before and after the official business of installations.
Across town, Germany’s Max Rommel took over the presidency of the Rotary Club Jomtien Pattaya from Chris Gibbins at installation ceremonies at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort. In his speech President Max called upon Rotarians to never forget the objects of Rotary and to follow the Four-Way Test of the things we say and do, which are: 1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships? 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Max went on to say that he felt he was predestined to lead a club after all the experiences he has had in his life. “I find it a special honour now to become president of a Rotary Club and will give my best to achieve the goal of Rotary to help the needy and the underprivileged. We will help wherever help is needed,” he said.
Entertainment was provided by APEC 2003, a group of young talented musicians from Khon Kaen.
At the installation ceremonies of the Rotary Club Pattaya Marina held at the Jomtien Palm Beach Hotel, Pierre-Yves Eraud handed over the presidency of the club to Dr Olivier Meyer. To coincide with the installation ceremonies of the new president, the brave French club organised 2 fund raising events. A bowling tournament and a Petanque competition were held throughout the day.
Rotary Club Pattaya Marina is the very first French speaking Rotary Club in Southeast Asia and of course the installations night was held in French with English thrown in for good measure.
Dr Meyer, a true Swiss but with the grand fleur of a French gentleman, said in his speech how happy he is to be a Rotarian and now to be leading a club. He will do his utmost to bring the Rotary idea to life amongst the French speaking population in Pattaya. His aim is to increase the membership of his club and to raise a lot of money to help the underprivileged to lead a decent life.
Elsewhere along the Eastern Seaboard, installations of 5 Rotary Clubs were held at the Sifa Restaurant in Sattahip. Dr. Pallop Supakorn, president of the Rotary Club of Plutaluang, Supin Sorkarn, president of the Rotary Club of Sattahip, Liangseng Ruamchaiapikul, president of the Rotary Club of Rayong, Decha Limthawornwong president of the Rotary Club of Banchang, and Weera Kulapeng president of the Rotary Club of Mabtapud all took office in their respective clubs.
Rotary is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations, and helps build goodwill and peace in the world. Approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 32,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas.

Rotary Club of Taksin Pattaya

Bread and baht busses at Skål International

by Dr. Iain Corness
The local Skål International of Pattaya and East Thailand held a cocktail party at the Hard Rock Hotel last week. This could almost have been a practice run for the welcoming cocktails which will be held next month for the world Skål International president Jan Sunde of Norway, who will be visiting Pattaya to ensure that everything will be running smoothly for the Skål World Congress in October this year, where Pattaya is the host city.

Peter Malhotra on his soapbox…again.
The local group is very varied in its composition, and this has meant that many organizations have seen the advantages in touching base with Skål International. At this last cocktail party, the French Connection was represented by Patrick Parthonnaud and Beatrice Briet, the MD and sales and marketing manager for the new bakery in town, La Boulange. This energetic group has spread from Bangkok, bringing with them the delightful breads that only the French know how to bake. (The Pattaya Mail will be sending Miss Terry Diner to try the different styles of bread shortly.)
Before the buffet dinner went into full swing (heralded by the energetic whistle blowing of local Skål International president, Andrew Khoo), a presentation of 20,000 baht was made by Kevin Fisher of Cranes and Equipment Asia to Christina and Malcolm Boden of the Charity Club of Pattaya to help swell the coffers for their latest charity drive.
Andrew Khoo (GM Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya) also spoke on the importance of the forthcoming world congress and then invited his Vice President Peter Malhotra (MD Pattaya Mail Publishing) to report on his recent trip to America undertaken with Skål International councilor Andrew Wood (GM Chaophya Park Hotels and Resorts). This promotional trip to the North Americas has engendered much interest in Pattaya, an interest that should result in increased numbers of tourists coming to experience the ‘new’ Pattaya.
It was also decided that the ‘official’ transport for the expected 1,500 delegates and partners at the World Congress would be Pattaya’s unique public transport, the ubiquitous baht bus! Local members will, however, be on hand to answer the universal baht bus driver’s question of “Where you go?”
With the local businesses, such as the Bangkok Pattaya Hospital, and local and municipal government getting behind the congress, October will be a very important month in the development of our city.

Andrew can’t resist getting close to Kavita and Jackie, two enchanting girls from the sub continent.

Ingo, Guy, Deborah and Paisan snuggle up to each other.

Roger Soland (right) makes Patrick Parthonnaud feel welcome.

Dr. Iain Corness, Beatrice Briet, Patrick Parthonnaud and Andrew Khoo are excited about the introduction of La Boulange to Pattaya.

Paul, Binny and Roland catch up Pattaya happenings.

Lovely guests enjoy good company at the Hard Rock.

Two hoteliers meet, Bobby Brooks and Alex Haeusler.

Fletcher scores a half century

by Dr. Iain Corness
Those who know Jameson’s landlord Kim Fletcher probably think this reference to a half century will be an item relating to golf, and on any hole on any round. Kim is a founding member of the ‘Dream Team’, a golfing quartet known more for ales consumed than its putting. However, this 50 refers to Kim’s passing the half way towards his century on earth.

Happy 50th Kim!
This auspicious 50th birthday was held in fine style at Jameson’s Irish Pub, where Kim’s friends (he has many) arrived to marvel at the fact that he had actually got to 50 years of age, and to wish him many more birthdays. Amongst the many presents (most of which came in bottles) was a new golf club, complete with bright red woolly hat. “I’ve got a bigger head than you!” Kim was heard to proclaim to all and sundry, waving his new magic wand. All and sundry seemed to agree.
With Mike Franklin attempting to conduct an interview for Pattaya Mail TV, Kim admitted, “It was the best birthday I’ve ever had. I was so overcome, I was lost for words.” For those of us who know Kim well, that last statement just doesn’t ring true. However, we wish Kim all the very best and hope that his new red-hatted head will improve his golf. It certainly has plenty of opportunity! A very Happy Birthday, Kim Fletcher.

Amongst the many presents (most of which came in bottles) was a new golf club, complete with bright red woolly hat.

Jameson’s staff wish Kim a Happy Birthday.

Kim’s friends (he has many) marvel at the fact that he had actually got to 50 years of age, and wish him many more birthdays.

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