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Pratheep S. Malhotra installed as Governor of District 3340 Rotary International

AustCham in the Orangery

USS Germantown visits Pattaya


Pratheep S. Malhotra installed as Governor of District 3340 Rotary International

A multitude of Rotarians flock to Pattaya for 2 days of learning and fellowship

Past Rotary International President Bhichai Rattakul
installs Pratheep as Governor of District 3340 R.I.

Incumbent DG Dr. Arnon Chirajavala (right) congratulates Pratheep.

Panga Vathanakul, MD of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort
greets uncle Bhichai with a bouquet of flowers.

Panga Vathanakul congratulates Peter and Rani.

Charnyuth Hengtrakul, former MP of Chonburi
brings warm greetings of good health and success.

PRIP Bhichai Rattakul mesmerises the crowd with his introductory address as (l-r) Khun Rani, Pratheep, Dr. Arnon and Khun Siriluk listen intently.

Ratmanee Tanyingyong, Governor (2008-09) of District 3330 R.I.
and Khun Vitit congratulate Pratheep and Rani.

Krai Tungsanga, Governor (2008-09) of District 3350 R.I.
and Khun Rungnapha extend their sincere wishes to Peter and Rani.

Pornsak Euerprasert, Governor (2008-09) of District 3360 R.I.
and Khun Jiraporn wish Peter and Rani a successful year as governor.

Elfi, Bernie, Nittaya and Virginia pose with Khun Bhichai.

The 61 clubs in Rotary International (RI) District 3340 turned out in force at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort to honor their new District Governor (DG), Pratheep Malhotra. The installation ceremony was held on May 3 in the Royal Cliff Beach Resort’s Siam Ballroom, which was only just large enough to house the 400 plus well-wishers who came to see Pratheep Malhotra’s 21 years of selfless devotion to the ideals of Rotary rewarded with the bestowing upon him of the governorship of the district.
At a function such as this style of installation, it is usual to have a keynote address, but it is not usual to be able to attract a speaker with the exemplary credentials of the guest of honor, who is the most respected Rotarian in Thailand, HE Bhichai Rattakul, former President of Parliament, former Deputy Prime Minister, Past District Governor and Past Rotary International Director, and the first Thai to become the President of Rotary International in the year 2002-2003.

Peter pours his heart out to the audience, thanking one and all for the love showered upon him.
However, before the address and installation of the governor by HE Bhichai, other Rotary luminaries addressed the swelling audience, including Dr. Arnon Chirajavala, the outgoing 3340 DG, PDG Som In-Payoong who sang his eulogy, and the MC, PDG Rathprateep Kiratiurai.
PDG’s from other districts also came to lend their assistance with just their presence lending so much credibility to the installation, including PDG Xanxai Visitkul and PDG Krit Inthewat, along with Pratheep Malhotra’s ‘classmates’ in Rotary DG (Elect) Krai Tungsanga (District 3350), DGE Pornsak Euerprasert and DGE Ratmanee Tanyingyong (District 3330).
However, it was not just Rotarians who were present from all the Rotary Clubs in the district, but society’s leaders in Bangkok and Pattaya also turned out to acknowledge Pratheep Malhotra’s attaining the top honor for District 3340. These included Panga Vathanakul (MD Royal Cliff Beach Resort) and her Rotarian husband Past President Chan Vathanakul, former MP for Chonburi, Chanyuth Hengtrakul, many of the new Chonburi MPs and government officials from city hall, and Sopin Thappajug, the associate judge from the Youth and Family Court.
Almost every organization in Pattaya with connections to welfare and tourism were represented, including Chaiwat Charoensook, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Pattaya Office and many PILC ladies plus the president of Skål Thailand, Andrew Wood (also a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow), with the YWCA group led by President Nittaya Patimasongkroh, along with Premruedee Jittiwutthikarn, Elfi Seitz and Victoria Sorrensen who sang tributes.
Keeping the many guests interested in the proceedings, there were some other entertaining items too, including a welcome dance by Thai performers, written by PDG Premprecha Dibbayawan; an Indian epic supplied by Sopin Thappajug with an interesting leading ‘lady’ and then Pratheep’s three sons, Prince, Tony and Dave who formed a trio with guitars and sang a song for their father, which brought more than one tear to the parent’s eyes.
When it was time for Pratheep to receive his badge of honor, this was done by HE Bhichai, who in his official address said, “Pratheep was born in Pitsanuloke, the second son to an Indian father and mother.
“The Malhotra parents ran a successful trading business in textiles, typewriters and sewing machines, but Malhotra senior had an eye to the future. It was he who decided that an ability in English was going to be a pre-requisite for the future of business in Thailand. The most accessible place for his boy to learn English would be to send him to India. Malhotra senior also felt that this would give the young Pratheep a chance to investigate and understand his Indian roots. Consequently, he was sent to an Irish Catholic School in Mussoorie, India, at the foothills of the Himalayas, when he was five years old.
“One of his most obvious traits is his enthusiasm. He will embrace an idea or a concept and run with it, enthusing all those around him to look ahead as well to what is being aimed for. The international man, however, does always acknowledge his debt of gratitude to his parents and to the other members of his family. While the symbolism may have changed for Pratheep, in all his guises, his personal philosophy never has. He retains the close bonds of the Thai/Indian family unit and a respect for that concept, which his father and mother gave him. That is now, in turn, being taught to his own three sons, nephews and nieces. Hopefully, the strengths which come from that will continue through the Malhotra lineage.
“One aspect that does set Peter apart from many others is his understanding of people and their strengths and weaknesses, and he has never stopped helping those in unfortunate circumstances.
“While Pratheep may seem an enigma to many, he is not really. He is just a man driven by his own quest for excellence, a quest that has been the same for all pioneers, whether they were the Pilgrim Fathers, Christopher Columbus or Magellan. A pioneer has to have a mission, a pioneer has to have forward vision and a pioneer has to have boundless enthusiasm. Peter, the pioneer has all that.”
HE Bhichai, knowing Pratheep Malhotra’s stance regarding hard work, ethics and goal setting, quoted the former British Prime Minister Maggie Thatcher who said that one has to stick to one’s principles - if you stand in the middle you get run over from both directions! Pratheep will not suffer that fate.
Responding to HE Bhichai, Pratheep started with these words, “Out of the gloom a voice spoke unto me and said, smile and be happy, things could be worse. So I did smile and was happy and things did get worse.” Peter explained that these were the words of one great Rotarian, the late Past District Governor (PDG) Nelson Alexander who spoke them when he was guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya in 1992 during Peter’s term as president of the club.
“Nelson was a man best known for his love and devotion to his work, especially in Rotary. He loved people. He loved life. He strived to see everyone around him love themselves and be happy and contented. He was always there to extend a helping hand, picked up those who stumbled over and held them steady until they were strong again.
“Nelson had worked tirelessly and fought endlessly with the Rotary bureaucracy in getting a Thai to become the RI President. His resolve finally bore fruit in 2002, but sadly PDG Nelson was not to see the fruition of his efforts.
“All the seeds that Nelson sowed for the great cause of Rotary will by and by bear fruit and bring greater benefits to all mankind.”
Peter pledged to dedicate his year as District Governor to the memory of Nelson.
Pratheep went on to mention that his own father had taken him to a Rotary meeting as a young man, saying “One day you’ll be a president.” Unfortunately he too was not to live long enough to see his second son rise even higher than a president, to become a District Governor. Pratheep thanked those people who had inspired and assisted him on his way, including the HE Bhichai Rattakul himself, PDG Xanxai Visitkul, PDG Premprecha Dibbayawan, PDG Krit Inthewat, PDG Niwes Khunawisaroot and also his own elder brother Marlowe Malhotra, including his family members, all role models in a selfless society as Rotary, a group espousing ‘Service Above Self’.
The theme for RI in 2008-2009 is “Make Dreams Real”, an attempt by RI to instigate projects to decrease child mortality under the age of five years. The new RI President is Dong Kurn (D.K.) Lee from Korea, and he has written, “Every child deserves the chance at a healthy life. Unfortunately, every day, some 30,000 children under the age of five die from preventable causes. When I first learned this statistic, I thought that surely there had been a mistake, and the number was an error. Unfortunately, it was not. Every day, around the world, children die needlessly of pneumonia, measles, and malaria. Thousands die every day from the lack of a most basic resource: clean water. And many more die from a combination of factors, in which malnutrition and poverty play major roles.”
It will be towards alleviating these shocking statistics that the new DG Pratheep Malhotra will be guiding the 61 clubs from RI District 3340. “Nothing happens on its own,” is almost Pratheep’s motto. He is a man not afraid of hard work, and the children under five years of age will have a wonderful champion of their cause.
It will be a busy year for DG Pratheep, but not one in which he will shrink from the task in any way.
In 1932, Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor created The Four-Way Test, a code of ethics adopted by Rotary. The test asks the following questions:
Of the things we think, say or do
Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Pratheep Malhotra has applied the Four Way Test to his dealings, not just within Rotary circles, but to his life in Pattaya, which explains in some way the standing he enjoys within the local community, and by the end of the next 12 months that standing will be within the greater area of Thailand, covered by RI District 3340. The new DG will make sure his governorship will be beneficial for those needy children under five years.

Charter President Sumon Jaikid presents a bouquet to Dr. Arnon and Khun Siriluk.

Peter’s elder brother Marlowe and his wife Malwinder were present to see ‘little’ brother installed as District Governor.

PRID Bhichai gives moral support to (l-r) Suthasinee, Thinakorn, Primprao, Yanyong and Krisda, volunteers of the Pattaya Rotary Liaison Office, for their untiring work at the District Assembly.

(l-r) DG Dr. Arnon, PDG Premprecha, Suthasinee, Primprao, DGE Pratheep, along with the Rotary Center in Thailand’s dedicated and hardworking staff Danucha, Kulvadee and Kamonchanok celebrate at the end of a most enjoyable evening.

(l-r) Chan Vathanakul, Sopin Tappajug, Panga Vathanakul and Neera Srisumphan, philanthropists in their own right.

Pat, Judy and Sue are always there when you need them.

Peter’s daughter-in-law Rungratree (left) with her sisters Chantima and Araya enjoying the proceedings.

The lovely ladies of the YWCA sing their hearts out for the newly installed DG.

Dave, Tony and Prince (l-r) sing for their father.

To daddy with love. Tony, Prince, Rung and Dave bring roses for their father.

President Elect Traisit Chokepatrachaikit of the Rotary Club of Buriram presents
the Governor’s Home Club Banner to President Brendan Kelly of the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya to hang up at Peter’s home club.

PDG Somchai Chiaranaipanit and Daranee present a cheque for NT $ 37,700 (US$1,240) donated by Rotarians in Taiwan to PRID Bhichai. They were joined by Mantana Phokwanmuang, Saran Chatdecha and Piyachat Piyawattannarot who also made donations towards the Rotary Day Sow the Seeds of Love Fund which will benefit projects to save children’s lives.

Pratheep’s family came from far and wide to celebrate his installation as District Governor.


AustCham in the Orangery

Dr Iain Corness
The Australian Chamber of Commerce (AustCham) held another of its very popular Seaboard Sundowners last weekend. The venue was a new one for many of the members, as it was held on the top floor of Orangery by the Sea restaurant in The Avenue on Second Road, where they were greeted by Orangery marketing executive Sumalin Chucham.

Paul Wilkinson, general manager, Eastern Seaboard, Four Winds International Moving Limited and James Howard, Consultant Milan Crosse Creative Ltd.
The function area was an open air and relaxed venue, with adequate seating as well as room for standing and networking. And networking is what these Seaboard Sundowners is all about. Newcomer Michael Furlong (and we’ll have no jokes about 220 yards) MD of Steelstruct Engineering was seen getting all the information he needed on equipment purchasing from John Ven Den Eyden, MD of ARB Off-Road Accessories. Of course, if he had wanted second hand equipment, co-sponsor Maurice Bromley from GoIndustry (formerly Henry Butchers) could have assisted him there, and if he had needed any fabrication in steel he could have spoken with the other co-sponsor Paul Whyte, the GM of Tinfish, a company that does everything with metal, other than putting fish inside tins!

Andrew H. Tiede, regional officer Air Traffic Management, International Civil Aviation Organization and John Anderson, director, Meinhardt (Thailand) Ltd.
The prize for the best business card undoubtedly went to another newcomer Stephen Bell. This had his name in large letters, white on blue, and large enough that everyone could read it without fumbling for reading glasses while holding a glass of the Australian Brokenhills red in one hand, and a plate of canapés in the other. This lesson should be learned by AustCham itself, which has produced business cards requiring both readers and magnifying loupes to be able to read the name. Of course, with AustCham chaps like Guy Srzednicki, you also need pronunciation classes!
Mingling, were the new AustCham president the affable Shane Torr; the impeccably well be-suited Gary Woollacott, the immediate past president, and AustCham executive director Martin Kyle who was taking happy snaps, or rather aerial shots from his height.
Many of the Automotive Focus Group (AFG) members had come up following their meeting which was addressed by Dr Supachai Manusphaibool, with the AFG past president, the sartorial George Strampp (he’s American but we forgive him) in a pink shirt with monogrammed mouse, newcomer Jo Tang, the MD of American Axle chatting with arch-rival AFG president Mike Diamente from Dana and Varadan Devanathan, the MD of Visteon.

Greg Byrne, Arthur G. Byrne Co., Inc.; Ron Kosinski, president, Forging and Machining Technology; and Shane Torr, president, Australian - Thai Chamber of Commerce.
Of course, the usual culprits were there, including Malcolm Scorer (AA Insurance Brokers), Simon Matthews (Manpower), Peter Mewes (London Consultancy), local AustCham representative Paul Wilkinson (Four Winds International movers), Stuart Saunders the dental flosser with his amazing credit card floss dispensers now containing 60 meters of life-giving thread, John L. Hamilton (Waste Management Siam), Jeff Burrows (Waist Management) and many others hiding behind large glasses of beer and wine.
As always, a well attended and fun evening. The date of the next Seaboard Sundowners will be publicized in the Pattaya Mail.

Clinton Lovell, general manager, All Seasons; Gary Woollacott,
chief executive officer, Opus Recruitment Ltd.; Peter Emblin,
vice president, Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce.

Belinda Skinner, team leader, Talent; Seksan Tammakoon, director,
Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce; and Nonie Adams, Regent’s School.

Philip O’Connor, Commissioning & Start Up Engineer, Pearl Oil (Thailand) Ltd.;
Dr. lain Corness; Jitra Wongjuan, account executive, Watermark Capital Management Co., Ltd.; Simon Matthers, general manager, Manpower;
Nawaporn Fuengfoo, legal advisor, Pattaya Legal.com

Seksan Tammakoon, director, Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce; Mark Patman, general manager, ANCA Manufacturing (Thailand) Ltd.; Supachai Manusphaibool, managing director, MR & TS Co., Ltd.; Yanisa Ninlawong, office manager, ANCA Manufacturing (Thailand) Ltd.


USS Germantown visits Pattaya

Sue K
A cocktail reception at More Bar and Grill was organized by the US Navy League Thailand to welcome the officers and crew on board the USS Germantown while on their port visit last week.

Keith G. Moore (right), Commanding Officer USS Germantown presents a painting of the USS Germantown to Bobby Brooks, President of US Navy League Thailand.
Bobby Brooks, president and chairman of the US Navy League Thailand explained the function of their organization.
There are over 100 members in Thailand and over 65,000 all over the world, said Brooks. The main function of the US Navy League Thailand is to support the sailors and officers when they visit our town with information and help.
With community affiliate sponsors and listed business people, the sailors get to learn a little about the city, and are informed about the trustworthy and reliable places to obtain what they need.

The USS Germantown (foreground).
Brooks said that everyone is welcome to support the cause, as this not only helps the sailors, but also benefits the businesses here.
Commanding officer of the USS Germantown Keith G Moore talked about their visit, saying that this three-day shore leave is to allow the 700 navy and marine crew to relax, enjoy the sightseeing, and be involved in some local community work, after which they will return to San Diego and reunite with their families.
USS Germantown is named after the historical Pennsylvania district of Germantown.

Keith G. Moore (right), Commanding Officer USS Germantown receives a memento from event sponsor John Romero, Business Development Manager, National Air Cargo.
Now a residential section of Philadelphia, Germantown was founded in 1683. It was the site of an important battle of the American War for Independence fought on 4 October 1777 between the forces of General George Washington and General Sir William Howe. On the morning of the battle, amidst dense fog, the forces of Washington repelled 9,000 of Howe’s troops. The Americans, however, were forced to retreat when the British ranks reformed and were reinforced.
Ordered on March 26, 1982, USS Germantown was commissioned on February 8, 1986.
The ship played a significant role during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The ship was in the Arabian Gulf for the entire operation and deployed for a total of nine months. Germantown departed San Diego en route to the Gulf on 1 December 1990 as part of the largest amphibious task force, with 18 ships, to leave the West Coast since 1965. The ship participated in mock amphibious assaults in the United Arab Emirates after the start of the air war in preparation for a possible amphibious assault.

Kris Kritsanajootha and his beautiful Moore team kept the event running smoothly.