Skๅlleagues
gather for a group photo after their meeting last month
at the Pinnacle
Grand Jomtien Resort & Spa.
Dr. Iain Corness
The executive committee the Thai Skål International
met at the Pinnacle Grand Jomtien Resort & Spa, where Ingo Raeuber, the
president of the Pattaya and East Thailand branch, and GM of the Resort
welcomed the executives.
Much work was covered, with most proposals being
accepted by the delegates, said Brian Sinclair-Thompson the national
president. One item was the resignation of the treasurer Malai
Sakolviphak, one of the stalwarts of Skål Thailand, which was
regretfully received by the committee. Malai has retired from active
working life and will be sorely missed.
After the business had been concluded, the Skål
International delegates moved on to the Casa Pascal restaurant, where
Kim and Pascal had prepared a special menu for the visitors.
A sad note followed the information of the sudden
illness suffered by the Skål International Councilor Andrew Wood, who is
currently hospitalized. Everyone present wished for a speedy recovery
for Andrew.
(L to R)
Elleni Chambiras, club treasurer; Tom Aikins, club director of PR &
Communications; Governor Svetasreni; Somsak Kiratipanich, club
vice-president and Dale Lawrence, club secretary.
The Skål International Bangkok club was addressed by
Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Suraphon Svetasreni on September 14
at the club’s monthly luncheon meeting, which was held at the Mandarin
Oriental Hotel in Bangkok. Svetasreni spoke about a number of issues
relevant to the future state of the Thai tourism industry as well as TAT
initiatives that will impact the future of the industry. He also previewed
two TV commercials that the TAT will be using domestically and
internationally to universal enthusiasm from the attendees.
Svetasreni was appointed as governor of the national
tourism organization on November 9, 2009, capping a 33-year career at the
TAT. He has held a number of prestigious posts during his career including
the directorship of the TAT New York office and the post of deputy governor
of Policy and Planning among a number of others.
