The monthly Joint Chambers Networking evenings are a regular feature for the expats in Pattaya, the Eastern Seaboard and Bangkok. The August event was organised by BCCT in cooperation with AMCHAM, AustCham, Belu-Thai, GTCC, NTCC, SATCC & STCC.
The evening was sponsored by Samitivej Hospital, Bromsgrove International School, Regus and Pullman Pattaya Hotel G.
In the hour before the networking, the British Embassy was represented by Margaret Tongue (Deputy Head of Mission), Jem Wild (Head of Engagement & Customer Services) and Jeff Mitchell MBE (Vice Consul), British Embassy. The topic was Consular Services, with Margaret making a short introduction as the new DHM and her role at the embassy. Jem then gave a 30 minute presentation on Consular Services, focusing on the issues we have in Thailand. This highlighted notarial and documentary services and consular assistance.
In the meantime, the Bua Sawan Room of the hotel was filling up with eager networkers, with Anawin Tharachai, Digital Marketing Executive, and Sudarath Sudabooth, Events Manager at Pullman Pattaya Hotel G, ensuring that the hotel staff were delivering of their best.
Seen at most functions, Earl C. Brown, Marketing and Communications Manager at CEA Project Logistics, and Greg Watkins, Executive Director at British Chamber of Commerce Thailand were ready to right the wrongs.
With Pattaya Mail stalwart Paul Strachan off sick, the newspaper was represented by Dr. Iain Corness, assisted by Dr. Jonathan Corness, up from Australia.
Bromsgrove International School Thailand was represented by Georgina Drew, teacher of English/Upper School Boarding, and Gemma Gwilliam, Assistant Principal of Business Development/Head of Lower School Boarding.
Grant Atkinson, General Manager at Rocket Products International Co., Ltd., Anongrat Nildonwai, sales executive at BVZ Asian, Peter Van den Broecke, SMA Team Manager SEA at Thermaflex Insulation Asia Co., Ltd., and Luca Martin, Asian Suppliers Development Director at Ducati Motor Thailand were discussing the finger food.
Not to be outdone by Bromsgrove, Joanna Kearny, Director of Admissions & Marketing, and Dwyer Kelly, Director of Finance at the Regents International School Pattaya were discussing education standards.
Fitting in well with the education theme was Vincent Pourre, Corporate Account Manager at Wall Street English, and Sarudha Netsawang, Membership Services Director at AMCHAM Thailand.
Frank Holzer, Executive General Manager at MHG, and Graham Macdonald MBE, chairman of the SATCC were seen discussing the general state of affairs in Thai import/export.
South Africa was well represented with Allan Riddell, consultant to the board at SATCC, and Pasit Foobunma, director and web master at SATCC.
Elfi Seitz, Executive Editor at Pattaya Blatt, and Judy Benn, Executive Director at AMCHAM also made the rounds.
With so many attendees it was impossible to network with everyone, but everyone left very satisfied with the food, drink and bonhomie.
The event finished with a short address by Sophon Vongchatchainont, General Manager at Pullman Pattaya Hotel G who gave a welcoming speech, followed by several announcements made by Chris Thatcher, Vice Chairman at BCCT.
A good turn-out for the networking evening, with 150 being the official figure. The next Joint Chambers Networking event will be advised in the Pattaya Mail.
