U.K. Club formed in Pattaya

To hold social event on May 5

The U.K. Club of Pattaya was established on the Eastern Seaboard during November 2000

The idea for the formation of the club came about after a group of about 8 UK nationals residing in Pattaya noted that there were clubs for many nationalities and other purposes but none for UK nationals.

Also, how much “inside” knowledge was lacking on a general basis to the UK expatriate community living here. Information such as how the immigration system and consulates work, buying property, how to go about getting work permits or visas, a banking account, the best air ticket deal, a drivers license.

Not to mention how great it would be to have a pooled and well tried information source as to where the best doctors, dentists, hospitals, lawyers, car dealers and real estate agents, etc., could be found, or where to visit, what to buy and where, and at what price; the list is endless.

So, without much fuss, this same group of people thought it a good idea to form the “ UK Club of Pattaya” to make these facilities available to the U.K. nationals living in or on holiday in Pattaya. At the same time, this could bring UK expatriates together on a regular basis to share their knowledge whilst having a great time, socially, at various venues throughout Pattaya.

After many weeks of deliberation and comment involving the original group and more than 20 visitors, the club eventually got bank accounts, logos, stationary, stickers, etc., and finally a constitution and by-laws. It is now in a position to share these facilities with those who would be interested.

The club committee has been meeting weekly but will in the future meet monthly.

Elected committee members are: George Tomlinson chairman (38-303109), Martin McNicholas treasurer, Ron Hall membership officer, Bob Lee public relations officer, Margaret Tomlinson recreational officer (38-303109), Malcolm Boden charities officer, David Ferguson information and support officer.

The club is still looking for a secretary and a Thai advisor.

Informative meetings, for members only, will be held at least once a month where topics chosen by the members are subsequently researched and discussed in detail.

The club will offer advice to UK Nationals to improve their time here and non-financial support to overcome any real difficulties they should experience whilst here.

Also, because blood from some rare groups is not as readily available in Thailand and occasionally donors with blood in these groups are suddenly needed to enable operations, the club intends to hold a rare blood group register.

Once a month there will be a social event or open evenings where all members with their spouses and friends of all nationalities will be welcome.

When funds are available charitable activities will be carried out in the local community.

There are 2 types of membership, full & associate. The annual fee is 2,000 baht per member. Full details of membership requirements and application for membership can be found in the “Clubs Constitution” which is freely available from the club’s officers.

Truly a club for the UK expatriate living abroad!

The club’s first open social event and members drive is to take place at the Olala Complex on Soi 7 on Saturday May 5, 2001. The dress to be smart-casual, and there is no admission charge. It is to be an evening of fun, meeting new friends and networking with old ones. Plus there will be a raffle to generate club funds, where there are 20 prizes up for grabs totalling well over 25,000 baht.

Contact Margaret Tomlinson, David Ferguson or Bob Lee.

Father Giovanni (r) receives a generous donation for his center from Father A.F.M. (‘Ton”) Lafeber O.S.CR.

Last November Father A.F.M. (‘Ton”) Lafeber O.S.CR. arrived in Thailand bearing a large amount of money donated by overseas sponsors for Non Government Organizations in Thailand. Since that time he has devoted considerable attention to the Rayong Relief Centre for H1V/AIDS. In November he handed over to Fr Giovanni, the director of the center, the sum of 1,300,000 baht and on 6 April, a further 1,800,000 baht. In addition, Father Ton has once again given financial support to certain needy groups and individuals in Bangkok and Pattaya. Throughout the year, Father Ton continues his pastoral activities in Rotterdam but always finds time to recruit sponsors for his charitable work for those less fortunate.

Eric Choon Tian Poh, ASEAN director for the US Meat Export Federation enthusiastically explains various procedures for meat handling and storage.

The U.S. Agricultural Office of the American Embassy in Thailand recently held a seminar for local businesses at the Amari Orchid Resort. Other contributors to the seminar were the California Pistachio Commission, the California Wine Institute and the US Meat Export Federation.