PATTAYA, Thailand – Leadership, service, tradition and celebration came together in spectacular fashion on the evening of September 12 as Rotarians gathered in the Harbour Stage Ballroom at Ocean Marina Resort Pattaya Jomtien for “A Night of Honour”, held as part of the two-day Vibrant Club Workshop weekend.
The evening centred on the installation of President Donhathai Khwanprai and the officers of the Rotary Club of Utapao International for 2026-27, while the accompanying “Shining Bright” Party transformed the formal occasion into a colourful celebration of Rotary friendship and fellowship.
Presiding over the ceremonies was District Governor Itthiphon Kanchanapimol, joined by Past District Governors, Rotary leaders, club presidents, members and guests who had earlier participated in the Vibrant Club Workshop at Ocean Marina Resort.
The installation provided a fitting practical expression of many of the themes discussed during the day’s seminar – membership, leadership development, The Rotary Foundation, fellowship and the responsibility of Rotarians to turn their ideals into meaningful service.
Donhathai Khwanprai takes the helm
At the centre of the evening was the installation of Donhathai Khwanprai as President of the Rotary Club of Utapao International for 2026–27, together with the club’s new officers.
Joining her in the leadership team are Krittibhumi Normee as Secretary, Past President Supaporn Intharakhosit as Treasurer and Panwara Wuttaphisawat as Sergeant-at-Arms.
Their installation marked the beginning of another chapter for the Rotary Club of Utapao International and brought with it the responsibility of strengthening the club, developing its membership and expanding its humanitarian work in the community.
For President Donhathai, however, the evening was about much more than assuming office. It was also an opportunity to welcome new people into the Rotary club and remind them that membership carries both privilege and responsibility.
Nine new Rotarians welcomed into the family
One of the most significant moments of the evening came when nine new members were formally inducted into the Rotary Club of Utapao International, putting into practice the membership principles discussed only hours earlier during the Vibrant Club Workshop.
The new members are Past President Dr Boonlert (Olivier) Meyer, Past President Charoen (Gerard) Porcon, Past President Chuthathip Mahaphaisan, Past President Peerasan Wongsri (Victor Wong), Past President Waleeporn Inanong, Past President Weera (Olivier) Gachoud, Neeracha Rungruanglapphaisan, Natchaya Phiromsit and Chadaporn Petcharachai.
Welcoming them, President Donhathai said one of the important responsibilities of every Rotary club was to continually bring new members into the Rotary family, giving clubs greater strength and a greater capacity to serve society.
She said the nine had been invited to join because their fellow Rotarians recognised the value they brought from their professions and communities and believed they possessed the qualities to represent the true spirit of Rotary in their professional, social and personal lives.
Her words also placed their membership within a much wider perspective. “Today, you are not simply becoming members of the Rotary Club of Utapao International,” she told them. “You are becoming part of the worldwide Rotary family.”
She reminded the new members that wherever they travelled, they would find fellow Rotarians and could expect the friendship and welcome of Rotary clubs around the world.
But President Donhathai stressed that membership was about much more than wearing a Rotary pin. “Being a Rotarian also brings duties, responsibilities and opportunities to do good,” she said.
She encouraged the newcomers to attend meetings, participate actively in projects and contribute their knowledge, professional skills, experience and ideas to both the club and the wider community. “Rotary does not simply need more members,” she said. “We need members who participate, who have a heart for giving and who are ready to create change.”
The words carried particular significance following the day’s Vibrant Club Workshop, where attracting members was only one part of the discussion. Equally important was how clubs engage them, give them meaningful responsibilities and eventually develop them into Rotary’s future leaders.
Purpose, inspiration and dedication
President Donhathai drew further inspiration from former Rotary International President Bhichai Rattakul, one of Thailand’s most distinguished Rotary leaders. She recalled his observation that an effective organisation requires structure, principles and discipline, but must also possess the flexibility to adapt to the changing needs of different times and places.
Above all, she quoted his belief that a successful organisation needs “purpose, inspiration, motivation and dedication” – qualities he believed Rotary possessed.
District Governor Itthiphon then placed Rotary pins on the new members, formally welcoming them into the worldwide organisation.
President Donhathai concluded the induction with a simple message that reflected the spirit of the evening: “Let us give from the heart, serve with happiness and create change together.”
Paul Harris Fellows honoured for service
Another highlight of A Night of Honour was the presentation of Paul Harris Fellow recognition, bringing The Rotary Foundation – another of the central subjects of the Vibrant Club Workshop – from the seminar room onto the ballroom stage.
Recognition was presented to President Donhathai Khwanprai, Past President Dr Olivia Meyer and Charter President Lalinda Siripornmanut, honouring support for the work and humanitarian mission of The Rotary Foundation.
Speaking during the presentation to President Donhathai, Past District Governor Pratheep Singh Malhotra explained the significance of the recognition. “Today, we have the privilege of recognising someone whose commitment to service reflects the spirit and values of Rotary,” he said.
He explained that Paul Harris Fellow recognition, named after Rotary founder Paul Harris, represents support for the humanitarian and educational work made possible through The Rotary Foundation. “The Rotary Foundation turns that commitment into action,” PDG Pratheep said. “Through the generosity of Rotarians and friends of Rotary, it helps provide clean water, healthcare, education, immunisation, food and shelter, while building stronger and more peaceful communities around the world.”
President Donhathai’s Paul Harris Fellow recognition was made possible by a US$1,000 contribution to The Rotary Foundation by Past President Dr Boonlert Meyer in her honour. Dr Boonlert selected her for the recognition because he believed her life and service reflected the humanitarian spirit and values of Rotary.
“This recognition is not simply an award,” PDG Pratheep told her. “It is a symbol of appreciation for your service and your commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.”
District Governor Itthiphon then presented President Donhathai with the Paul Harris Fellow certificate and lapel pin on behalf of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation.
The presentations were particularly appropriate during the Vibrant Club Workshop weekend. Earlier discussions had explored what The Rotary Foundation means and how it supports Rotary’s humanitarian mission; that evening, the Paul Harris Fellow ceremony put faces and personal commitment behind those principles.
Scholarships put service into action
The evening was not solely about recognising Rotary leaders and members. Its humanitarian purpose was demonstrated when fifteen nursing students from the Panyapiwat Institute of Management were presented with scholarships of 5,000 baht each.
The students were selected for their academic performance while facing financial difficulties, with the assistance providing encouragement and practical support as they continue their nursing education.
The presentations offered another example of the message running throughout the Vibrant Club Workshop: Rotary’s principles ultimately acquire their meaning through action.
Membership builds the human resources to serve. Leadership provides direction. The Rotary Foundation helps turn generosity into projects. But the final measure is the difference those efforts make in people’s lives.
This would fit well as a short recognition section immediately before the “Shining Bright” party section:
Ocean Marina Resort recognised for outstanding support
Among the special guests of honour was Cyril Mas, General Manager of Ocean Marina Resort Pattaya Jomtien, whose management team and staff played an important role in the success of the two-day Vibrant Club Workshop and the evening’s installation ceremony.
From the earliest planning stages through to the seminar, installation and celebrations, the Ocean Marina Resort team worked closely with the organising committee, providing assistance and attention to detail to ensure that the various programmes ran smoothly and that Rotarians and guests were warmly welcomed throughout the weekend.
In recognition of this support, President Donhathai Khwanprai, Chair of the Organising Committee, presented Cyril Mas with a special plaque of appreciation on behalf of Rotary International District 3340 during A Night of Honour.
The plaque, presented to Ocean Marina Resort Pattaya Jomtien, expressed the district’s “grateful recognition of your valuable contribution and generous support towards the success of the District 3340 R.I. Vibrant Club Workshop Seminar, 12–13 September 2026.”
President Donhathai thanked Mas and the entire Ocean Marina Resort team for their hospitality, professionalism and cooperation, noting that their support behind the scenes had contributed significantly to making the Vibrant Club Workshop and installation celebrations a resounding success.
The presentation was warmly applauded by Rotarians and guests, recognising that while the spotlight naturally falls on speakers, organisers and participants, a major event also depends upon the many people working quietly behind the scenes to make it happen.
Thai culture takes centre stage
Adding grace and a distinctly Thai character to the evening, Rotarian Varisa Varichsakun performed an intricate classical Thai dance, bringing the beauty and refinement of Thailand’s cultural heritage to the Harbour Stage Ballroom.
The elegant performance provided a colourful transition from the formal ceremonies to the more festive part of the evening and was warmly appreciated by Rotarians and guests.
It also reflected the international character of the Rotary Club of Utapao International – bringing people from different nationalities and backgrounds together while proudly celebrating the culture of its home in Thailand.
Shining Bright in Rotary fellowship
As the formalities drew to a close, A Night of Honour gave way to the spectacular “Shining Bright” Party, bringing Rotarians and guests together in a more relaxed atmosphere of music, entertainment, friendship and celebration.
After a full day devoted to the serious business of strengthening Rotary clubs, the party was a reminder that fellowship is itself one of the forces that keeps Rotary vibrant.
Rotarians may first come together to serve, but the friendships created through that service often become one of the strongest reasons they remain. The evening therefore became much more than an installation ceremony.
A new president and officers accepted the responsibility of leadership. Nine new members began their Rotary journey. Three Rotarians were honoured as Paul Harris Fellows. Eight nursing students received assistance towards their education. Thai culture was celebrated, and Rotarians strengthened old friendships while creating new ones.
In many ways, A Night of Honour became a living demonstration of what delegates had spent the day discussing at the Vibrant Club Workshop. Membership was strengthened. Leadership was renewed. Service was recognised. Young people were supported. Culture was celebrated. And fellowship brought everyone together.
Under the lights of the Harbour Stage Ballroom, the Rotary Club of Utapao International did more than install its officers for 2026–27. It celebrated the people and principles that keep Rotary “Shining Bright.”
