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Judy Hoppe installed as Centennial President of the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya
by Noel Bruyns
Cher was there, so was John Travolta, Aretha Franklyn,
Marilyn Monroe and a host of other American stars - or at least, their
impersonators.
Past
District Governor Premprecha Dibbayawan proposes a toast to Rotary
International.
They were part of the musical entertainment organized
to welcome American Judy Hoppe, who was installed as president of the
Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya for 2004-2005, and make her feel at home.
 President
Peter Malhotra inducts Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn as an Honorary
Member of the club.
The installation look place at the Royal Cliff Grand
Hotel’s grand ballroom on June 26.
Before the formal handover, Peter Malhotra in his last
activity as outgoing president honoured several guests. One of the most
distinguished was Pattaya’s new first citizen, Mayor Niran
Wattanasartsathorn.
 Maestro
Professor Chumpote plays exquisite music on his violin.
He was inducted as an honorary member of the club in
recognition of the fact, Malhotra said, that he “has always served the
residents of Pattaya selflessly, long before his recent appointment as
mayor.”
In his message to the club, the mayor commended its
members “who tirelessly dedicate yourselves both physically and
spiritually in your worthwhile work in the community.”
The
Redbone Indian Tribe from the Interact Club of Banglamung School perform a
native dance.
Rotary’s Past District Governor Premprecha Dibbayawan
presented Paul Harris Fellow Awards to well-known Pattaya personalities
Arlette Cykmann, Kasemsook Bhamornsatit, Elfi Seitz, Kannikar Ottesen and
Pol Lt Col Somchai Phongsai.
 A
thrilled Judy Hoppe gives the performers a standing ovation.
This award is named after the founder of Rotary and is
the highest honour a club can bestow on a person, either inside or outside
the club. It acknowledges outstanding “service above self” which that
individual has offered.
Recipients include HM the King, former US president
Bill Clinton, Pope John Paul II, and former Prime Minister Anand
Panyarachun.
Chanyuth
Hengtrakul, (left) Advisor to the Minister of Tourism & Sports
chatting with the Hoppes.
Past District Governor Premprecha also presented the
Past President’s Chain to Sukanda Jeater (Da), widow of the late
president David Jeater who died in January, while Malhotra presented
Presidential Awards to several members “who have been at my side and
always offered me their help with outstanding generosity during my term as
president.”
A touching feature of the installation night was the
presence and cooperation of several young people from the Pattaya School
No. 3 and members of the Interact Club of Banglamung School. Interact is
Rotary International’s service club for young people between the ages of
14-18.
The evening of good food, good fun and serious installation work ended
when all the guests lined up to congratulate president Judy Hoppe, each
presenting her with a long-stemmed rose.
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Super Stars live at the
Cliff, (l-r) Johnny Rivers, John Travolta, Aretha Franklin, Cher, Marilyn
Monroe and the King himself, Elvis Presley.
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Club’s new leader sets her focus on
test to
ensure better society
Members as well as non-members of Rotary were reminded
of how to make the world a better place when Judy Hoppe, the new president
of the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya, delivered her induction speech.
 The
moment of truth, Judy Hoppe receives the badge of the president of the
Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya.
“I would like our club to focus on the 4-Way Test of
the things that we think, say and do. Let us always remember: First, ‘Is
it the Truth?’ Second, ‘Is it fair to all concerned?’ Third, ‘Will
it build good will and better friendships?’ And, fourth, ‘Is it
beneficial to all concerned?’
 A
big loving kiss from hubby Bruce.
“If all of us, both Rotarians and non-Rotarians, live
by this creed on a daily basis, our world will be a much better place. It
is the dedication of all Rotarians to uphold the 4-way Test that makes us
such a great and long-lasting, 100-year-old organization,” she said.
 President
Judy makes her acceptance speech inviting one and all to ‘Celebrate
Rotary - 100 years’.
Referring to the theme of Rotary International in its
centennial year, “Celebrate Rotary”, Hoppe said, “This year, let us
celebrate life, love, work, friendships and being a Rotarian. Let us
dedicate the coming year to accomplishing our goals, making better
friendships among our members and with other clubs, and celebrating every
chance we get.
“Let us pull together to serve the community.”
Hoppe thanked the outgoing president and board of the
club, as well as “the many people for making this such a special
evening”.
Warm
friendship and felicitations from (l-r) PP Dennis Stark, PP Jon Tellefsen,
President Marlies Fritz-Rotary Club of Taksin Pattaya and PP Bancha
Mungchana.
The
PILC ‘Tennessee Line Dancers’ had the crowd stomping their feet.
Margaret
Hewey, Jack Ingalls, Karen and Lee Putnam flew in from the United States
to be at Judy’s installation. The two gentlemen with sashes are
Sgt-at-arms Graham Hunt-Crowley (standing) and Geoff Paston (on his knees)
Immediate Past President central in
bringing about friendship and joy
Rotary is not only an international service club to
help the communities in which its members live and work, it is also a
platform for friendship.
 Sukanda
Jeater (Da) receives the Past President’s badge on behalf of her late
husband David.
This became evident in the outgoing speech by Peter
Malhotra, immediate past president of the Rotary Club of Jomtien Club of
Jomtien-Pattaya.
“If I should mention my biggest accomplishment this
year, without hesitation I would say it is fellowship. In the last few
months we have converted our little meeting room into a ‘House of
Friendship’. It has become a joy to come to the meetings and to see
happy smiling faces all around.”
The
Board of Directors for the Rotary Year 2004-05. (l-r) IPP Peter Malhotra,
PP Dennis Stark, PP Jon Tellefsen, PP Erika Keller, Phil Webb Jr., PP Kees
Peperkamp, PP Alvi Sinthuvanik and Geoff Paston.
Malhotra said the club’s achievements were “too
many to mention here”. An impressive list is detailed in its yearbook,
however.
He took over as president after his predecessor, David
Jeater, was incapacitated due to illness after only four months. Jeater
passed away in England on January 15. Malhotra also led the club in
1992-3.
 MCs
Tony Malhotra and Rungratree Thongsai captivated the guests with their
charm and poise.
He acknowledged that his family “has become resigned
to the fact that Rotary IS a part of my life and theirs and are very proud
of it”.
Thanking his fellow members for their support, Malhotra
added, “It is you who make a Rotary Club. You are the ones to make
things happen, the power and the strength to fulfill Rotary’s destiny,
however long it may take.
“But for however long it takes, live by Rotary’s
motto of ‘Service Above Self’ and carry on this daunting task.”
In conclusion, he offered as his final advice: “Learn Rotary, for
Rotary knowledge is essential to do Rotary’s work effectively. Don’t
let up on this momentum. Take it forward into President Judy’s year. I
assure you, President Judy will take our club and Rotary’s work to a
higher plane.”
Recipients
of the Paul Harris Fellow, (l-r) Kasemsook Bhamornsatit, Arlette Cykmann,
Elfi Seitz, Kannikar Ottesen and Pol. Lt. Col. Somchai Phongsai.
Navy-Army team brings care to Thai communities during CARAT
By Chief Journalist Joseph Krypel, CARAT
Task Group public affairs
Dental and veterinary professionals from the U.S. Navy
and Army worked with counterparts from the Royal Thai Navy and Thai
government agencies in the village of Yai Chan in Rayong July 1 in the
first of a series of exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training
(CARAT) projects designed to benefit the local communities in the exercise
area.
 U.S.
Army Capt. Claire Cornelius, left, a veterinarian attached to Japan
District Veterinary Command in Yokosuka, Japan, assists a Thai veterinary
doctor administer medication during a Veterinary Civil Action Project (VETCAP)
performed at the Ban Yai Chan School. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Journalist
Joseph Krypel).
“CARAT is about interoperability between the people
of our nations, both on the military side - and the human welfare side,”
said Capt. Michael McNamara, dental officer on the staff of Commander,
Logistics Western Pacific (COMLOGWESTPAC).
According to McNamara, CARAT Thailand provides a number
of civil services to the local communities. “Our dental, medical and
veterinary teams provide a much needed grassroots service while working
side-by-side with our Thai counterparts. Our visit to the school in Yai
Chan brings dental and veterinary services to a village that doesn’t
have easy access to them,” he explained.
 Lt.
Cmdr. Ben Young, left, dental officer on board USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43),
inspects the teeth and gums of an 8-year-old Thai student while a Royal
Thai Navy nurse comforts the child during a Dental Civil Action Project
(DENCAP) performed at the Ban Yai Chan School. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief
Journalist Joseph Krypel)
Coined as “DENCAP” and “VETCAP,” these dental
and veterinary civil action projects are scheduled at six different
locations throughout the Thailand phase of CARAT and are an integral part
of the exercise as they exemplify the U.S. policy of friendship and
cooperation throughout the Southeast Asia region.
Dental Technician 3rd Class Nedra Jackson of the
COMLOGWESTPAC staff was participating in a DENCAP for the first time in
her Navy career.
“This is one the most rewarding experiences I’ve
ever had,” Jackson said. “The children and their families here really
seem to appreciate the care we bring - sometimes we in the States forget
the level of care we receive. Seeing these wonderful children and working
with the dental teams of the Thai Navy kind of puts things back into
perspective. It’s something every human should get to experience.”
The six-member dental team combined one dentist and two
dental technicians from both COMLOGWESTPAC and USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43),
and one dentist and nine nurses from the Royal Thai Navy’s dental staff.
Primary services provided include extractions, patient education and
preventative dentistry.
While the team didn’t have the sterile environment
they were accustomed to, the health precautions remained intact as a large
number of supplies were brought to ensure as hygienic an area as possible
for the makeshift surgical area and the comfort of the patients.
“This is a wonderful action the U.S. and Thai Navies
do for our school,” said Mr. Somkuan, the schools’ principal. “If
not for the sailors to come here, the students likely would not get the
attention they need - most are very poor and is very long way to a dentist
in the bigger towns.”
On the other side of the school village residents from
all over carried as many as six dogs or cats at a time to Army
Veterinarian Capt. Claire Cornelius and Veterinary Aide Specialist James
Sandler, both of the Japan District Veterinary Command in Yokosuka, Japan.
While vaccinating and de-worming over 150 dogs and
cats, Cornelius and Sandler worked with Thai state veterinarians to ensure
the comfort of their patients, and to help keep the village free of
possible harmful disease.
“Keeping the animals healthy is as important in
communities like this as it is to keep the human patients healthy. They
live so closely together and in such poor conditions that a sick animal is
often the cause of a sick person,” explained Cornelius.
According to Sandler, the veterinary teams primary
purpose was to provide standard vaccinations such as canine distemper and
3-year rabies shots as well as mange relief, care education and general
preventative medicine.
Providing care to the animals is only half the job of
Cornelius and Sandler during CARAT, as they will also be ensuring that the
food stores being provided to the CARAT ships are properly packaged, and
pass U.S. health regulations.
Thailand is the third phase of the five part CARAT series and began
June 30. The Singapore phase was conducted May 31 - June 11, while the
Brunei phase took place June 21-26. Other nations participating in the
exercise series this year include Malaysia and the Philippines.
YWCA Pattaya installs new board of directors and celebrates 57 years of community welfare
Suchada Tupchai
Malinee Sariman is now officially the president of the
YWCA Bangkok-Pattaya. She was officially installed during the elaborate
YWCA installation ceremonies on Monday, June 28, and her term will last
until 2006.
The evening’s celebrations saw a myriad of community
figureheads and distinguished guests, including Mayor Niran
Wattanasartsathorn, Mai Chaiyanit, head of the Nongprue District
Administration Organization and Chanyuth Hengtrakul, advisor the minister
of tourism and sports, as well as members from the Lions and Rotary Clubs
in Pattaya.
The
new YWCA committee and Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn take time out for a
photo.
Nittada Janewanich, president of the YWCA Bangkok, with
fellow president of the Chonburi branch Jitra Wantansin, carried out the
traditions of the YWCA at the start of the installation.
The night’s festivities, which included a heartfelt
chorus from the children of the Redemptorist School for the Blind, also
marked the 57th anniversary of the YWCA and the 15th anniversary for the
Pattaya club.
 Cutting
the cake to celebrate the 57th anniversary of the YWCA and 15th
anniversary of the Pattaya branch.
During her acceptance speech, Malinee told the
audience, “I feel honored to be given the position as president after my
friends and fellow members elected me, showing the confidence they have
entrusted in me to guide the club over the next two years.
“I have seen everyone work in earnest to help the
community around them, especially the children, women and the aged. That
is our job. We have been supported by the community who been so generous
in helping those in need, whether it be education scholarships or day to
day consumer items. The donations come from everyone regardless of age,
nationality or religion. This is the true value and goal of the club.”
Malinee Sariman was elected earlier this year to take over the reigns
of the YWCA from Nittaya Patimasongkroh, who is now taking care of the
club’s ‘Warm Family’ project which helps fund education for the
area’s children.
Foreigners in Thai hospitals - the pleasure and the pain
By Noel Bruyns
Foreigners who fall ill and are admitted to hospitals
in Thailand may experience a certain amount of trepidation. Thai nurses
and doctors, in turn, also often struggle with the culture shock of
treating patients from overseas.
That is why Bangkok-Pattaya Hospital (BPH) turned to
the Thai-German Institute (TGI) based in Chonburi to ask for help in
dealing with and understanding German - and other foreign - patients
better.
 Dr
Eberhard Stockmann, director of the medical department of Siemens in
Erlangen, Germany, said “There is no significant difference in
technological knowledge between Thai and German doctors.”
The result was a seminar for medical staff conducted at
the hospital by Dr Eberhard Stockmann, director of the medical department
of Siemens in Erlangen, Germany on June 30. He also travels around the
world where Siemens employees are working to liaise with clinics.
Among other topics, Dr Stockman explained the German
health system, Siemens’ medical care for people who are sent abroad and
what kind of treatment Germans expect.
“There is no significant difference in the
technological knowledge between Thai and German doctors,” he said,
referring to the quality of treatment at international hospitals in
Thailand.
 TGI
German director Walter Kretschmar told the gathering, “Back home,
patients want to know exactly what is wrong with them, and detailed
information about the medication.”
“In fact, many people abroad come to Asian countries
for check-ups and treatment, because the quality of treatment is the same
as in their home country, but much cheaper - and they can throw in a
week’s holiday as well,” he noted.
A significant difference that Dr Stockmann pointed out
for the BPH medical staff’s attention is that in many European
countries, ambulances that are sent out on emergency calls are not only
fully equipped but also include a doctor on board. “This is so that you
don’t have to wait until the patient is brought back to the hospital to
be treated in urgent cases.”
TGI expert for Occupational Health, Safety and
Environment Karsten Deckert, speaking of his “cross-cultural experience
in receiving medical treatment as a German with a Thai passport”,
observed that hospitals and medical staff in Thailand are more
customer-orientated.
“Hospital rooms are like hotels where spouses can
stay in private wards, if required. This would be impossible in German
hospitals.”
TGI German director Walter Kretschmar also remarked on
the personal care, warmth and “jai” (heart) in Thai hospitals “which
we miss in Germany”.
However, he pointed out personal experiences that
highlighted differences in approach. Going to a Chonburi hospital with ear
ache, the doctor simply gave him an assortment of pills without explaining
the ailment or the medication.
“I didn’t take the tablets because I didn’t trust
the treatment,” he confessed. “Back home, patients want to know
exactly what is wrong with them, and detailed information about the
medication.”
He once asked his secretary to buy a first-aid kit for
the office.
“She came back with a pile of pills. The Thai
understanding of first-aid is culturally different. I had to go out myself
to buy items that included plasters, scissors and a fridge - not for the
milk or cake for the office - but to put the first-aid items in it” so
the tropical heat would not ruin them, he explained. “They thought I was
a crazy guy,” he quipped.
Kretschmar congratulated international and urban
hospitals in Thailand on their quality, but said he had experienced
hospitals in more remote areas that were “shocking and unhygienic”.
However, he also remarked on the typical positive
attribute of Thais. “Your smile is very valuable, psychologically, for
the healing process,” he said.
* TGI describes itself as the largest and most advanced
independent training center for industrial technologies in Thailand.
“With German-backed quality principles, state-of-the-art equipment
and highly- trained staff, we offer a real opportunity for Thailand’s
technicians and engineers to improve their qualifications and keep
up-to-date with the most advanced techniques and technologies,” the TGI
website says.
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