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It’s a clean sweep for Kenya at 13th Pattaya Marathon
New course records set as African runners dominate on city’s streets
Narisa Nitikarn
Photos by PM Reporters
Kenyan athletes were once again at the forefront when it came to collecting
awards at last Sunday’s 13th International Pattaya Marathon.
 Joel
Kiplimo Kemboi celebrates his marathon victory in a new record time.
With no appearance money on offer this year to the overseas stars it had
been anticipated that a fair number of the East African runners, who have
come to dominate this race in recent years, would be absent this time
around. As things transpired however, the final result in the Men’s marathon
showed that the Kenyan’s were indeed out in force, and they continue to
maintain a stranglehold on this popular annual event.
This year a strong contingent of top Thai runners were also in the line-up,
hoping to score a home victory in the Kingdom’s oldest marathon and in the
year of His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday. Those hopes were soon dashed
however, as from the starting gun the Kenyan runners quickly moved to the
head of the pack and slowly built up a lead over all their rivals.
 Young
at heart - Grandpa Din Toprongsri (age 83) accepts a special prize for being
the oldest runner at the event.
The early pace of the leaders in fact was such that it soon became apparent
that the course record of 2:26.06hrs, set by Japanese runner Kawakubo
Kenichi in 2000 would come under serious threat. Indeed, as the eventual
winner, Kenya’s Joel Kiplimo Kemboi, entered the final straight on Beach
Road, it was clear that those who braved the early morning chill to cheer on
the athletes were about to witness a new Pattaya Marathon record.
Kiplimo Kemboi eventually crossed the finish line near Soi 4 in a time of
2.19.41hrs, knocking over 6 minutes off the old mark. He was duly followed
home by six of his compatriots, with Phillp Kipsang Kipso (2.23.12hrs) and
John Chir Turbei (2.23.25hrs) taking second and third places respectively.
In an interview with a Pattaya Mail reporter following the trophy
presentations, a clearly delighted Kiplimo Kemboi said that although this
was first time he had run in Pattaya and he found the course to be tough, he
had also thoroughly enjoyed the race and said he’d be delighted to come back
to defend his title next year. After collecting his trophy along with a
200,000 baht first prize cheque and an additional 50,000 baht for breaking
the old record, it could be said who could blame him.
 Aekachai
Chanthorn was the champion wheelchair athlete.
There was brighter news for home supporters in the Women’s marathon where
perennial winner Sunisa Sailomyen once again defended her title in style in
a time of 2.58.33hrs to claim the first prize of 150,000 baht and the
winner’s trophy. Sunisa also won the overall Thai women’s event worth 70,000
baht in prize money and collected an additional 50,000 baht for beating the
old record.
Only 2 minutes behind in the women’s classification was Saifon Piyawongse in
a time of 3.00.30hrs who claimed 75,000 baht in prize money, and in third
place was Tatina Perepelleina who won 50,000 baht prize money.
Other results of note were as follows: Men’s Overall Half Marathon winner,
Bunthoeng Srisang 1:12.37 hrs; Women’s Overall Half Marathon winner, Vilawan
Khampitak 1:29.47 hrs and the Wheelchair Full Marathon winner, Aekachai
Chanthorn in a time of 1.40.00hrs.
A special prize was also awarded this year to the oldest athletes to take
part in the day’s races. Stalwarts Grandma Yindee Kasiwong (age 68) and
Grandpa Din Toprongsri (age 83) were the happy recipients of the awards and
they both promised to get back into full training for next year’s event.
Grandma Yindee Kasiwong (age 68) was the oldest
female athlete to take part.
Del “Roger Rabbit” McCarrick was once again in
Pattaya for his fund raising efforts.
Perennial favourite “Je Maa” brings her dogs
along for the run.
Thailand’s Sunisa Sailomyen crosses the finish
line first in the Women’s marathon event.
More than 10,000 runners took part in the road
races last weekend.
The spotlight was never far from the wheelchair
athletes and the ‘champions of tomorrow’.
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Pattaya Marathon 2007
Official Results |
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Marathon (42.195km)
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Winner: Joel Kiplimo Kemboi (Ken) - 2:19:41
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1st runner up: Phillp Kipsang Kipso (Ken) - 2:23:12
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2nd runner up: John Chir Turbei (Ken) - 2:23:25 |
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3rd runner up: Sammy Kiprop Kiptoo (Ken) - 2:27:47
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4th runner up: Richard Tiropssio Kessio (Ken) - 2:30:19
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5th runner up: Christopher Rond Chumo (Ken) - 2:30:38
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Female Marathon (42.195km) |
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Winner: Sunisa Sailomyen (Thai) - 2:57
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1st runner up: Saifone Piawong (Thai) - 3:00:30 |
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2nd runner up: Perepelleina Tatina - 3:02: |
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3rd runner up: Ketmanee Sanapan (Thai) - 3:06:47
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4th runner up: Fridah Chepkita - 3:11:11 |
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5th runner up: Rael Cheptoo Murcy - 3:12:00 |
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Wheelchair Marathon (42.195km) |
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Winner: Akachai Jan (Thai) - 1:40:00
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1st runner up: Prawat Warorum (Thai) - 1:41:20 |
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2nd runner up: Saichon Konjen - 1:43:15) |
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Male Half Marathon (21.1km) |
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Winner: Bunthoeng Srisang 1:12.37
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1st runner up: Sirichai Suthichart 1:14.10 |
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2nd runner up: Bunyu Kaveetonkachorn 1:15.00 |
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Female Half Marathon (21.1km) |
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Winner: Vilawan Khampitak 1:29.47
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1st runner up: Rattanaphan Ritloet 1:31.43 |
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2nd runner up: Matika Rakphan 1:33.19 |
Pattaya Marathon celebrates birthday
with its media sibling
The front cover of the first
ever edition of the Pattaya Mail dated July 23, 1993, celebrates the victory
of Kenyan athlete Nicodemus Ongeri in the inaugural Pattaya Marathon.
As dawn broke and the 13th running of the Pattaya
International Marathon got under way last Sunday morning, it was apt that
the occasion also marked the 14th anniversary of the Pattaya Mail - as two
of the city’s most recognizable institutions jointly celebrated their
birthday together.
Indeed, it was way back in July 1993 that the newspaper and the now
internationally famous road race both took their first, fledgling footsteps
in the world and then, just as now, the city and the paper celebrated the
victory of a Kenyan runner as the first to cross the finish line.
Fast forward to today, and like the Pattaya Mail, the city’s marathon has
blossomed over the intervening years into something unrecognizable from its
humble beginnings. But the race is not just about fast times, lithe-limbed
athletes and large cash prizes.
Over 10,000 people of all ages, shapes and sizes, and cheered on by many
thousands of spectators, took to the streets on Sunday morning for a variety
of reasons. Some were just out for the exercise, some were hoping to raise
money for good causes and some were just taking it on as a personal
challenge. But for whatever reason, all would agree that the Pattaya
Marathon has become more than just a road race. Like other such events
around the world it is a mass celebration of human spirit and endevour, and
of Pattaya itself ... and just like the aspiring newspaper that first saw
the light of day along with the race 14 years ago - long may it continue!
Deborah Bundityanond elected president of Skål International Pattaya & East Thailand
Pledges renewed vitality and direction to the club of
professionals in travel, tourism and hospitality
Newly installed president Deborah
Bundiyanond (center) with her board of directors. (l-r) Alexander
Haeusler, Chookiat Srivatjanapong, Ingo Räuber, Paisan Bundityanond,
Andrew Khoo, Panga Vathanakul, Kamolthep Malhotra and Pratheep Malhotra.
Pratheep Malhotra
Many moons ago, Pattaya hosted what is considered to be the most
important congress on travel and tourism anywhere in the world. Even
today, in the circle of professionals in the travel and tourism
industry, it is still hailed as the best ever. But it didn’t come easy.
The campaign began in 2002 when a handful of Skålleagues attended the
congress in Cairns, Australia to successfully bid to bring the 67th Skål
World Congress to Pattaya in October of last year.
 Pascal
Schnyder (left) a member in the Skål’s newest category of International
Restaurants poses with Andrew Wood.
Elected as president of Skål Pattaya & East Thailand in 2005, Andrew
Khoo was also chosen to head the congress organizing committee who with
his team, arduously worked together in planning and implementing the
programs which included not only the seminars and meetings, but also the
functions, parties, tours and accommodations...in effect to practically
look after every whim of what turned out to be almost one thousand
Skålleagues and their families from all over the world, converging onto
our fair city for one whole week of ‘exploring’ and fun. This does not
count the pre and post congress tours that most of them undertook to
various parts of Thailand, injecting the much-needed revenue into our
economy.
With the congress behind us now, we look forward to reaping the fruits
of our labours in terms of an increase in tourism from diverse markets
that had previously not noticed us for what we are…a world-class tourist
and business destination.
 Somsak
Kiratipanich (left) and David Holden (right) were also present.
For two exciting and eventful years, Andrew Khoo led the Skål Club of
Pattaya to dizzying heights of success and world recognition.
His labours being ended, Skålleagues came together at the Hard Rock
Hotel on Friday July 6, in amical, to renew friendships, discuss new
avenues of cooperation and sustain ongoing relationships in their
respective businesses.
But most important of all they came together to elect a new president
and the board of directors, who would lead the club into brighter
horizons of unbounded success.
The event was of such great significance that the movers and shakers of
the Skål movement in Thailand came to Pattaya to be part of the
celebrations. They included Malai Sakolviphak, President of Skål
International Thailand, Andrew Wood, International Councilor Thailand,
Bob Lee, Past President of Skål Pattaya & East Thailand and now wearing
three hats as Executive Secretary of Skål Asian Area, Skål National
Committee, Thailand and Skål Bangkok and Somsak Kiratipanich, Vice
President of Skål Bangkok.
Before the elections were held, Andrew Khoo presented Meritorious
Service Awards to the congress organizing committee and also to those
who had worked untiringly throughout the years for the benefit of the
community in travel and tourism related undertakings, in keeping with
the ideals of Skål International.
Tony Malhotra (left) and Rungratree Thongsai
(2nd left) chaperone the winners of the Pattaya Young PR Ambassadors for
2006 and 2007 to the Skål function.
Deputy Mayor Wuttisak Rermkijakarn spoke about the city’s Pattaya Young
PR Ambassadors project. He said that this worthwhile project was
implemented to educate Pattaya’s future generation with advanced
knowledge of how best to develop and promote our city to encourage more
visitors both Thai and foreign to visit us.
Skål International, is the only world body that is a staunch advocate of
developing, innovating and safeguarding the integrity of the travel,
tourism and hospitality business. A major campaign of the international
organisation, is to support and encourage the younger generation to
develop their skills and know-how in this line of work.
With this in mind Skål Pattaya in cooperation with the Charity Club of
Pattaya held a fund raising dinner for this purpose. With more than
100,000 baht collected, Skålleagues were able to assist underprivileged
children in our community by giving them the opportunity to further
undertake special training to learn more about the travel, tourism and
hospitality business.
Christina and Malcolm Boden, Vic King and Kevin Fisher of the Charity
Club of Pattaya presented the donation.
The Charity Club of Pattaya presents a
cheque of 104,165 baht to Deputy Mayor Wuttisak Rermkijakarn in support
of the Pattaya Young PR Ambassadors Project.
Rungratree Thongsai, Public Relations Specialist and head of the project
said, “How many of us including the children know the real history of
Pattaya? We want to educate our children about their own history. Once
they understand their roots they can be proud of who they are and help
to promote Pattaya to the world. Most of the children don’t have the
financial resources to get this extra education, so the help of the
private sector is vital. We are confident that this extra training will
see the beginning of a new generation of Pattayans who will be the
spokespersons to give proper information about our community and be an
asset to the tourism and hospitality industry as a whole.”
Andrew Wood and Bob Lee acting as the referees conducted the elections,
the results of which proclaimed Deborah Bundityanond, President of Skål
International Pattaya & East Thailand. Vice Presidents are Ingo Raeuber,
Director of Operations of the Pinnacle Grand Group and Andrew Khoo, GM
Hard Rock Hotel. Alex Haeusler, GM of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort was
elected as both the Secretary and Treasurer.
Other elected directors included, Chookiat Srivatjanapong, GM of the
Asia Pattaya Hotel, Pratheep and Kamolthep Malhotra of the Pattaya Mail.
Panga Vathanakul, MD Royal Cliff Beach Resort, Paisan Bundityanond, MD
Rabbit Resort and Christina Boden were appointed as Advisors to the
Board.
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Message from President
Deborah Bundityanond
During 2007-2008, Skål International Pattaya
and East Thailand has a great opportunity to assist the travel
and tourism industry. Our new Executive Committee includes many
of the finest and most respected professionals in the Country.
It’s a dynamic team that will focus upon helping the City of
Pattaya achieve its greatest potential.
 Pattaya
is on the threshold of expanding from a price sensitive
accommodation market. It is shifting to an upscale destination
resort with excellent 4 and 5 star properties. This trend will
continue to evolve (partially because of escalating land prices)
with the construction of new properties throughout the region.
Our goal is for Skål to continue to be an integral part of this
transformation process, assisting with tourism education of our
membership as well as the overall community.
Last year, our club organized the successful Skål International
Congress, which drew delegates from around the world making it
one of the best ever. This year we are focusing our efforts at
home, helping the city of Pattaya, improving the community and
preparing us for future challenges.
Now is the time for Pattaya to forge ahead and achieve its
greatest potential through tourism. Environmental protection and
developing a moral society is of grave importance. If this is
not accomplished we will not be able to take full advantage of
the opportunities that lie ahead. |
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President Andrew Khoo presents Meritorious Service Awards to
outstanding Skålleagues and supporters |
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Ingo Räuber |
Paisan
Bundityanond |
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Harinderpal Singh |
Malcolm and
Christina Boden |
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Johanna Stetten. |
Chookiat
Srivatjanapong |
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Roger Soland |
Andrew Wood |
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Deborah
Bundityanond |
Alexander Haeusler |
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Bob Lee |
Malai Sakolviphak |
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Panga Vathanakul |
Pratheep Malhotra |
Australia Thailand Institute visits Pattaya
Paul Wilkinson, General Manager of Eastern
Seaboard of AGS Four Winds International Movers , Malcolm Scorrer from
AA Insurance Broker, Tony Emmett, Esb Coordinator of AustCham Thailand,
Marco Palestrini, Volunteer Camillian Social Center and Peter Smith,
Director of AA Insurance Broker Co., Ltd.
By Dr Iain Corness
The Australia-Thailand Institute came down in force to visit Pattaya,
with the delegation led by The Honorable Tim Fischer (AC), a previous
Minister for Trade and Industry as well as Deputy Prime Minister of
Australia. To celebrate and welcome the delegation, AustCham (Australian
Thai Chamber of Commerce) arranged a surprise Seaboard Sundowners at the
Marriott Resort and Spa.
 R.M.
(BOB) Coombes, Director of Choice Foods Thailand Ltd. , Pornravee
Vaughan from Choice Foods Thailand Ltd. and Luis Zamora from Pattaya
Marriott Resort & Spa.
Delegation Leader, Tim Fischer, spoke with Pattaya Mail TV in an
exclusive interview and revealed that whilst the Australia-Thailand
Institute does not have a long history of association with Thailand,
however he personally has had a very long and enjoyable association with
the Kingdom. To emphasize this point, he said that in Australia he
drives a car made in Thailand!
It was in 2005 that the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Alexander
Downer announced the establishment of an Australia-Thailand Institute to
further promote the relationship and expand institutional, cultural and
people-to-people links. Alexander Downer made mention of the fact that
its appointed leader, Mr Fischer, also had long-standing associations
and contacts in Thailand and his knowledge and leadership will be major
assets as the Institute develops its work program.
He said, “Our relations with Thailand are already strong and broadly
based with close cooperation across a wide range of areas including law
enforcement, counter-terrorism, education, defense, migration and
tourism. The depth of our partnership was illustrated after the Boxing
Day tsunami where both countries worked closely together to trace the
victims of the disaster and help those in need.”
Other objectives were to promote the Thailand-Australia Free Trade
Agreement (TAFTA) covering economic relations more broadly; develop
professional networking and institutional links; encourage Australian
community interest in Thailand and vice-versa; and promoting increased
knowledge of Australia’s educational, scientific and technological
capabilities. Returning to Tim Fischer’s Thailand built car, he quickly
added that the tail-lights and the gearbox were manufactured in
Australia!
During the afternoon, the delegation toured some of the industries on
the Eastern Seaboard, including ANCA manufacturers of CNC machine tools
and represented by Mark Patman, the GM in Thailand.
The delegation was welcomed to Pattaya by AustCham Executive Director
Martin Kyle and director Shane Torr, who in the daytime is the Senior
Consultant for ISM Technology Recruitment: with the Cluster GM Somsak
Tanruengsri of the Marriott Resort and Spa in attendance.
Adding a touch of ‘glam’ to the event was Nawaporn Fuengfoo, the legal
director of Oz Thai Sports, who arrived in ‘style’ in her three-wheeled
Trident, an imitation A Series Mercedes-Benz with one less wheel and
several hundreds of thousands of baht cheaper! The Marriott was so taken
with this unique vehicle, she was allowed to park it on the forecourt, a
space normally reserved for Ferrari’s and Lamborghini’s!
 Dr.
Iain Corness , Colin Cousins, Country Manager of AGS Four Winds
International Movers and Paul Wilkinson, General Manager of Eastern
Seaboard of AGS Four Winds International Movers.
With the Marriott being the venue hosts for the Seaboard Sundowners, the
usual high standards were maintained, with Aussie Kitchen operations
manager, Luis Zomora, providing some wonderful Australian roasts, with
the beef coming from Queensland, he assured me.
The event was also the ideal opportunity for the vivacious Juanita
Bromley to announce that she had changed her name to “Renita Bromley”. I
shall have to try to remember this in the future!
One man with a foot in both camps was Jimmy Howard who arrived with a
luridly red shirt with a Union Jack on one arm, and when accosted by the
Aussies, then turned around to display the entire Australian flag on his
back!
A donation of funds raised at the AustCham golf tournament run by Tony
Emmett and Paul Wilkinson, GM of AGS Four Winds International Moving
with his Country Manager Colin Cousins in attendance, was made to a
representative volunteer from the Camillian Center, who took the
opportunity to thank everyone, and to also point out that the Camillians
is a world-wide charitable organization.
Arranged at short notice to cover the visit of the Australia-Thailand
delegation, this was yet another of the very successful networking
evenings put on by the affable Aussies!
Heather Anderson, John S. Anderson,
Associate Director of Meinhardt (Thailand) Ltd. , Sutharm Valaisathien,
Senior Partner/Docteur de I’Universite de Paris of International Legal
Counsellors Thailand Ltd. and Panida Kaewpradit, Manager Branch Office
of Diethelm Travel (Thailand) Ltd.
Pratheep ‘Peter’ Malhotra, Managing Director
of Pattaya Mail Publishing Co., Ltd. , Tony Emmett, ESB Coordinator of
AustCham Thailand , Martin Kyle, Executive Director of AustCham Thailand
and Stuart Saunders, Esdesign (Far East) Co., Ltd.
Antony Chapman, Managing Director of Blue
Wave Watersports Asia Co., Ltd. , Peter Cummins , Nawaporn Fuengfoo,
Legal Director of OZ Thai Sports Co., Ltd. , Jitra Wongjuan, Client
Account Manager of AA Insurance Brokers Co., Ltd. and Renita Bromley,
Committee Member/Treasurer of Chiang Mai International Cricket Sixes.
Mark Patman, General Manager of ANCA
Manufacturing (Thailand) Ltd. , Deb Patman , Yanisa Ninlawong and
Kanchana Jithan, Accounting Office of ANCA Manufacturing (Thailand) Ltd.
Douglas Hall AM , Director of Queensland Art
Gallery, Sean Riley, Senior Trade Commissioner Minister-Counselor
(Commercial) Australian Government , Somsak Tanruengsri, General Manager
of Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa, Tim Fischer AC , Chairman Australia –
Thailand Institute , Shane Torr , Director of AustCham Thailand , Prue
Holstein, Executive Director of Asia Society Austral Asia Centre ,
Anthony Milner , Australian National University Centre for Asian
Societies and Histories, Mike Courtnall from Australian Government ,
Maurice D. Bromley, Managing Director of GoIndustry (Thailand) Ltd. ,
Everett Schmidt, Director & Country Manager of GoIndustry (Thailand)
Ltd.
Dibbayawan household throws a party for all occasions
Birthdays, anniversaries and blessings all rolled into one
Pratheep Malhotra
It seems that Premprecha must have had all his family’s anniversaries
planned to fall in the same week every year.
 Pa
Prem blows out the candles on his birthday cake.
On the 19th of June, not only did Premprecha and Supanee Dibbayawan
celebrate their 41st wedding anniversary, but the day also coincided
with his birthday and as a bonus it was also the 8th wedding anniversary
of his son Laksanalert and Oranuj.
Pa Prem as he is affectionately known is famous for organizing some very
unique parties in the sprawling gardens of his home but this year’s
festivities topped them all.
The evening of celebrations commenced with a Catholic holy mass held in
the front yard of the Dibbayawan residence, with Father Pichan Jaiseri
presiding. Father Pichan was the head priest of St. Nikolaus Church in
Pattaya for many years and has remained a very close friend of the
Dibbayawan family.
In a most heartrending homily, he blessed the couple and light heartedly
said that the fact that someone has lived with Prem for 41 years proves
that he is a very good man, and that Supanee is a most extraordinary
wife too, having loved and cherished him for so long and continues to do
so.
Prem was born the 7th of 9 children in a Catholic family in Bangkok. He
is the chairman of Swiss Siam Company and one of the leading lights in
Thai Rotary, having served two terms as president of the Rotary Club of
Jomtien-Pattaya and as District Governor of District 3340 Rotary
International.
 A
very happy couple, Supanee and Prem.
Supanee spent many years in the US watching her children grow up as they
attended American schools, before deciding that ‘those long lonely
periods away from Prem was too much to bear.’ She returned to her native
Thailand and is now the pillar of strength at the law office, as she
watches over the operations like a doting mother.
Prem and Supanee have four children, Rungnapa, Veerasak, Malinee and
Laksanalert, who are all grown up and have families of their own.
Immediate family flew in from as far away as the United States and
Australia where the Dibbayawan kin have wandered off to set their roots
and ‘sow their seeds of love’ for future generations to thrive and carry
on the family name.
Friends from Rotary and the business community including Prem’s ‘flock’
from the Catholic community were also in attendance.
 Father
Yuthana Yindeedej (left) and Father Pichan Jaiseri conduct the holy mass
of joy.
Prem told us, “I believe that success comes from the ability to serve
others. I ascribe this way of thinking to my upbringing as a Catholic,
when as a young boy this was instilled into me. I remember with much
fondness a Spanish cleric who showed me the path of personal devotion, a
man who one day walked 5 kilometres to visit me in hospital and who also
summoned me down to Sriracha when he felt I was slacking in Bangkok and
slapped me very hard. But I harbour no resentment over the incident, and
even named my first son after him.”
With work as a lawyer and a dedicated Rotarian taking up so much of his
available time, his only hobby these days is gardening, which he does in
the early mornings before work. Even there he uses his garden as an
opportunity to serve, inviting all the neighbours to come and take
vegetables whenever they need to.
Prem had once considered becoming a priest. He says, “I tried to talk to
the church elders about my desire to become a man of the cloth, but they
laughed at me and told me to go away.”
At 68, Prem would like to retire, “But I am not sure I could sit at home
and do nothing.” says he resignedly.
It was also Laksanalert and Oranuj’s 8th
wedding anniversary.
Prem’s kinfolk at the holy mass.
Grandpa Prem having a fun time with little
Patrick.
A family gathering.
Siblings Prem, Pat and Nora prove that they
have thespian blood in them,
out performing the Likay troupe.
Rotarians bring gifts of flowers and
affection.
Ten Lions Clubs in Chonburi install new Presidents
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
District Governor Kowit Thianthongnukul of District 310 C Lions
International presided over the joint installation ceremonies of the new
presidents and directors of ten Lions Clubs in Chonburi for 2007-2008.
 Sonthaya
Khunplome, former Minister of Tourism and Sports, presents a plaque of
achievement to Lion Satawat Saemapan of the Lions Club of Naklua-
Pattaya.
The event was held at the Jomtien Palm Beach Hotel on June 15
The newly installed presidents of the Lions clubs in District 310 C are,
Narong Suthirankul of Chonburi-Bangplasoi, Mukda Pattana-Anek of
Chonburi-Bangsaen, Tatawan Thammawaritkul of Chonburi-Wachiraprakarn,
Ploynapat Chanputhimet of Chonburi-Sriracha, Sirilak Pongpanit of
Chonburi-Panat Nikom, Surachai Laopoolkit of Chonburi-Banbung,
Raewat Siangchin of Chonburi-Pratamnak, Mai Chayanit of Pattaya, Charin
Wasikarat Sattahip of Chonburi, and Yonhyut Sukthongchaikul of
Naklua-Pattaya.
Lions International has over 1.3 million members around the globe in 200
countries. Their motto ‘We Serve’ stands proudly as a commitment to
assisting the community and helping those in need. Beginning in 1917,
the association of Lions clubs has provided millions of people with the
opportunity to give something back to their communities.
In Thailand this extends to 10 main projects, such as helping the blind
and vision impaired, aiding the deaf and hearing impaired, promoting
education, promoting community relations and social stability,
preserving the environment, promoting health and hygiene, drug
prevention, understanding international communities and promoting better
relations across the globe and other free-style projects.
Out going president Charan Kanokkanchana
(right) congratulates Mai Chaiyanit on taking office as the new
president of the Lions Club of Pattaya.
Rewat Chiangchin (left rear) takes over from
Tasanee Khakhay (left) in the Lions Club of Phratamnak and Tatawan
Thamwiratikul (right rear) takes over from Thanawadee Panklang (right)
in the Lions Club of Chonburi.
Out going president Wilawan Hengtrakul gives
a sisterly hug to Mukda Pattana-Anek, new president of the Chonburi
-Bangsaen Lions Club.
Lions from 10 clubs in Chonburi bear witness
to the installation ceremonies.
New members are inducted into the Lions
clubs in this honourable ceremony.
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