Master of Ceremonies Richard Silverberg welcomed everyone
to The Tavern by the Sea for the Pattaya City Expat Club’s regular Sunday
meeting on July 4, 2010. Richard announced that as this was the first Sunday
in July, it was also the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Club. So,
without further ado, he called on Chairman Michel de Goumois to open the AGM.
Chairman Michel then gave his annual report to the membership. This report
highlighted events and activities of the Club during the past year.
MC Richard Silverberg invites PCEC Chairman Michel de
Goumois to present the Annual Report of the Board of Pattaya City Expats
Club.
Chairman Michel noted that one of the major issues the
Club faced was last December when the Amari Hotel informed the Club of their
intention to shut down the Club’s long time meeting place, Henry J. Beans
for renovations; to be reopened as The Tavern by the Sea. Further, it was
their intention to revise the pricing and the presentation of the buffet
menu which had remained the same for the last seven years. There followed a
long period of uncertainty for the board and members of the Club. On Sunday
March 21st, the Club held its last meeting at Henry J. Beans. The Sunday
meetings of the Club then became a moveable feast, so to speak, sometimes at
another meeting room of the Amari, sometimes at the Markland Hotel nearby.
During this period, the Board was in negotiation with the Amari as to the
changes to be made in the price and presentation of the buffet. Finally on
June 12th the Club met for the first time at the Tavern by the Sea. Though
we are still going through a period of adjustments, members of the Club
appear to have adapted very well to the new setting.
Chairman Michel noted that one of the major issues the
Club faced was last December when the Amari Hotel informed the Club of their
intention to shut down the Club’s long time meeting place, Henry J. Beans
for renovations; to be reopened as The Tavern by the Sea. This hurdle has
now been successfully navigated, and the new ‘Tavern by the Sea’ is proving
to be an excellent venue.
Chairman Michel said that the Club’s Sunday meetings are
at the core of the Club’s existence and activities. He then recognized and
thanked the many members involved in developing and presenting the weekly
meeting program, which involves selection of speakers, publication in the
Club’s Newsletter, the program notes used by the MCs, and many individuals
that volunteer to be MC or conduct the Open Forum.
Chairman Michel also commented on the many behind the
scenes activities of the Board to keep the Club running smoothly and to
foster good relations with Thai authorities. Another major undertaking
during the year was the development of a new website for the Club. Further,
he expressed his appreciation of the contribution of individual members that
provide assistance for expats such as assistance in getting a Thai driving
license and maintaining a DVD lending/book exchange service for members. He
also mentioned that many members sponsor and participate in special interest
groups that meet outside the regular Sunday meeting of the Club. Further,
Club members are involved in other activities that help the community such
as teaching English conversation to Thais and helping the Population and
Community Development Association in improving the lives of Thai villagers.
Following the AGM, Barry Kenyon, Honorary British Consul
in Pattaya, and the ‘farang’ that helps foreigners navigate the bureaucracy
at the Chonburi (Pattaya) Immigration Office, gave an update on Thai
immigration matters.
In conclusion, he noted that it was not possible for him
to name all those members who are active participants and promoters of the
Club simply because the list would be too long; but he did single out two
Thais who are honorary members that help the Club out in many ways. Upon
conclusion of the chairman’s report, comments and suggestions were solicited
from the membership. There were many made, which will be duly considered by
the incoming Board of Governors. Chairman Michel then introduced the seven
Board members that would be starting their two year term at the Board
meeting to be held right after the AGM as well as the other four Board
members whose term has one more year to go.
After the close of the AGM, Richard called on Barry
Kenyon, Honorary British Consul in Pattaya and the farang that helps
foreigners navigate the bureaucracy at the Chonburi (Pattaya) Immigration
Office. Barry then gave an update on Thai immigration matters. He mentioned
that for those applying for extensions where money in a Thai bank is a
requirement, money in bank accounts with the word “Fund” or “Bond” in their
title will normally not be accepted as meeting the requirement.
He also noted that if a person is married to a Thai and
they can qualify for an extension based on retirement (commonly called a
“retirement visa”), he would recommend they obtain that in lieu of an
extension based on marriage. He explained that although the financial
requirements were greater, the paperwork and close scrutiny by Immigration
authorities was less. Barry cautioned that those getting extensions of stay
based on learning Thai (Education visa), they should know that at time of
renewal, Immigration will expect the applicant to demonstrate their ability
to speak Thai is improving.
After Barry answered several questions and Richard
updated everyone on upcoming events, the Open Forum was conducted; always
informative and often humorous where questions about living in Thailand and
Pattaya in particular are asked and answered.
