February 23 also marks ‘Sow the Seeds of Love Day’ and 10 years of ‘peace’ in Pattaya
Rotarians from Pattaya area clubs marked the 109th anniversary of Rotary International and the 10th anniversary of Pattaya declaring itself a “city of peace.”
Members assembled Feb. 23 at Pratamnak Hill’s Peace Monument, which was built by the Rotary Club of Pattaya in 2006.
Rev. Michael Picharn Jaiseri, the president of the Rotary Club of Pattaya, welcomed everyone with a short speech, noting that on Feb. 2, 2004 then Pattaya Mayor Pairat Sutthithamrongsawat and then Rotary Club of Pattaya president Don Maclachlan signed the declaration of peace.
Father Michael Picharn Jaiseri, president of the Rotary Club of Pattaya welcomes Rotarians and guests.
The pledge stated that Pattaya respects the life and dignity of every person without discrimination or prejudice; rejects violence in all forms and toward people, will resolve conflict among people within local and global communities; and would pursue harmony, freedom of expression and cultural diversity.
February 23 also marks the ‘Sow the seeds of love’ day. This title was derived from the theme of H.E. Bhichai Rattakul who was the first Thai to serve as President of Rotary International in 2002-03. He has charged every Rotarian in Thailand to fulfill their commitment by implementing a distinctive and worthy humanitarian project in their communities on this day.
At the auspicious moment Rotarians and guests gathered around the Peace Monument and released 400 white ‘peace’ balloons into the clear blue sky over Pattaya.
The gathering then adjourned for an evening of fellowship at the promenade in front of the offices of Jural Law and the Pattaya Mail Media Group hosted by Rotary Past District Governors Premprecha Dibbayawan and Pratheep Malhotra.
Past President Don Maclachlan narrates the history of the Rotary Peace Monument.
Rotarians and their families and friends gather around the Peace monument in celebration of peace towards all humanity.
Rotarians from many clubs in the region enjoying themselves at the party.
PDG Peter Malhotra (left) and PDG Premprecha Dibbayawan pose with members of the Rotary Club of Pattaya.
Members of the Interact Club of Banglamung School were at their artistic best.
