The Pattaya City Expats Club has been in existence 14 years this month. Richard Smith has been a member of the club for almost as long having joined in its early beginnings. He joined the governing board in 2003 and has served on it continuously since. He also has served two terms as chairman and is currently the vice chairman.
If it had not been for his contribution of time and effort and dipping into his own pocket to support the club in its early years, it most likely would not have been around to celebrate this 14th anniversary. For several years in the beginning, Richard was instrumental in keeping the club going; writing the weekly newsletter, setting up and funding the club’s first website, and organizing special interest groups that meet outside of the club’s weekly meeting for expats to socialize and participate in activities of a common interest. He also was instrumental in establishing positive relationships with Thai government officials at the city, district, and provincial level. This led to creating a group that for several years has taught conversational English to Thais under the auspices of the Banglamung District and Chonburi Province.
PCEC Chairman Roy Albiston presents the plaque to Richard Smith as Richard’s wife Janet and founding member Max Rommel, founding member and board member emeritus, look on.
Although many of these early duties are now performed by fellow board members and others, Richard still continues to devote time and energy to making the club successful. On this, the 14th Anniversary of the club, the board chose to recognize Richard for his years of dedicated and devoted service. At the Sunday, March 22, meeting Board Chairman Roy Albiston presented Richard with a plaque that reads: “Presented to Richard Smith In recognition and with grateful appreciation of your dedicated service to the Pattaya City Expats Club.”
