On January 9^th, 2001 Senator Paiboon Upatising invited local foreign and Thai businessmen from Patong Beach to attend a meeting with the Lord Mayor of Patong, Khun Pian Keesin. The purpose of the meeting was to form an English-speaking Rotary Club in Patong that would foster Goodwill and Understanding between Thai officials and foreign businessmen.

The success of the club is remarkable. The following guests and speakers have attended our meetings and explained Government policy as well as providing accurate and helpful answers to our questions.

Guest Speakers so far included Governor CEO Pongpayome Vasaputi, Police Chief Pol. Col. Paween, Phuket Provincial Employment Services Office Chief Kopit Temsongsai and Or Bor Jor Chairman Dr Prasit Koysiripong as well as many other dignitaries.

The Community Services Committee was active even before the new Club was official sanctioned. One of the first charity activities of the new Rotary Club of Patong Beach was to organize the donation of new mountain bikes and uniforms to the Tourist Police. Further fundraising activities are planned for the near future as well as other charity and community service projects.

9/1/2001
The Lord Mayor was called away on urgent business and we were pleased to have Allan Matthews on hand to inform us of the Water Parkâs progress. The Water Park is one of Patongâs largest business undertakings and we are all anxious to see it materialize quickly.

23/1/2001
Pol . Col. Paween, Superintendent of the Kathu Police department explained his official duties and offered his assistance to anyone experiencing problems or difficulties.

30/1/2001
Pol. Lt. Col Sophon, Superintendent of the Phuket Airport Immigration Department explained airport Immigration procedures and gave detailed statistics of arrivals and departures handled by his department.

06/02/2001
Lord Mayor, Pian Keesin informed us of future development projects planned for Patong. The Mayor also answered questions and offered his assistance to local businessmen having problems with city hall. His visit was very much appreciated by all.

13/02/2001
Khun Apilak Hongtong, Superintendent of Phuket Immigration gave us details of applying for one year visas and explained the Immigration laws as they apply to foreigners visiting Thailand for work or holidays.

20/02/2001
This meeting was set aside for club business. We established a board of directors, set club meeting dates and fees. For many attendees this was their first real introduction to Rotary and its purpose. We also established the www.rotarypatong.org website that has been very useful in delivering the flow of information to members.

27/02/2001
The Tourist Police Chief of Phuket gave us an excellent speech on the duties and responsibilities of the Tourist Police. Tourism is the main business in Phuket and we were delighted to see the dedication of the protectors of our number one resource.

06/03/2001
The Chief of the Provincial Health Services Department gave an excellent presentation on the responsibilities of his department. His efforts to heal, educate and improve the quality of life for the lower income populace is warmly appreaciated.

13/03/2001
Khun Kopit Temsongsai of the Phuket Provincial Employment Services Office drew the largest attendance to date. Work permits are a hot topic at present and we all appreciated Khun Kopitas explanation of the new rules and regulations.

20/03/2001
Governor Pongpayome Vasaputi gave a very detailed speech on the many problems facing Phuket and what his office is doing to elevate them. Governor Pongpayome is well known as a law and order advocate. We were very honored to have him with us tonight.

27/03/2001
Club Business. We discussed future projects and fund raising ideas.

03/04/2001
Mr Andy Dowden spoke on the subject of the King's Cup Regatta, the annual sailing race held in honor of His Majesty the King's birthday. As one fellow Rotarian said ãIt was nice to talk about something other than work permits for a change.ä

10/04/2001
Fellow Rotarian Noah Sheppard gave a very interesting and informative speech on environmental tourism. Noah explained the importance of sustaining growth without the loss of natural resources.

17/04/2001
Fellow Rotarian and secretary Jeroen Deknatel gave us an overview of the current situation in Phuket regarding the Scuba Diving Industry.

24/04/2001
We were honored to have a Dignitary from Rotary Thailand visit us tonight. He explained Rotary's formation, history and objectives. A very educational night for all.

01/05/2001
Fellow Rotarian Brad Kenny explained "healthy water". Brad explained the various problems associated with polluted water and what can be done about it.

08/05/2001
Dr. Prasit, the President of the Phuket Provincial Council (Or Bor Jor) explained the duties of the Or Bor Jor and how they interact with the local municipal departments.

15/05/2001
Club Business

22/05/2001
Khun Veerachai Tantiwatthanawanlot, The chief of the Phuket Commercial Registration Office explained the requirements and procedures of forming a Thai company. He also answered questions on regulations involving company registrations and the difference between foreign companies and Thai companies.

29/05/2001
Dr. Supalak K. Methakul President of Child Watch Foundation was our gust speaker for our first Rotary Ann night. Her presentation touched the hearts of everyone when she described the needs of the children in Phuket. We look forward to sponsoring future projects with Child Watch.

05/06/2001
John Magee, founder of the Phuket Gazette gave a stirring speech of operating an English language newspaper in Thailand.

12/06/2001
Mr Uthai Srevilai, Chief of the Provincial Land Transportation Department explained the rules and regulations involved in owning a motor vehicle and obtaining a license to operate one.

19/06/2001
Club business. Tonight we finalized all club positions in preparation for acceptance by Rotary International.

25/06/01
We were visited by the Rotary District Governor and several other Rotary dignitaries. It appears that we are now an official Rotary Club at last. Special thanks to Mr Surasak Chayanupong for his assistance, we could not have done it without his guidance and encouragement.

In addition to the impressive list of guest speakers, the club Community Services Committee has been active. Members of the club donated 55.000 Baht to the Tourist Police for four Police bicycles and uniforms. The donations were from members only and no solicitation outside the club took place.

The committee is actively planning assistance and fund raising events for the various charities around the island.

05/09/2001
On 5 September 2001 the Rotary Club of Patong Beach was visited by District Governor Sriya Sirivej who presented the official certificate of recognition by Rotary International.

View the Rotary Club of Patong Beach Certificate

Being the only English speaking Rotary Club in Phuket means that the Club is visited often by visiting Rotarians from other countries. The Club's meeting room at the Aloha Villa Hotel is already adorned with many banners from far-away clubs. It will surely become one of Thailand's best-known Rotary Clubs.