Rotary Club of 
Patong Beach PhuketThailand
Bulletin 611 Volume 15 - No. 1 - 15th July 2020
Monthly Edition - July
International President District 3330 Governor President Patong Beach
Holger Knaack Chalermchat Chun-in Jonathan Russell
RC Herzogtum Lavernberg RC Kanachanaburi
Molin Germany
Meeting Information
We regret due to the COVID 19 epidemic,all meetings are virtual only. As soon as the epidemic is gone, meetings will return to the hotel.
Upcoming Events
Tuesday 4th Dinner Out
@ The 9th degree - Phuket Boat Lagoon
Organised by PP Andy Becker
A message from the Bulletin editor. It has been a while since the last Bulletin, & I trust the new monthly edition, will keep members & others informed & up to date on the happenings of the club.
Member's contributions welcome!
Hopefully the Bulletin will be circulated in the second week of the new month. Of course, to make this happen I require timely input be provided.
I endeavor to provide an enjoyable fun read & try to ensure I complete the Bulletin in Clubrunner to the best of my ability trying not to get too frustrated when images do not stay where I put them. LOL - E&OE
Birthday
I did not want to miss the birthday on 28th June of our special young man O.B.
Many members sent their good wishes to O.B. who is in Singapore due to COVID19
We all hope you had a fabulous day & night O.B. 
You still got the moves!
Birthdays in July
Sam Fauma 4th
Hans Krake 13th
Larry Demco 31st
Our President's message 
Joining Rotary has changed my life and given me more opportunities to devote time towards meaningful and worthy causes for the community.
Before I joined the Rotary Club of Patong Beach, a good friend of mine had commented that doing good does not need one to be involved in groupie setups, and there are other ways that one can quietly contribute back to society.
I had reflected on this point with another comment, that joining Rotary is for camaraderie and fellowship. Whilst each of us could be having different reasons for being a part of this Rotary family, I feel that what makes us special is our shared values of service, fellowship, diversity, integrity, and leadership.
The bond we forged from these shared values generates a positive multiplier effect in all that we do.
During the current Covid situation, there are concerns of how to keep the club members participating and active.
We will utilize Zoom for meetings and follow all precautions when interacting with people as per the current situation.
Our Rotary club which just falls below 20 active members, is one of these clubs in our district which needs to work hard on attracting more active members to support our club life and our service to the community.
Remaining in the leadership position for a second year, I will strive to improve attendance, involve all members to enjoy Rotary activities, increase membership, strengthen our Rotary image and create a positive change in communities.
Our unique strength arises from the special relationship that we have built through our regular meetings, involvement in projects and participation in district events. Our authenticity shines through such interactions and trust in each other enables us to achieve great things together as a team!
I’m privileged to have a board of experienced Past Presidents and enthusiastic Rotarians who are eager to serve.
I look forward to another exciting and fun year ahead with all of you during this difficult time.
Together we shall connect the world and engage in meaningful projects that will fill this world with light.
Yours in Rotary
Jonathan Russell
Meet the New Rotary Team for 2020-2021
Jonathan Russell - President 2020/21
Best Wanamakok - Vice President 2020-2021
A Thai guy living in Phuket for the last 15 years. Originally from a northern province of Lamphun . Small business owner.
Two beautiful and well - behaved boys.
Love traveling to new places and welcome new challenges every now and then. Love golfing and hanging out with friends when possible.
Rotarian since 2005 after an early start from RYLA, YE, and Rotaractor. Enjoy giving and assist others when situation is called for.
Karen Eidsvik-Moody - Secretary 2020-21
Member since 2016, Past President 2018-2019, Secretary,I like being a Rotarian because... I built a great group of friends not too long after moving to Phuket, I like being able to give back.
During COVID I ... worked from home and cooked more than normal.
I'm most looking forward to being able to socialize again.
Canadian, been in Phuket for 4 years, grown family in Canada/US,
General Manager at Kamala Beach Estate.
David Arell - Treasurer 2020-2021
I'm a charter member of our club. I have served as Community Services Chairperson, SAA, Secretary, President, Treasurer, Club trainer and outside our club as Assistant District Governor, District Trainer, and Chair of the Friendship Exchange Committee.
I joined Rotary because I was new in Phuket and was looking for a way to get to know people on the island.
I stayed in Rotary because of the friends I made in the club and because the service projects made me feel good and helped me realize that we are making the world a bit better.
Before moving to Thailand, my career was in New York City, where I was involved in Finance and Operations.
I moved to Thailand with my bother in 1999 as we bought the Thailand master franchise for a company called Chem-Dry, and we came here to set it up.
After getting Chem-Dry running, I was delighted to branch out and learn from my friend O.B.about his company DMG.
During COVID, I broke out old board games and loved our family game nights.
Best regards,
David
Friedrich "Sam" Fauma Chairperson Foundation, Membership
Charter Member, Past President, Multiple PHF, Club trainer.
District 3330: Trainer, Global Grant Committee,Chair, District RI & TRF Alumni Sub-Committee of District 3330 Year 2020-2021
Child Watch Phuket Foundation director,
Phuket Sunshine Village Foundation director and founding member
Life Home Project Foundation, Director and founding member.
Managing Director of International law Office, Patong Beach Co,Ltd, Co-Founder and Senior Partner (over 24 years)
Born and raised in Vienna/Austria and living on Phuket for over 30 years.
Married to Natthirat Fauma, one child.
Hobbies: My family, Service above Self
If you don't know me by now
You will never never never know me
All the things that we've been through
You should understand Rotary like I understand you
Now Rotarians I know the difference between right and wrong
I ain't gonna do nothing to break up our happy club
Oh don't get so excited when you can’t get your thoughts
'Cause we only act like children when we argue fuss and fight
If you don't know me by now (if you don't know me)
You will never never never know me (no you won't)
If you don't know me by now
You will never never never know me
We've all got our own funny moods
I've got mine, you've got yours too
Just trust in me like I trust in you
As long as we've working together it should be so easy to do
Let’s just get yourself together for Service above Self
What good is a Rotary when you can't see eye to eye, oh
If you don't know me by now (if you don't know me)
You will never never never know me (no you won't)
If you don't know me by now (you will never never never know me)
You will never never never know me (ooh)
O.B. Wetzell Chairman of the Fundraising Committee
Dear Rotarians,
I want to introduce myself to those that may be interested.
Many years ago, the American named Otho Beale Wetzell III received a call from Paiboon Upitasing (soon to be Senator) who invited me to become a charter member of the Rotary Club of Patong Beach that he was setting up as an English Speaking Club. (2001 Sep)
As was prudent to do, I said "yes" not knowing much about what I was getting into.
The Club meetings were fun and fairly well attended by Farangs and Thai's alike and fairly soon RCoPB was doing some good service projects. In those days, there was little net- working among Ex-Pats, so Rotary was a nice get-together for all of us. The other Rotary clubs of Phuket welcomed us nicely and we did many social events together, mostly in coats and ties as was the custom in those days.
As regards my Rotary experiences, I credit Rotary for putting charity and caring for others much higher on my list of personal goals than I would otherwise. Being in Rotary changed my life dramatically for the better after the Tsunami (2004). I am certain that I would not have emotionally survived the bleak traumas I experienced had I not been fully active in the awesome charity works of RCoPB. Anyway, I sincerely thank Rotary a lot for what I have learned about Service before Self.
As regards the admin of RCoPB, I have been Secretary, President, V.P., have been on several committees, and studied to be a trainer but mostly; I have been Chairman of Fundraising for at least 16 years -- which is super fun for me because I get to throw large parties to raise money for helping Kids. Lots of fun-raisers -- best guess is 15 major events, 5 golf events and 3 music events). I guess the biggest party our Club ever threw was "Job To Do" Sunsplash which had over 640 attendees and raised more than 600 thousand Baht.
All of the fundraising that I have organized would not have come off without major help from other Rotarians -- those that worked tirelessly before and on the nights, those that frequented and donated to the events and those that help us all get the word out for sponsorships, auctions, tickets and happy guests. I am grateful to all members of RCoPB who have helped in their own way and continue to do so -and- there are those that can't be thanked enough, like David, Richard, Sam, Arnaud, Best, Able, Alastair, Wolfgang, Missey, Roy, Walter & Jani, Khun Bier, Miguel, Andy, Johan, Patrick, Jaspal, Denis, Jonathan, Karen, Larry, Captain Mark and others that my alzheimers makes me forget (sorry).
Personals: I am 75 this month, have lived in Thailand since 1995, lived in 5 other countries, traveled in 67 countries, have a B.A. in Religious Studies (minor in Physics), have been a builder all my life, have three grown daughters and a 15 year old granddaughter, enjoy tennis, red wine, cooking, dancing, nature, and running a Project Management Company with emphasis on building more sustainable habitats. My wife/soul mate of 27 years (Pamela) is the very capable head of College Counseling at UWC in Singapore, David Arell is MD of my company and is likely the best friend anyone could ever have.
Yours in Rotary OB
Dr. Johan Storck Chairman - Community Service
Attended the university of Heidelberg.
I have served as Chairman membership, VP, now second year for community service.
Went to the US as an exchange student at Washington University, after taking 6 months off, got drafted in the US army final rank Captain.
Finished Med school under the GI bill
Joined the Sunset Torrance CA. Club & worked with the BA JA Mexico students year 5 and 6, set up shops for working with wood, electrical, and for the girls sewing classes paid by Rotary.
Came to Thailand 2 days after the Tsunami with a team of doctors to assist tourists stranded. Did my service, fell in love with the people and ended up staying here.
Transferred my Rotary membership to Rotary club of Patong Beach.
Dieter Dratwa Chairman of Public Image, Administration
I am a German Management Consultant and serial Entrepreneur with Computer Science background.
As a global citizen I have a lovely Brazilian wife (+ 2 kids) and choose Phuket as Homebase for 4 years now.
My passion is travel, photography, swimming, and coaching.
The Board is up & running already having two Board meetings.
Secretary Karen asked me to include the minutes in this first edition
for 2020-2021
1st Board Meeting
Board Meeting Agenda
10 June 2020 on Zoom
Board of Directors; Chairperson of Foundation/Administration/Projects/Fundraising; Jonathan, David, Sam, Dieter, OB, Johan, Karen
No. Topic Responsible
1. Call to order/Quorum Chairman
Everyone
- Budget 2020/21 David
Due to the foundation being set up we need to plan for an audit of at least 30k and monthly expenses of 3k. The land now can be transferred and there is a cost estimated at 250k. Sam is holding 200k for the foundation registration which came from the scholarship funds. To be transferred at some point once the bank accounts are set up. This year the dues can be kept where they are. Perhaps next year we may need to increase the annual dues. Roughly 390K left in the admin fund. OB moved, Sam seconded, dues set at 9K all approved.
- 1st meeting business Chairman
- Confirmation of the appointed positions: Thank you to the new board member Dieter as PR, David-Treasurer, Sam-Foundation/Membership, OB- Fundraising, Best-VP, Johan-CSP, Karen-Secretary, Missing President Elect.
- Re-Installation – A dinner/party outside – recommend keep it to the club and family to stay in line with not having big parties right now. There is about 19k in happy hundreds. Tentatively the 11th of July a Saturday. Waiting for when OB and Dieter can get back into the country.
- Membership Sam
Best attendance ever due to Zoom calls. Looking at whether Tony, and a former Rotarian from Hong Kong can join who is more interested in fellowship to start. Michael is in OB’s hand as his mentor. Johan to discuss with Ying as well.
Honorary membership for Wilhelm Vullriede (Austrian National) , who is a Lion in Austria and therefore can’t be a member. He’s here 5 to 6 months of the year. Approved by the board.
Renew Denis Carpenter and K Sirirat as honorary members. Approved by the board.
Under consideration as Community Service Award recipients Arnaud, K Ying, Michael and Tony
Paul Harris Fellows: Mark P, Andy B, Johan S, Walter W, David A, Sam, OB All approved. All these awards to be planned for the installation night.
- Foundation Sam
Club approved as a Foundation. So we can register the land. We can give receipts for Thailand but they aren’t tax deductible donation yet. It is not an easy process. Donation can be an expense now though. Presidential goals for 2020/21 donation from Arnaud, 2019/20 1.6 MTHB, and planned 101,000 US$ goal for 2020/21.
- Fundraising OB
Date planned 13/14/15 of November. The white gala is Friday 13th of November. Hotel/venue etc rebooked. We need to give more ammunition to help OB promote and “Save a Child”. More photos etc from the swim programme and all that has been done this year.
2nd phase of Michael/Tony project, helping people help themselves. Fundraising will continue on this as projects are identified.
- My Rotary All
- All board and committee chairs are required to be registered on my rotary
- Wrap up and Adjourn
- Meeting closed at 6pm
- Next meeting date / time: 24 th Wed 5:15
- Next meeting venue Zoom
KE – My rotary account check for everyone
Postponed to next meeting:
How to conduct weekly meeting District Events Other Club Meetings / Assemblies
Dates for Sept / AGM Dec / March ?/ June 2021
2nd Board Meeting
Board Meeting Minutes
24 June 2020, 5:18 start on Zoom
In Attendance: Jonathan, Sam, OB, David, Johan, Best. Regrets: Dieter
No. Responsible
1. Call to order/Quorum Chairman
Treasurer David
Three members haven’t paid yet. Jonathan to contact Hans. Jonathan is following up with Stewart. It was noted that although the budget was set for 18 members there will probably be 17 the difference can be covered by admin.
- President’s update Jonathan
JR met with new Presidents of Phuket Rotary clubs. They want to have a joint installation night at the auditorium at Ratchapat University. July 15 from 1 to 3 pm. The group would like 10 members of each club to attend. They would like Sam to talk about our COVID projects. JR asked to approach K Able to be the MC.
Food handout in Patong, agreed support of 1000 meals equivalent to 30,000 THB, they are having an issue in supplying the correct invoices if they are unable to supply correct invoices there will be no further support of this project.
- Approval of last meeting minutes KE
Approved
- Foundation
Directors / Signatories for the foundation – The revenue department said we need someone who has a tax ID card. By regulations, it should be the President- elect. The land office considers the Foundation a foreign foundation because we have more foreigners than Thais on the board. The current board members are Andy, Best, Alistair, Sam. Normally it should include the President-Elect, President, Treasurer, Past President, Secretary. Phase 1: it’s important to get the bank account sorted, then sort out getting more Thais so the land can be transferred.
Sam to recommend to the board how to sort this out.
- Community Service Projects Johan has asked that if someone wants to do a service project they should bring the idea to Johan as CSP chair, who will discuss it with his committee, and report recommendations back to the board.
The current Feed Phuket project, which was set up to help them ensure their finances were properly sorted, should end by July 1st.
Going forth anyone who has an idea for a project needs to go to the CSP committee before discussing it with the rest of the club. The CSP then proposes the project to the board.
Farm Project Small or big there are many pitfalls. Johan to invite committee members to further discuss with Tony and see where this can go.
Swimming Project Meeting with the Principal and K Gob. A second location with a pool near JD Pool. Streamlined so there are 3 sessions in one day. More than one project can be done with the same amount of equipment. If the schools are staggered then multiple schools can be done. JD Pool may donate the pool which would save 66K on the project. Project to start again after July 1st.
Which project to use for District award Three ideas – swimming project (done last year), COVID hospital project was a lot with the other clubs, Feed Phuket Project. Sam offered to put this together for the District – Feed Phuket.
Scholarships for Patong & Kalim 2 schools, 20 kids each, 3000 THB one-time scholarship. Best to organize to give it to the teachers and arrange a handover. Approved.
House repair 120K for house repair to be discussed by the CSP committee.
Respirators for pre-mature birth. To be discussed by the CSP committee.
Regular scholarships seem pretty light as numbers have gone down. Best to get back to the board. Continue with the student from Kamala, Bier’s son.
- Fundraising OB
Charitable funds dispersion. How much of the Feed Phuket money should still be allocated? David needs to confirm whether the Swiss donation was for COVID. OB’s fundraising was solicited for and donated for feeding Phuket. The remaining funds raised that were not specific to food will be added to the general charity funds unless it has been marked for COVID specific stuff.
Request for 21K for another 100 packages to be handed out Friday Approved.
OB requests that the CSP and the board direct the funds from the fundraising towards a specific project. CSP to get back to OB. November 13/14/15 is the date of the fundraiser.
- Other Club Meetings / Assemblies All
Dinner out Tuesday. Induct Ahmed if he comes. Give recognition certificates, community awards. David to send a template. Jonathan to be prepared to speak.
Arrange a party/dinner out in August to do the PHF handouts & Inductions. OB will do this if he’s here.
Meetings need topics, when do we go back to in-person meetings? We should have an SA to organize all the meetings for the year and guest speakers. Perhaps try arranging so that one member a month is responsible for the meetings, including the dinner out. We should get back to personal meetings as soon as possible. While still on Zoom we should have a guest speaker. The location in Laguna where the dinner out is could be a meeting place until the Millennial re-opens. Consider having a zoom meeting a month. Karen offered to do December. Note the 7th of July is a holiday. The first meeting should be a club assembly. OB to help Jonathan with the club assembly July 14th. The topic of how to manage meetings going forth to be on the agenda for the 14th.
- Dates for Sept / AGM Dec / March ?/ June 2021 KE / JR to work this out and lock-in.
- My Rotary All
All board and committee chairs are required to be registered on my rotary. KE to check if everyone is registered.
- AOB All
Wrap up and Adjourn
- Meeting closed at _19:15
- Next meeting date / time 22 July 17:15
- Next meeting venue ZOOM
Minutes taken by Karen
FEED PHUKET
The club continues to distribute food to the Thais in Phuket who are currently unemployed due to the COVID 19 epidemic.
June 8th - Kamala
Daily hand out of 350 ready made food supplies for needy in Kamala together with Bliss Club and PIMS restaurant. Free Water from dispenser (to reduce plastic bottle hand out).
June 8th
Starting today for one week food handouts joint project.
Rotary club of Patong Beach & Rotary club of Bargteheide Germany at the Corner Restaurant in Cherngtalay starting at 5pm.
June 20th
The Rotary Club of Patong Beach started the first of three food giveaways of between
350-450 cooked meals and water to local people in need in Patong at a location on
Nanai Road.
The Board has currently allocated 30,000 THB for this food giveaway project, the equivalent of 1,000 cooked meals.
The project start time was 5pm and by 3pm the queues of people had started.
By 4pm there were queues between 100m - 200m long on the right and left and even around the corner and down the other soi.
Working in cooperation with local businesses owners Mr Barry Davison (Nestor Promotions), Khun Joy (Phuket Siam International. Consulting Co., Ltd) and joining in in this first project was an additional food donation of 450 dry food packs from Mr Gunter & the Belgium Embassy.
Additional support was provided by officials from Patong Municipality who were also going live on Facebook video. The safety was provided by Patong Police.
June 28th
Another FEED PHUKET on Nanai road on Saturday morning.
Unfortunately, President Jonathan was not able to participate due to his mother's illness.
Thank you President Jonathan - another successful FEED PHUKET
Tuesday 30th June & the end of another great Rotary year.
It is time to get together, after the relaxation of some restrictions due to COVID 19
Dinner Out - organised by PP Best
I want to thank PP Best for organizing the Dinner Out & providing ALL input for this wonderful night. It no doubt was an excellent night after so long without an actual meeting due to COVID 19
The photos were received virtually after they were taken, & the Night Report I received at 10.30pm Wednesday 1st.
A BIG thank you Best
PP Denis Bulletin editor
We had a great time at Turmeric restaurant in Cherngtalay. Opened just a month ago.
Lovely setting. We had a private room. Food was beautiful. Mostly Indian dishes.
After dinner, we started the meeting by introducing guests.
Our newest Rotarian Ahmed Hassan from Egypt. We welcome Tony, his wife Sophie, and Michael Sobel who have led Feed Phuket initiative in collaboration with our club during
Covid-19 crisis.
We also had a visiting Rotarian from Down Under Ms. Carolyn.
Then there are the rest of our Rotary Ann Cha Cha, Da, Kiran, and Able.
Photos from PP Denis were played on the screen from installation night to Xmas party to Feed Phuket.
Pres J
ono relived his presidency and talked at length about his Rotary year and thanked the board, committee chairs, and members for their support.
It was a challenging year with many projects completed and ongoing. He also announced 6 recipients of PHFs and thanked them for their hard work.
It is obvious to all of us how much Pres Jono's public speaking skills has improved over the course of one year. He said he has learned a lot. Good job, Pres, we are proud of you as our leader.
PP Walter then gave a thank you speech back to Pres Jono for his hard work
and welcomed him back to the same role, but now in the new year.
Mood was fun and joyful for the whole evening.
Kh. Tony and Kh. Michael shared heart warming stories about feeding Burmese workers at various camps. What an incredible job they did. Credits were also given to Kh. Ying whom we hope to meet one of these days.
(PE) Jaspal read jokes and we laughed our a**** off. PP Capt Mark and (PE) Jaspal went back and forth sniping each other only to our entertainment.
PP Capt Mark holds the floor!
PP Walter gave a happy birthday toast to PP OB who could not join us this evening. We miss you PP OB!! Enjoy quality time with your family in Singapore for the time being.
Happy hundreds time.
People gave 100 thb and shared their happiness/announcements/jokes/regards/etc.
Since this is the first meeting in almost 4 months, we haven't seen each other in such a long long time. We kind of let loose and drank quite excessively.
Rtn Dr. Johan invited everyone in the room to his annual birthday party on PP Capt Mark's boat on Saturday 18th of July. Seats are limited due to social distancing guideline, so please RSVP soon.
We then 
moved out to the outdoor area to smoke pipes and drink some more.
Pres Jono bought everyone a round. More jokes were told by PP Richard. More laughs.
What a great night.
We all look forward to meeting again soon.
Party came to an end at closing time.
We toasted to the new Rotary year and said our goodbye...
Thank you PP Best
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The COVID19 has resulted in so much disruption throughout the World.
I would like to think we can still have a sense of humour
My wife won't like it.
While riding my Harley, I swerved to avoid hitting a deer, lost control and landed in a ditch, severely banging my head.
Dazed and confused I crawled out of the ditch to the edge of the road when a shiny new convertible pulled up with a very beautiful woman who asked, "Are you okay?
As I looked up, I noticed she was wearing a low-cut blouse with cleavage to die for...
"I'm okay I think," I replied as I pulled myself up to the side of the car to get a closer look.
She said, "Get in and I'll take you home, so I can clean and bandage that nasty scrape on your head."
"That's nice of you," I answered, "but I don't think my wife will like me doing that!"
"Oh, come now, I'm a nurse," she insisted. "I need to see if you have any more scrapes and then treat them properly."
Well, she was really pretty and very persuasive. Being sort of shaken and weak, I agreed, but repeated, "I'm sure my wife won't like this."
We arrived at her place which was just few miles away and, after a couple of cold beers and the bandaging, I thanked her and said, "I feel a lot better, but I know my wife is going to be really upset so I'd better go now."
Don't be silly!" she said with a smile. "Stay for a while. She won't know anything. By the way, where is she?"
"Still in the ditch, I guess...!"
You Must Wear COVID 19 Protection
Thank you PP Karen - ed
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