On Friday 27th May 2006 the 5 Rotary Clubs in Pattaya held an Inter-City meeting at the Town in Town Hotel, Pattaya. The guest of honor at this meeting was the Rotary International President, Carl-Wilhelm Stenhammar.
The meeting was packed with over 200 Rotarians from the Pattaya area as well as further other places in Thailand. There were even visiting Rotarians from Japan.
One of the MC’s for the evening was Past President & District Governor Elect, Pratheep (Peter) Malhortha. He introduced the RI President to the meeting.
The Mayor of Pattaya, Niran Wattanasartsathorn presented President Stenhammar with the key to the City of Pattaya. In return the President presented a special Rotary International tie.
The R.I. President spoke from the heart about Rotary and about developing membership. Saying that whilst in some countries there were an increasing number of Rotary members but in others the numbers were falling and causing concern. One of those countries was Japan where it was suspected that member numbers were falling because Companies, who had traditionally paid members subscriptions, were now stopping paying these fees due to cutbacks.
He went on to say that he felt that there should be more women in Rotary as there are now many more women holding important positions around the world. He would also like to see more young people in Rotary as they are the way that Rotary will continue to grow and they play a very important role in the community.
Later in the meeting the RI President presented awards to various club members. He also presented Rotary pins to several new members from local clubs.
The visit of the worldwide President of Rotary International to Thailand and Pattaya in particular was a very memorable event and a great honour for the members of the various Rotary Clubs of Pattaya.
