ROTARY CLUB OF PATTAYA

Rotary Club of Pattaya Peace Monument

On World Peace Day, Thursday 23 February 2006 at 10:00 the Rotary Club of Pattaya International Peace Monument was officially declared open.

Those present at the Ceremony included General Saiyud Kerdphol, former Governor of Region 335, along with Jin Srikasikorn 2005/2006 District 3340 Governor; Santsak Ngampiches, advisor to the Deputy Minister of the Interior; Verawat Khakhay, Deputy Mayor Of Pattaya City; Boonsueb Ea-Ukara, President Rotary Club of Pattaya; P.P. Niels Colov, Chairman Peace Monument Founding Committee. The four Religions in Pattaya were also represented by Ajarn Sin Chotipanyo, Buddist; Father Lawrence Patin, Christian; Mohammed Khaled Babu, Islam and Satnam Kaur, Sikh.

Many of the members of the Rotary Club of Pattaya also attended.

The monument is located above Pattaya Bay in Queen Sirikit Park on Pratumnak Hill near to the Royal Cliff Beach Resort. This is a wonderful landscaped park offering quiet relaxation areas as well as fantastic views out across the Gulf Of Thailand towards Koh Lan. Many aspects of the varied landscape of Pattaya City can also be seen from here.

The monument stands some 3.8 meters tall, and is made from single piece black marble. It stands on a plinth of black marble. The International Dove of Peace carrying a branch and flying over the World adorns the top with the word “PEACE” engraved in gold below. The Rotary international logo is engraved in gold and blue. All members of the Peace Monument Founding Committee are engraved on the reverse of the monument.

The erection of this International Monument was many years in the planning following the generosity of Pattaya City Council in allowing the use of the land. The erecting of the monument designates Pattaya as a Rotary International Peace City. This is the first such monument in Thailand. The first such monument was officially opened on February 23 1993 in New South Wales, Australia. There are now in excess of 50 Peace Monuments around the world. All are to the same design created by The World Peace Organisation. These monuments promote Peace to all.

During the opening speeches General Saiyud said that this Peace Monument in Pattaya stands as a symbol of Peace but that real Peace has to start from within ourselves. It could then spread throughout the world.

Presient Boonsueb Ea-Ukara said that the objectives of Rotary are to help others more than oneself. These are very similar to peace itself.

After the speeches all the invited dignitaries cut the ribbon to declare the monument officially open.

A ceremony will be held by the Rotary Club of Pattaya at this location on World Peace day 23 February each year.