No. 3224 / 15 June 2007
President: Nart Liuchareon Immediate Past President: Suchart Mahantakhun President-Elect: Graham Brain Vice President: Peter Formhals Vice President: James Fowler Secretary: Ian Fenwick Treasurer: Adrian Topham Club Service Director: Tim Cornwall Vocational Service Director: Henry Kosim Community Service Director: Robert Brown Fund Raising Director: Mark Marshall International Service Director: Rui Belo Sergeant-at-Arms: Ron Livingston
TODAY’S PROGRAM: Tammy Duckworth – Women In Politics NEXT WEEK’S PROGRAM: No Friday Meeting due to Installation Dinner Ball on 23 June.
O
Children of the Forest
miracles, but instead aims to give the children the educational assets needed to integrate into Thai society. However, the project itself must overcome its own set of challenges, mainly those involving finances and management. The budget is tight, as evidenced by a daily lunch allowance for each child of only five baht. Operational costs for the school runs to about 135,000 baht monthly, but add in the dormitory, outreach program, and other expenses, and the total outlay can jump up to 400,000 baht. To help cover the cost, the project has pursued fishery and mushroom cultivation, selling the products to the local market. Still, the principal source of funding comes from donations. Apparently, the project’s website has attracted much of this financial aid, mainly from the UK, but sustainability seems to be constantly precarious. Aside from money, another concern surrounding the project is its ability to eventually send its students out into the world. Attempts to reunite the children with families take place, but this is frequently impossible. Consequently, the school compound has become home for many students. As Rotarian Frank Crocker pointed out, while sheltering 250 students might be manageable
n Friday, Bob Kennett, who founded St. George’s International School, visited Bangkok South largely to speak in behalf of Daniel Hopson, who has set up a communal project, the Children of the Forest, to provide education and shelter to mostly ethnic minority children residing in western Thailand’s Sangkhla Buri district. Many of the young students are effectively refugees from Myanmar, where ethnic strife, particular involving the Karen, has fueled one of the world’s longest running insurgencies. Yet, even the students born in Thailand face their share of beleaguering obstacles, as bureaucratic neglect has failed to officially bestow them proper citizenship. Unfortunately, the problems afflicting western Thailand are not remotely unique to this world, but Hopson’s response as to why he chose to operate in Sangkhla Buri was simple enough, “it was really necessary.” The approach realistically recognizes certain insurmountable limits and that one person’s effort to effect significant change has to start somewhere. As such, the Children of the Forest Project works with roughly 250 children, of whom many are orphans or without father. Many of the kids do not even speak Thai, making language lessons a curricular priority. The project does not promise
Bob Kennett
now, failure to incorporate them into broader Thai society could render the project an undesirable refugee camp. Kennett agreed that the ultimate goal is to have the students lead a gainfully employed life independent of the camp. Whether the project will succeed at this remains somewhat uncertain, but the school’s commendable endeavor has undoubtedly given hope and potential opportunity to many children who previously had none. Editor’s Note: For information go to www.childrenoftheforest.com Article by Rtn Stephen Jones
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FACES TO REMEMBER
15 June 2007
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June 8, 2007 Hmmm... Rtn Michael Schultz and PP Wanit together...looks familiar....
August 22, 2003 Ah yes...the more things change, the more they stay the same...
Rtn Henry, Ian Webb (from Baker Tilly) and Rtn Adrian look very dignified for the camera while Rtn Tom (left) keeps on an eye on the shenanigans of his Lopburi mates.
Rtn Jim Fowler, Prasert, and soon-to-be IPP Nart discuss the joys of being a PP and a PVP.
“Drink goes to the guy on the right, money to the guy on the left” ...PP Narinder making sure Rtn Frank and PP Don get what they want...Rtns Prasert and Lalit seem to think he got it right...
Photos by Rtn Warapot (Ding) Vayhayee
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15 June 2007
Tim’s Take
uI tried my absolute best today. I arrived later than I have all year, kept to the corners and shadows of the room, avoided Dean at all costs, used the washroom twice, and sat far over to one edge of the room, all to no avail. Meeting Notes here I come... uBusy grip and grin today, with our new photographer in house. I heard he suffers from acrophobia, which is why he did not want to take off his parachute. Quite amusing watching him take pictures, Rtn John Quarmby would have referred to him as Quasimodo by now, but as a fellow parachute wearing individual, I can identify with the need to have that comforting weight pressing against wet backbones when entering new and un-chartered territories filled with ‘Fine Gentlemen.’ uFriday afternoon, no notes in hand... hmmm what do I remember about the meeting. uMet Rtn Volker Betsch, Peter Upperton on the train and had a race to Pan Pacific with Rtn Krairit. He got off at Asoke and took the subway, while we stayed above ground and took the BTS. We arrived at the hotel at almost the same time... Not sure what it proves, but as someone who, after 15 years of traveling on trains in Tokyo prefers to stay above ground even at the cost of a few extra minutes travel time, it was good to know there is little benefit in hunkering down three flights of stairs, into a subway, up three flights, up and over Silom and slide into the meeting at the same time as the non-moles group who prefer to soar above the city. u Bumped into Rtn Gary White coming to the meeting with his lady friend, Robin or Robyn, from Sydney. They make a good couple, and I would imagine that the bottle of red wine he won, but she now has, will be put to good use over the course of her stay in the land of smiles... uThe Interactors from Bangkok Christian College came in. Smart guys, they even made it into a date... bringing along two young ladies... A good group of young people, they actually listened to most of the day’s presentation, although I doubt if some of the more subtle, indirect comments about certain aspects of our host country’s immigration rules and regulations were noticed. uRtn Mark Butters discussed the Installation Ball, now only 15 days away. Seems the numbers will be up and the hotel packed overnight with rowdy Rotarians... Will this be the year that forces Rtn Kurt to rethink his Installation Ball Special? Looking back on some of the stories he told us years ago, I doubt it.
Master of the Ball Mark
uHowever, it should make for an interesting weekend. I know I plan to check in early, lounge around the pool, charge drinks to P Grahams room, figuring he will never know, and generally chill out.
uOur newest Rotarian Nick Pisalyaput will have to think of a kind moniker, or perhaps it will be come clear in time, but for now it will have to be, The Young Whippersnapper –just 33 and already a Rotarian!
Lucky Gary giving the lady the prize...
uSome old faces were back after varying lengths of abstinence. Rtn Bob Hull was over from his new posting. I could say more, but suffice to say that he is now in charge of something for someone. Rtn Frank Crocker was back. Not sure why he always goes away for six weeks to get a haircut - might be a story in that. Seems as though there was some kind of accident at Frank’s place while he was away, as according to P Nart, his shirt seemed to have shrunk during his absence.
Rtn Nick Pisalyaput
u Would imagine Rtn Ian has already factored in his age and will regale the Board on Monday as per the clubs increased number and slightly reduced average age...
u I would imagine there will be a number of Rotarians, the ones with some foresight, who might even try on the tuxedo this weekend, just in case it too has shrunk since Paul Harris or last June. Women have it so easy... just go out and buy a new dress. National costume would be fine, but I am not sure if blue jeans, t-shirt and a baseball hat, the Canadian National costume, would be appropriate.
The shirt...
The proud sponsor
uOnly one meeting left this year... Should be fun... then installation dinner, and then PE Graham becomes P Brain... Not sure how that will go over this year...
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Meeting Notes by Rtn Tim Cornwall
Members’ Bulletin Board
15 June 2007
News from the Bald [Board?!] for June.
T
he Board meeting on June 11, being the last for the current Board was notable for it’s almost total lack of boredom. In a convincing display of Peter’s Principle (which you remember is that we all rise to our level of incompetence...if you’re good at your job you get a promotion, until you find a job you’re not good at), the current Board showed that over the last year they have become more concise, more resolute, and older but, alas, little wiser. Eight Board members managed to make it to the final Board meeting. Five others were detained variously in foreign climes, or simply by memory failure brought on by taekwando and creeping senility. P Nart, who exuded a sense of relief for the entire meeting, suggested that VP Jim publish the dates of upcoming Rotary Club Installations in SouthWind. Please take a moment to review the list, and try to attend, if only to keep PE Graham company. P Nart reported that Rtn Holger Michael had now joined RC Berlin and extends an invitation to any RCBS member who is in Germany to join him at RC Berlin. With understanding and regret the Board accepted the resignations of Rtn Theera Ratanapinyawong—who has retired to ChiangMai—and Rtn Bill Hammerton— who wishes to take a sabbatical next year. The bald heard with bated breath that the President’s Citation and Governor Salute will be on July 1st. PE Graham agreed to attempt to attend, but may not be back from the Children of the Forest visit. I hope he doesn’t arrive late and miss the good bits. PE Graham pointed out that there are quite a few potential members awaiting Information Committee approval, and possible electrocution. The few low attending members who had yet to mend their ways, were placed in the tender care of Incoming PE Robert. VP Jim, wide-awake as always, spoke with characteristic brevity and articulation. He noted that some members wished to change their classifications. This was approved in principle subject to the agreement of PP Thira, as Classification Chair. VP Jim (alert as ever...or to use the preferred Thai Police spelling—look at any banned website—aleart as ever) noted that some members are using Bangkok-South.com email addresses. As we are now changing to the more descriptive BangkokSouth. org domain these email addresses must change. Secretary Ian agreed to work with VP Jim on this. Secretary Ian, with his usual shining wit, reported that membership and attendance were slightly up on same time last year. This could be attributed to the excellence of RCBS secretarial services. Adrian, the Treasure, noted that for once NOTHING (financially) was owing to the Club! Club Servicer (and Thai-Canadian Chamber Top Professional Servicer of 2006-7), Dr Tim, reported in absentia (and he wasn’t even there to do it so Ian did it) that 17 people attended the Tawandaeng Fellowship Event, and a great time was all by had. Vocational Henry, always a model of clarity and logic, requested funds for two projects for Goodwill Group. Goodwill Group is a private Thai non-profit foundation. It offers free classes, vocational training and job placement services to disadvantaged women in Bangkok. Our very own Rtn Kurt Heck serves in an unpaid, voluntary capacity as a Board Member and acting MD of this organization. The first project was the purchase of a video-camera to allow trainees to record mock interviews and classes. The second project was for the purchase of first aid and CPR training materials—including a mannequin—to assist in first aid and CPR training. Whether the mannequin was inflatable or not was unclear, as also was the relationship of the mannequin to the video-camera! In any event the Board considered this an excellent use of funds and approved both projects. (Any members wishing to utilize the mannequin should contact Vocational Henry). C o m mu n i t y S e r v i c e r I P E Ro b e r t submitted a proposal to purchase ROHO cushions for wheelchair-bound students at Redemptorist Vocational School, Pattaya. These special cushions alleviate pressure sore problems for the students. It was pointed out that when students leave the school, having made an impression, they
usually take the cushions with them. Hence there is need each year for replacements. The bald approved. Fund Raiser Mark, unfortunately detained in Canada, reported via Secretary Ian (who was ee-an with being a mouthpiece for the drivel of others), noting that we had had an exceptional fund raising year. Nicholas for Charity set an all time record t raising over 300,000 baht. Coins on Silom set an all time record raising almost 1.8 million baht. Corporate Sponsorship was over 1 million baht. Golf and other events raised an additional 575,000 baht, for a grand total of over 3.7 million. Other funds raised and matching grants brought our total net funds raised to over 6.1 million baht - a remarkable result given the depressed and uncertain economy. Rtn Mark particularly thanked PP Niti (Nicholas for Charity), IPE Robert and his team (Coins on Silom), and Rtn Gary White (shadow Treasurer, Secretary, raconteur, wit, diplomat and man-abouttown). IPE Robert thanked Rtn Mark; P Nart thanked IPE Robert and Rtn Mark; PE Graham thanked IPE Robert, Rtn Mark, and P Nart; Adrian the Treasure thanked everyone who hadn’t yet been thanked. And PP Suchart thanked god that all this was a year behind him. Next meeting of this Board? NEVER AGAIN.
Board Meeting Notes by Rtn Ian Fenwick
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Nart Liuchareon President 2006-2007
Your time as our president is almost done. You have been a true professional both in your leadership and in your dedication to the club and its members. As our “Captain”, you have kept our ship on an even keel, even when things threatened to get out of hand. We are confident that as a Past President, you will continue to be a “steady hand” of experience for our future leaders and members.
Thank you for your service and commitment to The Rotary Club of Bangkok South.
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M anila Trip
Just a friendly reminder about our trip to Manila!
15 June 2007
Reminder
I just want to remind everyone about our trip to Manila to join our sister club, The Rotary Club of Makati, for their Installation Dinner. The dinner will be held on Monday night, 13 August 2007 and our trip will last for 4 days and 3 nights, from Saturday 11 August until Tuesday 14 August. Total cost is approximately 30,000 Baht for double occupancy and 38,000 Baht for single. This does not include additional surcharges on fuel tax. You will also have an option to go along with the tour or you can be on your own. Contact me if you’d like to join us.
It’s shaping up to be a great trip!
YIR, Ken Hoon
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CALENDAR OF CLUB EVENTS
15 June 2007
Calendar of Club Events
15 June 2007 (Friday): Tammy Duckworth – Women In Politics (LADIES DAY) 22 June 2007 (Friday): Cancelled due to Installation Dinner Ball on 23 June. 23 June 2007 (Saturday): Installation Dinner Ball “Rhapsody” at the Oriental Hotel. 18:00, Black Tie. Tickets available from Khun Prakai (02-632-9160) 29 June 2007 (Friday): Bertil Lintner – Organized Crime as a Business 30 June – 1 July 2007 (Saturday-Sunday) PE Robert Brown and Bob Kennett are hosting an expedition to visit the “Children of the Forest” in Sangkhlaburi to consider how RCBS can help with the project. Our group will depart on Saturday morning and return Sunday afternoon. Interested Rotarians may obtain more information from Robert at 089-664-4321. 6 July 2007 (Friday): Sen Mechai Viravaidya - Privatizing Poverty Thru Village Development 13 July 2007 (Friday): President Graham Brain – RCBS - OZZIE Style. 20 July 2007 (Friday): John Birt – Life in the Gurkhas 27 July 2007 (Friday): David Armstrong – Media Censorship 27-30 July 2007(Fri-Mon): CDWS Inauguration trip to Sukkhothai, Uttaradit and Nan. To participate, please contact Rtn Wolfgang at wolfmin@tttmaxnet.com. 3 August 2007 (Friday): Classification Interviews 10 August 2007 (Friday): RCBS 46th Birthday Party (Note: This week’s special venue is the Oriental Hotel.) (Lee Shamrock will entertain.) 11 to 14 August 2007: Three Night Trip to Manila (Philipinnes). Organized by our International Affairs Committee, the group will represent RCBS at our sister club’s installation dinner ball. See details on page 6 of this newsletter. 17 August 2007 (Friday): Richard Cromwell – Fortunes Won and Lost 24 August 2007 (Friday): David Lyman – Lifting the Rug 31 August 2007 (Friday): Sally Vorowan – Expat Life 7 September 2007 (Friday): David Bell – Managing Stress 14 September 2007 (Friday): Rodney Bain – Quiz Day 21 September 2007 (Friday): District Governor’s Annual Visit
South Mouth “What A Wonderful Husband”
Several men are in the locker room of a golf club. A cell phone on a bench rings and a man engages the hands-free speaker- function and begins to talk. Everyone else in the room stops to listen. MAN: “Hello” WOMAN: “Honey, it’s me. Are you at the club?” MAN: “Yes” WOMAN: “I’m at the mall now and found this beautiful leather coat. It’s only $1,000. Is it OK if I buy it?” MAN: “Sure, go ahead if you like it that much.” WOMAN: “I also stopped by the Mercedes dealership and saw the new 2007 models. I saw one I really liked.” MAN: “How much?” WOMAN: “$65,000.” MAN: “OK, but for that price I want it with all the options.” WOMAN: “Great! Oh, and one more thing ...... The house we wanted last year is back on the market. They’re asking 950,000.” MAN: “Well, then go ahead and give them an offer, but just offer $900,000.” WOMAN: “OK. I’ll see you later! I love you!” MAN: “Bye, I love you, too.” The man hangs up. The other men in the locker room are looking at him in astonishment. Then he smiles and asks: “Anyone know whose phone this is?”
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THE BACK OF THE BOOK
15 June 2007
Khun Prakai’s Club Almanac
No. 3224 15 June, 2007 Happy Birthday: Rtn. Tom Brown (14 June) PP. Niti Meyer (14 June) Rtn. Robert Hull (14 June) Rtn. Gary White (16 June) Khun Prakai PP. Maarten Worp (19 June) PP. Chatri Chiarapurk (21 June) Wedding Anniversary Greetings: PE. Graham Brain (19 June) Rtn. Wolfgang Minderjahn (20 June) Attendance for 8 June, 2007: 75.53 % Present 68, Make up 3, Absent 23, Leave 8, Exemption 20 Total 122 New Member: Nick Pisalyaput Rotarians Visiting on 8 June, 2007 Bangkok Ngamwongwan: President Pravitr Yoteepitaks. Interactors from BCC: Nuttawee Temsomboon, Tachvit Lowhasukasame. From Abroad: Karl Heckhausen (Ravensburg, Germany) Schuelen Juergery (Luebeck Burgtor, Germany) Georg Wallker (Zaventem, Belgium) Invited Guests: Introduced By Dean Outerson Jim Fowler Worawat Graham Brain Dana Caron Graham Brain Bruce Blain Junior Shaw Joop van Delden Graham Brain David Wright Gary White Morten Porsila Ron Livingston Sune Dolmark Leo Alexandersen Robyn Wiggins Gary White Carol Kuhn Tom Banker James Bradley Tom Banker Recent Make-up: Peter Brongers Shanghai: 8/5/07, 15/5/07, 22/507. Pranarai Lopburi Installation, 7/6/07: PE Graham Brain, Tom Brown, Junior Shaw, PP Don Lavoie, Michael Schulz, Jim Fowler, PDG Praphan Hutasingh, P Nart Liuchareon, Andrew MacPherson. Make-up Credit: Board of Directors Meeting, 11/6/07: P Nart Liuchareon, PE Graham Brain, Jim Fowler, Ian Fenwick, Adrian Topham, Henry Kosim, Robert Brown, PP Suchart Mahantakhun.
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IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS
THE PAST AND THE FUTURE...
The end of another Rotary year is a time for reflection, but it is also a time to look ahead. As Bangkok South’s weekly newsletter, South Wind is a way for club members to reach out to other members, to family and friends and to members of our community. It is a chance to let people know what we are doing and an opportunity to promote the club in Thailand and abroad. If you have some ideas about how to better communicate with each other and the outside world, let us know. If you have an article, a picture or an op-ed piece that you’d like to submit, or even just an idea for an article, contact Dean Outerson at 0814068759 or dean@veritasgraphics.com or Jim Fowler at 0818447015 and jim@veritasgraphics.com.
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