Past Rotary International Treasurer Brian Knowles AM and Nancy

Report from Brian on District 3350 Conference.

Nancy and I were privileged to be asked by RI President John Kenny to represent him and his wife June at the District Conference of District 3350, in Pattaya, Thailand on March 20/21 2010. Whilst we have carried out similar roles at 4 other Asian countries over the years, this was our first exposure to Rotary in Thailand. It was an experience we both enjoyed tremendously. The Thai Rotarians are a most hospitable group and we were well cared for during our time in Pattaya. The District is home to Past RI President Bhichai Rattakul but, unfortunately, Bhichai had a commitment to another of the Thai Districts that weekend and we did not have the chance to meet with him. Bhichai was President at the time of the 2003 Convention in Brisbane and I had the opportunity of serving as his Chief Sergeant at Arms.

DGE Suchada served as our aide for the Conference, which included an early start on the Friday before the Conference began when she met us at Bangkok Airport before 6am and transported us with her driver to the Conference Hotel, the Centara Resort. This is a relatively new hotel, reputedly on 20 acres of ground. The grounds are dotted with a range of swimming pools and restaurants and it is on the shores of the Gulf.

The Conference was attended by approximately 600 Rotarians and guests, and was a happy event, very much in keeping with the general attitude of the Thai people – certainly of those attending the Conference. The Conference, which had great Rotary content, began at 9am on the Saturday and finished at 12.30pm on the Sunday. It featured a visiting GSE team from Hawaii District 5000 as well as the recently returned District 3350 team. The current Governor of District 5000 was also a guest at the Conference. The District is an extremely active one as demonstrated by many of the reports on various District activities. The Saturday night function, staged as a beach party was a great night - good fellowship and some wonderful entertainment. All in all it was a great experience for us both and the Conference certainly ranks highly amongst the many we have had the opportunity to attend.

On the Monday following the conclusion of the Conference, we moved to another hotel in Pattaya, only about 200 metres away for 4 days of relaxation. This Hotel, the Pullman, would be one of the best we have enjoyed, particularly the attitude of staff in all parts of the Hotel. We had a wonderful 4 days. On the Friday we were scheduled to go back to the Airport Hotel in Bangkok, for an early Saturday departure. Whilst DGE Suchada’s task as aide officially concluded at the end of the Conference, she insisted in sending her driver to provide the transport – a trip of about 75 minutes. In addition the leadership of the District, DG Chairat, DGE Suchada as well as her 2 DGN successors came to the Novotel Airport Hotel for dinner in a magnificent Chinese restaurant. It was wonderful to see the spirit of cooperation between this leadership group. It augurs well for the District.