Rotary Club of Pattaya Shines at District 3340 Conference in Korat (March 8-9, 2025)
The Rotary Club of Pattaya proudly participated in the District 3340 Conference held in Korat, Thailand on March 8-9, 2025. This annual district conference gathered Rotarians from across the region to celebrate achievements, share ideas, and plan for the future. Representing our club were PP Niels Colov & Patsanan Colov, PP Boonsueb Ekacara, and PN Tobias Pjedsted, who joined fellow Rotarians in engaging discussions and fellowship throughout the two-day event. The presence of our club at the conference underscored Rotary Club of Pattaya’s active involvement in district activities and commitment to the Rotary mission.
Conference Highlights: Reflecting on the Past and Planning the Future
The conference agenda was full of insightful sessions and reports that reviewed the past year’s accomplishments and set the stage for the upcoming Rotary year. District Governor Sangtiwa Tong-uchang and other district leaders offered reflections on the past year, celebrating successful service projects and milestones achieved by clubs across District 3340. These reflections provided an opportunity to recognize how clubs adapted and served their communities over the last 12 months, even amid challenges. Equally important, attendees discussed future plans and strategic goals, focusing on membership growth, impactful projects, and Rotary’s continuing role in addressing community needs. By sharing lessons learned and outlining upcoming initiatives, the conference ensured that all clubs are aligned and inspired for the road ahead. There was a palpable sense of enthusiasm as Rotarians exchanged ideas on new service opportunities and ways to strengthen their clubs.
One of the key topics was membership development, as maintaining strong and active membership is vital to Rotary’s success. District leaders highlighted effective strategies for member retention and engagement, encouraging clubs to continue fostering an inclusive and vibrant club culture. Another focal point was the Rotary Foundation and how clubs can leverage grants and resources to amplify their humanitarian projects. Overall, the general sessions struck a balance between celebrating achievements and proactively planning improvements, leaving attendees motivated to implement these ideas in their home clubs.
Youth Exchange Program Showcase: Cultural Exchange in Action
At the conference, a highlight of the Youth Exchange program captivated everyone’s attention. The Youth Exchange committee delivered an inspiring report, showcasing 25 inbound youth exchange students currently hosted by District 3340 and enjoying their experience in Thailand. These international students – hailing from various countries and backgrounds – shared heartfelt stories of how living in Thailand has broadened their horizons and created lifelong memories. From learning to speak Thai to participating in local customs, each student’s journey exemplified Rotary’s mission of promoting international understanding and peace through youth exchange.
The presentation underscored how transformative the exchange experience is for both the students and the host communities. The young ambassadors expressed gratitude for the warm Thai hospitality and the opportunities to serve alongside local Interact and Rotaract clubs. Conference attendees were delighted to see the students’ growth and enthusiasm, affirming that the program not only changes the lives of the students but also enriches the Rotary clubs that host them.
Promotion of the 2025 Rotary International Convention in Calgary
Another notable segment of the conference was the enthusiastic promotion of the upcoming Rotary International Convention to be held in Calgary, Canada. District leaders took the stage to encourage members to attend this global event. They highlighted that the 2025 Rotary International Convention is scheduled for 21–25 June 2025 in Calgary, promising an unforgettable experience of learning and fellowship. Attendees watched a brief video and presentation about Calgary, showcasing the city’s attractions and the convention program. The message was clear: the international convention is a unique opportunity to connect with thousands of Rotarians from around the world, exchange ideas, and be inspired by Rotary’s global impact.
The promotion emphasized that the Calgary convention will be an “exhilarating journey of connection and inspiration” for all who attend Highlights of the convention will include world-class speakers, cultural events, and breakout sessions on Rotary’s areas of focus.
Awards and Recognitions for Rotary Club of Pattaya
One of the rewarding moments for our club during the conference was being honored with two significant district awards. The Rotary Club of Pattaya received the “100% Membership Maintenance Award”, a recognition for maintaining our membership numbers without any loss over the past year. This award celebrates clubs that achieve 100% member retention – an accomplishment that reflects our members’ strong commitment and satisfaction
Keeping all members engaged and active, especially in challenging times, is no small feat. Our club leadership’s focus on fellowship, meaningful projects, and member involvement has clearly paid off with this full retention milestone.
In addition, our club earned the “Membership Growth Award” for achieving a net gain in members during the year. This growth award highlights our successful efforts in expanding and diversifying our club’s membership. By welcoming new Rotarians into the Rotary Club of Pattaya family, we not only grew in numbers but also in fresh ideas and energy. District officials commended our club for its vibrant recruitment and mentorship of new members, which is crucial for Rotary’s continuity. Together, these two awards – one for retention and one for growth – show that the Rotary Club of Pattaya is both strong and growing stronger. Our delegation went on stage to receive the trophies on behalf of the club, to the applause of fellow Rotarians from across the district.
Fellowship, Dinner, and Dancing: A Memorable Conclusion
After the productive meetings and formalities, the conference culminated in a memorable Saturday night dinner and celebration. Rotarians traded their business attire for festive clothes as they gathered for an evening of fellowship and fun. The gala dinner featured delicious Thai cuisine, providing a perfect setting for members from different clubs to mingle and strengthen friendships. Laughter and camaraderie filled the banquet hall as stories from the day were exchanged over dinner. It was also a great opportunity for our club members to network with Rotarians from other parts of District 3340, forging new connections and future collaborations.
The night’s entertainment did not disappoint – there was live music, cultural performances, and plenty of dancing. A live band and the DJ played both classic hits and local favorites, enticing many attendees onto the dance floor. Some Rotarians showcased impressive dance moves, while others happily clapped along from the tables. The atmosphere was warm and inclusive, embodying the Rotary spirit of fellowship. There were also a few fun performances put on by Rotaract members, adding youthful energy to the evening. As the night went on, members from various clubs joined together in spontaneous dance circles, proving that Rotary events are as much about enjoyment and friendship as they are about service.
The conference dinner gala was the perfect finale – it allowed everyone to relax and celebrate the successes of the past year in a joyful way. By the end of the evening, new friendships had been formed and existing bonds strengthened, ensuring that every attendee left with fond memories. The Rotary Club of Pattaya delegation certainly cherished this time, reflecting on both the knowledge gained during the conference and the fellowship shared afterwards.
We returned to Pattaya energized and inspired.