ROTARIANS IN THE ROTARY CLUB OF BANGKOK
The Rotary Club of Bangkok insures financial discipline and due diligence by the hands-on ownership and management of projects by Rotarian members. All of your funds donated are allocated directly to the charity projects via our Foundation. There are no Rotary administrative costs. This is possible as Rotarians volunteer their own time and themselves pay a membership fee that covers their Club administrative costs. Promotional costs are supported by our corporate and Rotarian sponsors.
The Rotary Club of Bangkok Foundation of the Rotary Club of Bangkok is a recognized tax-exempt Foundation regulated under Thai law. Your donations are tax deductible in Thailand.
The ideal of Rotary service was initiated by a Chicago lawyer, Paul Harris, in 1905. Over a hundred years later, that ideal has expanded to more than 35,000 Rotary Clubs under the umbrella of Rotary International. These clubs exist around the globe, and worldwide there are more than one million two hundred thousand Rotarians using “acquaintance as an opportunity for service”.
Rotary Clubs function autonomously within their communities. The members of each club elect their own governing Board of Directors for a one-year term. Each Rotarian is a member of the club and each club is a member of Rotary International. Since 1980 professional women have been the fastest growing recruitment segment in Rotary.
Rotarians are people of action. They are leaders from diverse businesses and professions who join hands in service to local and global communities. The ideal of Rotary was first brought to Thailand in 1930 by HRH Prince Purachatra Krom Phra Kamphaengphet who chartered the first Rotary Club in Thailand: The Rotary Club of Bangkok. Rotarians volunteer their time under the motto, “Service Above Self.”
“If I could plant Rotary in every community throughout the world,
I would do it and then I would guarantee the tranquility and forward march of the world.”
Warren G. Harding,
President of the United States of America
The Rotary Club of Bangkok has been serving our communities in Thailand now for 90 years. Our humanitarian work has encompassed literacy to peace building, clean water to disease prevention, vocational education to promoting high ethical standards, and self-sufficiency to preserving planet earth.
Possibly the greatest moment for Rotarians in Thailand came when, on the occasion of Rotary Club of Bangkok’s silver anniversary in 1955, H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej graciously consented to become the Royal Patron of the Rotary movement in Thailand. This Royal gesture was regarded as the highest honor for the Club. Until then, the Rotary Club of Bangkok was the only Rotary Club in Thailand. His Majesty became a catalyst for the spread of the Rotary movement in Thailand when he encouraged the establishment of Thai-speaking clubs so that the benefits of Rotary would be shared with more people.
During the decade 1970-1980 the Rotary Club of Bangkok focused its main humanitarian efforts on the hill tribes, inspired by H.M. King Bhumibol’s vision for the Royal Hill Tribes Projects. His Majesty’s visit to the Club on 27 February 1969 resulted in a highly successful fundraising effort.
On the occasion of the Club’s 60th anniversary, H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn graciously accepted the offer to be the Honorary Member of the Rotary Club of Bangkok. This became another great honor for the Rotary Club of Bangkok. Club members, upon their request, are frequently granted audience by Her Royal Highness to present annual reports and update the activities of the Club including the use of H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Srindhorn Fund established in her honor by the Rotary Club of Bangkok.
“Rotarians are people who have ideals and have shown themselves
to be very fine examples in pursuing human progress and security.”
His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Today, the membership of the Rotary Club of Bangkok comprises 90 women and men of 18 nationalities. Together they reflect the diversity and leadership of the great Bangkok community they live in — representing diverse race, religion, and professions – united in the ideal of service. As part of a worldwide fellowship of Rotarians we are committed to saving and improving lives, promoting high ethical standards, bringing new hope, and with it a better understanding for shared peace and the well-being of our planet.
Members of the Rotary Club of Bangkok meet weekly to strengthen their friendship, initiate new ideas and discuss implementation of service projects. Distinguished guest speakers keep members informed on current news and topics of national and of world interest. Topics of presentations at the weekly meetings include economics, society, health, arts, history, and the environment.