Toastmasters in Thailand by Christine Duez, ACS, ALB

In early July of 2013, Richard Hoar ACB, ALB, and current Area Governor for Area 53 and Christine Duez, ACS, ALB, and President for Villa Toastmasters visited Bangkok, Thailand.  During their stay there, they visited two Toastmaster Clubs. 

The first was an open club, The Bangkok Toastmaster Club.  They  were warmly greeted by club President, Arun Lipirujatum, ATMB/CL.  Bangkok Toastmasters have a multinational membership using English as their meeting language.  Both Richard and Christine had an opportunity to address the group.  Richard presented information about Area 53 and District 84 while Christine talked about her experiences fulfilling various club roles.

Their second visit was to a new club being coached by Bangkok Toastmasters members.  It was a closed club whose purpose was to help members of the Nakornthon Hospital become more fluent in English.  The President of the club, Sawarut Noppawong Na Ayudhya, CC, was excited to have native English speakers present to offer support, encouragement, and advice.  Richard again presented Area 53 and District 84.  Christine offered a speech on overcoming communication barriers when working between languages.

The entire trip lasted for two weeks.  Both Richard and Christine were excited to see Toastmasters Clubs and took pictures with the Toastmasters Magazine while sightseeing.