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Japan provides rescue boats for Chiang Mai
Saksit Meesubkwang
Suwat Tantipat, Chiang Mai Governor and Katsuhiro Shinohara, Consul-General
of Japan to Chiang Mai, jointly signed the funding contract for the
rescue-boat project at the governor’s office on July 13. The Japanese
government, under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security
Projects Scheme (GGP) generously provided funds 1.68 million baht towards a
project entitled “Prevention of Natural Disaster in Chiang Mai.”
 Suwat
Tantipat, Chiang Mai Governor and Katsuhiro Shinohara, Consul-General of
Japan to Chiang Mai jointly sign the contract for rescue boats.
In the annual rainy season, usually starting from late May and continuing
until early October, natural disasters in the form of floods caused by
torrential rain, occur regularly in various areas of Chiang Mai. In 2005,
Chiang Mai was severely flooded four times from August until October with
waist-deep floodwater making roads impassable and various residential areas
completely cut off.
When flooding occurs in Chiang Mai, the Chiang Mai provincial governor’s
office supports the victims while cooperating with the Central Government
and related organizations. However, there are usually insufficient boats
with outboard motors that the governor’s office can mobilize for rescue
operations, transportation and the distribution of support goods, which
makes rescue efforts difficult.
In response to the request from the Chiang Mai provincial governor’s office,
the Governor of Japan has donated the cost of four new boats with outboard
motors in order to help remedy this need. It is expected that the new boats
will enable emergency services to carry out effective and efficient rescue
operations in the areas where the roads are cut off by floods.
Chiangmai Expats Club Steps Back in History
Article and Photos by Phillip Johnson
Chiangmai Expats Club (CEC) held its regular meeting at the Chiangmai
Orchid Hotel on Saturday, July 22. Club president, Jim Cox, introduced
ten newly joined members who shared a bit about why they enjoy living in
Thailand. Jim pointed out that this gathering of over 100 members holds
the record as being the most attended meeting since the club’s inception
in September 2005. (The club membership list shows 190 members who hail
from every part of the world.)
 We’re
all about expats helping expats.
David Hardcastle (Hardy), spokesperson for Classic Cars of Lanna, and
also deputy editor for Good Morning Chiangmai NEWS, led off the guest
speaker list by sharing his passion for classic cars and other tidbits
that go along with finding, owning and operating classic cars as a
hobby. David admits that he hasn’t always been so deeply involved in
cars. His work as a journalist for many years helped whet his appetite
for the world of classic cars and the joy and excitement his hobby has
given him.
Classic Cars of Lanna, still in its infancy, has the pledged support of
the 500-member Bangkok based Classic Car Club of Thailand, and the two
clubs recently met at the Chiengmai (old spelling) Gymkhana Club to
solidify their relationship and to celebrate Chiengmai Gymkhana Club’s
108th birthday.
Prior to the meeting, David and other classic car enthusiasts and owners
placed their cars on display in the hotel parking lot for CEC members
and passersby to view, inspect, ooh and ahh! Various cars are placed on
the seller’s block at times if anyone has a yearning to own a part of
history.
David’s meeting presentation included a ‘classic’ slide show of the many
cars the club’s members have restored and which one can occasionally see
negotiating the streets of Chiang Mai and the surrounding provinces.
Just a few of the beauties discussed include the Alfa Romeo, Porsche,
Corvette, VW Karmann Ghia, Austin 12, Land Rover, Mercedes, T-Bird, and
Fiat.
For those persons interested in additional information about the club,
please contact Classic Cars of Lanna, c/o ‘Good Morning Chiangmai NEWS’,
unit 119, 2nd floor, Airport Business Park, Chiang Mai 50100, or send an
email to gmorning @loxinfo.co.th.
Chris Simmonds and Eric Little stopped by to share some of Chiengmai
Gymkhana Club’s history, and to invite CEC members to become members of
this historical, long-standing club.
The club’s first committee meeting was held on September 5, 1898. W. R.
D. Becket, a founding member, (The following is an excerpt from the
Chiengmai Gymkhana Club minutes book) “…proposed that so many residents
of Chieng Mai being together, and it being a favourable opportunity to
discuss the question of the purchase of a piece of land for the use of
Chiang Mai residents with a view to sport of all kinds, an informal
meeting to be held to ascertain the wishes of the gentlemen present.”
Mr. Beckett further addressed the meeting, and “…informed those present
that he was negotiating with the owners of the land near the east bank
of Mae Ping known as the “Baan Muang Khai land” for the purchase of the
land”. “All those present together with Mr. D. G. Anderson and Mr. W.W.
Wood agreed to subscribe the necessary sum of Rs. 2,500. Such a deal!
Remember, the year was 1898.
The slide presentation showed the beautiful landscape and quite old
trees that have been a part of the Chiengmai Gymkhana Club since it’s
beginnings. The club boasts a lovely restaurant and bar, golf course,
driving range, gymnasium, library, tennis and squash courts, and several
indoor games and activities.
You can contact the Chiengmai Gymkhana Club at 349 Chiang Mai - Lamphun
Road, Chiang Mai 50000. Phone: 053-241 035 or 053 247 352.
EmailAddresses: gym khanagolf@hotmail.com gym khanagolf@yahoo.com
www.chiengmaigymkhana.com
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