Rotary members have been addressing challenges around the world for 116 years.

Rotary links 1.2 million members to form an organization of international scope. It started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on 23 February 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas, form meaningful, lifelong friendships, and give back to their communities.

Rotary’s name came from the group’s early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of its members.

"Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves."


Rotary founder

 

Rotary Club of Patong Beach

Chartered 5th  September 2001
 
The Rotary Club of Patong Beach is the brainchild of one of Phuket’s foremost businessmen, Paiboon Upatising. As Phuket’s first-ever directly elected Senator, Mr. Paiboon wanted to establish a forum where people from the foreign business community could meet with Thai government officials to exchange views and improve mutual understanding. As a long-time Rotarian, Senator Paiboon decided that founding a new, English speaking Rotary Club would be the best way of achieving this goal. Being part of Rotary would also allow Phuket’s foreign business people to show their long-term commitment to the island by becoming involved with community service and charity.
 
As such, on 9th  January 2001, the Senator invited a selected group of foreign business people to attend a meeting at the Aloha Villa Hotel. During the meeting, it was decided to form the Rotary Club of Patong Beach with the aim of fostering Goodwill and Understanding between Thai officials and the foreign business community.
Our charter members on the occasion of our first District governor's visit.
 
The last 20 years were vibrant and the club and its ability to serve the community came to a test on December 26th when Phuket was hit by the big Tsunami. This devastating event was the ignition for our club to run not only small but quite substantial projects, connecting with other international Rotary Clubs, applying for matching grants. All these projects also came along with great fellowship.
As Phuket is an internationally top holiday destination and being the only English-speaking Rotary club on the island, hundreds of visiting Rotarians attended our club meetings. Many of these visits lead to join projects and some to even everlasting friendships.
 
The Rotary Club of Phuket is also the mother club of 3 Rotary Clubs; RC of Laguna Phuket (already abolished), the RC of Samui Phangan, and the RC
The President's of the Rotary Club of Patong Beach
 
2001
Paiboon Upatising †
2013
Denis Carpenter
2002
Jeroen Deknatel
2014
Brad Kenny †
2003
Neil Cumming
2015
Walter Wyler
2004
Sam Fauma
2016
Richard Jones
2005
Arnaud Verstraete
2017
Andy Becker
2006
David Arell
2018
Karin Eidsvik-Moody
2007
Otho Beale Wetzell
2019
Jonathan Russell
2008
Michael Massey
2020
Jonathan Russell
2009
“Woody” Leonhard
2021
Dieter Dratwa
2010
Mark Pendlebury
2022
“Best Wanamakok
2011
“Best Wanamakok
2023
Walter Wyler
2012 Larry Amsden † 2024 Cabbie Rein

  Our ongoing commitment

Rotary members have not only been present for major events in history — we’ve also been a part of them. Three key traits have remained strong throughout our history:

We’re truly international. Only 16 years after being founded, Rotary had clubs on six continents. Today, members in nearly every country work to solve some of our world’s most challenging problems.

We persevere in tough times. During World War II, Rotary clubs in Austria, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain were forced to disband. Despite the risks, many continued to meet informally, and after the war, Rotary members came together to rebuild their clubs and their countries.

We’re committed to service, and we’re not afraid to dream big and set bold goals. We began our fight against polio in 1979 with a project to immunize 6 million children in the Philippines. Today, polio remains endemic in only three countries — down from 125 in 1988.

 

Paul Harris Fellow

The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation.
 
 
 
Larry
Amsden †
 
David
Arell
 
Andy
Becker
 
Denis
Carpenter
  Alastair Carthew
  Pascal De Corte
 
Karen
Eidsvik-Moody
 
Gary
Eidsvik-Moody †
 
Sam
Fauma
 
Brad
Kenny †
 
Andrew
Molnar
 
Stewart
Petersen
 
Jonathan
Russel
 
Dr. Johan
Storck
 
Arnaud
Verstraete †
 
Best
Wanamakok
 
O.B.
Wetzell
 
Walter
Wyler
 
 
 
 

Arch Klumph Society

Named after the sixth president of Rotary, the Arch Klumph Society recognizes The Rotary Foundation's highest tier of donors — those who have contributed $250,000 or more during their lifetime.
 
The Rotary Club of Patong Beach and District 3330 is proud having with
 
PP Arnaud Verstraete †
 
the 1st in District 3330 & the 1st in Thailand, Arch C. Klumph Society Member, Trustees Circle, Chair’s Circle & Foundation Circle
 
 

Rotary will continue to grow and help others around the world.