online convention

91st Annual

Lions Clubs International Convention

June 23-27, 2008

Lion Michael H. Schwartz experienced his first international convention by traveling to Bangkok as a delegate for the Gastonia Evening Lions Club in District 31-E. The North Carolina Lion kept a journal of his experiences. Read about Thailand, its people, and how the delegates spent their time in this city of eight million people.

New Leadership Elected

Lion Albert Brandel (left photo) of New York was elected as president of the International Association of Lions Clubs. North Carolina's Sid L. Scruggs III (above photos) and Lion Eberhard Wirfs of Germany (above photo) were elected as 2nd vice president and 1st vice president of the international association. Pictured with the leaders are their wives Dr. Maureen Murphy, Lion Judy Scruggs and Lion Margit Wirfs.

Thailand Lions Welcome Foreign Visitors

The Thailand Lions welcomed visitors to Bangkok. They met us at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport upon our arrival, escorted us through the diplomatic entrance avoiding long lines at passport control, carried our luggage and transported us to our hotels. The Thai people made our stay in Bangkok very enjoyable and assisted us wherever and whenever needed. More than 500 buses and vans were used to transport Lions from hotels to the Impact Center, site of the convention. The Ministry of Tourism recruited hundreds to work at the convention site and each of the hotels. Pictured above are some of the welcome committee that met us at the airport and (right photo) two of the tourist workers that were assigned to the Rama Gardens Hotel.

Dinner Cruise

During our first evening in Bangkok, a few of us took a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River. Pictured above is Lion Gwen White, Lion Bob Walton and his wife, Esther Walton. The guy in the orange shirt is "Lucky," one of our very friendly guides. After a fantastic international-flavored meal, some of group danced to music provided by a live band - playing mostly American tunes.

The 91st convention for the International Association of Lions Clubs was held June 23-27 in Bangkok, Thailand. More than 15,000 Lions and guests attended the five-day event with more than 4,800 delegates voting. North Carolina had a large delegation of members in attendance to support Lion Sid L. Scruggs III in his successful bid for international office. The Information Technology Committee, in cooperation with the Public Information & Education Committee, sponsored an on-line convention to keep the Lions back in North Carolina informed. Hundreds of photographs were taken by our members. Below is just a small sample of what the North Carolina Lions experienced in Thailand.

The Grand Palace

One of the tours offered was of the Grand Palace, a large complex in Bangkok. Along with being the ceremonial home of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, also known as Rama IX, there is a temple on the grounds that was home to Buddha, the spiritual leader of millions of Thai people. A small amount of Buddha's ashes, who died more than 2,500 years ago, are entombed in the monument pictured here.

Opening Ceremony

Flanked by representatives of Thailand’s Lions clubs and members of the media, International President Mahendra Amarasuriya cut a flower-laddened ribbon to open the 91st Lions Clubs International Convention at the Impact Center in Bangkok. Prior to the ribbon-cutting, the international president paid respect to the people of Thailand by bowing at a shrine that has been erected at the entrance to the Exhibition Hall.

International Reception

Delegates and Lions from North Carolina attended a reception honoring the newly-elected leadership of Lions International.

International Parade

More than 2,500 Lions marched through downtown Bangkok in the International Parade, aided by hundreds of band members from local high schools. Thousands of Thai people lined the route, cheering on the Lions. The parade took over five hours and involved more than 155 entries.

Prayer Temples

Outside businesses and homes in Thailand, the people have erected prayer temples to protect them against evil and where they can pray for good health and fortune. This temple was located outside the Rama Gardens Hotel.

Transportation

Tuk-tuks are three-wheel taxis that can be found in downtown Bangkok. They are an inexpensive way for locals to travel around the city.

Celebrating His Nomination

Lion Sid & Judy Scruggs III, along with International President Mahendra Amarasuriya, celebrate after the North Carolina Lion is nominated as 1st vice president. The North Carolina delegation and dozens of supporters marched around the convention hall in the Impact Center following his nomination to international office.

Modeling

Lions Sid & Judy Scruggs display the specially-designed aprons that were worn by North Carolina delegates. The design promoted Sid's campaign for international office.

Palace

Guard

A guard at the Grand Palace protects the entrance to the King's home.

Elephant Walk

What would a trip to Thailand be without riding an elephant? A group of NC Lions traveled to Northern Thailand to ride them at a local elephant park. Elephants are no longer allowed in the city of Bangkok because of pollution and heavy traffic. It cost $400 baht for a 30-minute ride. The rides were bumpy but an once-in-a-lifetime adventure.