September 2012 Meeting Report

1. Tom Dahlquist opened the meeting at 14.00 hours.

2. Secretary was Joop van Spaandonk

3. This time there were no visitors.

4. Lars Bunner is back after about 1 year and Herman Broeckx after about 4 month. Welcome back gentlemen.

5. All Attendees approved the minutes of the meeting on August 26 without any remarks/corrections.

6. Workgroups / Committee Reports

Constitution Committee:

Egil informed that the new Constitution was almost ready.

He will make a pre-presentation for the Administration Committee (AC) soon.

After that, at the October 28 member meeting he will distribute a hard copy and give a short presentation.

The members may acknowledge the Constitution and forward their suggestions until the November meeting.

At the November meeting, Egil will react to the suggestions and remarks received. After an update, the acceptance of the new Constitution may take place.

IT-Committee:

Dirk Haster informed that, due to his relocation and private obligations, he had to resign as the webmaster.

He handed, in cooperation with the Web-group, his duties over to Nick Schoots.

The attendees, Tom and under applause, thanked Dirk for his contribution to the Website and welcomed Nick.

Nick will arrange for a Web-group meeting a.s.a.p. to discuss the modernization of the Website.

The Treasurer:

Herman Broeckx has returned. Jan and Ecki, who took care of his tasks during his absence, have not yet handed files and documentation over to Herman.

That will be done next week. A full report will be presented at the next meeting.

New Membership Cards are to be made because our main sponsor’s name has changed into Bangkok Hospital.

Activities:

Jan informed that he, with the help of Jake, would resume arranging for the Club’s visit to the control tower at the airport.

As soon as more information is available, members will be informed.

Every Saturday, except Buddha days, there are Horse races. For those who would like to attend, please inform Tom.

Meeting between 11.30 and 12.00 hrs. at the Seven Eleven at the PTT gas station at the road from Udon to Ban Chiang approximately 600 meters from the old Big C.

The football (soccer) season is over. As soon as next competition starts, we will inform.

Please be reminded that there is a weekly Wednesday brunch at the Bookhouse coffee shop & restaurant at Nong Sim Public Park (Udon map ref 06).

Starting time 10 A.M.

Polo shirts with the Club’s logo are available for purchase from Herman and Tom.

There must be more advertising for those shirts. Many members, sponsors, spouses, children and??? do not have one yet. That must change.

8. Today’s Speaker:

Mr John Thavon (International Marketing Executive) of the Bangkok Hospital Udon expressed

that the Hospital were happy to welcome us and to have us conducting our meetings on their premises.

As of now until mid-October, there is a promotion program for a check-up under the motto “Good Health Good Day”.

A brochure has been distributed to all attendees. The promotion implies that you pay for one person (your wife) and have the second person (yourself) free.

He was also happy to let us know that the renovation program for over 100 million Baht is in full motion.

There will be “resident” doctors of all disciplines, cardiology being a priority.

The objective is to set up the best and 24 hrs. available heart centre in this area, providing open-heart surgery as well.

Every Monday and Tuesday from 11.00 until 17.00, a cardiologist will be present for consultancy.

There will be an improved and 24 hrs. emergency service.

Emergency calls, 1719 and (042) 343 444 can be answered in English.

The Emergency room will be fully equipped with modern up to date material.

Among others, the most up-to-date body-scan-equipment will be installed.

There are ambulances on stand-by with paramedic, doctor, nurse and fully equipped.

The Grand Opening will be on 12-12-2012 and we are all invited.

It is recommended to register yourselves at the hospital soon and let them have your medical records.

That will save valuable time at an emergency check in. The policy is “First save life and then ask for money”. Credit cards are accepted.

If you have any questions about the hospital, please inform Mr Thavon or us at least 1 week in advance of the next meeting.

At the next member’s meeting, he or his staff will be present to answer your questions.

9. Coffee break.

10. Open forum:

Dr. Bernard explained about the health check-up promotion program.

His advice: Do not wait to see a doctor until you are not well. However, have regular checks.

Moreover, in case you are not well,explain to the doctor as precisely as you can what you feel.

Do not just say I am not well and let the doctor try to find out what you have. He might not be able to do that.

We were reminded that those who have a “Yellow Taabien” may register at the General Hospital or

the Military Hospital and then will receive the same medical treatment as a Thai national. In addition,

for a reasonable additional payment we may have an upgraded room and service.

In this context it was mentioned that you might encounter long waiting hours. However, the medical treatment and equipment is up to standards.

It is advised to take a personal (Third-party) risk insurance for the possibility that, for example;

workers in or at your house have an accident, you or your family members cause damage to somebody’s property and so on.

11. Group tours

Al Wilson suggested in last meeting forming an “Expat Travel Group”.

Although there seemed to be many members interested, he did not yet get any reaction.

If you are still interested, let him ([email protected]) or our PR-committee know.

12. The meeting was closed by Tom at 16.00 hrs. He thanked everybody for coming and looks forward to see all members and visitors at the next meeting.

Unless otherwise informed, the next meeting will be in the conference room on the 4th floor of the Bangkok Hospital Udon.

The Secretary of the Udon Expat Club,

2012- September- 30,

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J.J. van Spaandonk.

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