INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE (Thai-ing the knot of friendship)

A group of Rotarians from Somerset has returned from a trip to Thailand “exhausted” but “enthused and enthralled.”

Around a dozen Thai Rotary Clubs were visited along a two week trip of a thousand kilometres. Each club was keen to provide hospitality and to showcase their areas. Highlights were numerous and included Rotary recovery projects following the Tsunami, a visit to the infamous Burma Railway and bridge over the river Kwai, a Thai massage, fantastic beaches and mountain scenery together with mountains of food.

One of the team members, Taunton Vale Rotarian Kathryn Robinson-Burge, writes: “During our recent Rotary Friendship Exchange to Thailand, I had the opportunity to meet some of the friendliest people I’ve ever encountered. Our exchange visit was their first Rotary Friendship Exchange, and we sensed they wanted to make it truly memorable. We felt incredibly welcomed and embraced by the Thai Rotary members, who were eager to share their culture and stories. They were also keen to introduce us to their local community, making us feel like part of their world. Rotary in Thailand is a very important part of their private, social and business life and it was wonderful to see the impact Rotary has on the local community. We travelled huge distances and saw more of the country than we thought possible in a relatively short time span.

“Throughout the trip, we attended numerous Rotary Club meetings, and what stood out most was the keenness of each club to meet our group and showcase their projects but also to learn about our Clubs and our country. Every club was eager to highlight their local initiatives, whether in education, healthcare, or community development, and it was inspiring to see how dedicated they were to making a positive impact. The exchanges were filled with meaningful conversations, shared meals, and a deep sense of connection that showcased the true spirit of Rotary. It was clear that every club was enthusiastic not only to share their work but also to learn from our experiences."

Rotary International Friendship Exchanges offer Rotarians and their families the opportunity to visit other Rotary clubs around the world and stay with Rotarian hosts. The goal is to promote international understanding, goodwill, and peace by fostering friendships and cultural exchange between Rotarians from different countries. Through RIFE, participants can experience different cultures, traditions and lifestyles first-hand.

Taunton Vale Club will be hosting the returning party of Thai Rotarians in May.