Kajit Habanananda appointed World President of Lions International

August 23, 1998 by Michael Swart
Filed under Events

Becomes first Thai citizen to be so honored

On August 23, 1998, the Lions Clubs in District 310 C held a reception at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort called “The Night of Lions Pride 310 C”. The party was held to celebrate Capt. Kajit Habanananda’s appointment to his position as the new International President of Lions International. The party was also to congratulate all Presidents of all Lions Clubs in District 310 C, comprising of 58 Clubs. Capt. Kajit took up the position of the 81st President of Lions Club International for 1998-1999. This makes him the first Thai national to achieve such a great honour.

Capt. Kajit Habanananda, 81st President of Lions International.

The Lion’s Club is one of the largest service organizations in the world with more than 1.5 million members in 185 countries.

President Kajit said, “During my tenure, I think there will be a lot of changes for the better. I hope members both in Thailand and other countries will give significance to persons who are elected Presidents of the various clubs, and look for quality in selecting members into the Lion’s Clubs rather than quantity.” He continued to say that “the ‘Amazing Thailand 1998-99’ is another important duty which we agreed to help promote with Seri Wangphaijit, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. When I have the opportunity to travel I will urge foreigners to come to Thailand in large numbers and bring in a lot of foreign currency to spend in Thailand. We will help promote in various foreign markets especially Scandinavia and Russia who have the potential to help the economy in this time of great crisis in Thailand. But we must have good presentations and proper methods in achieving this goal.”

Capt. Kajit spoke of his audience with His Majesty the King before he went to officially receive his title as President of the Lion’s Club.

He said His Majesty the King charged him to take an active involvement in the education for young people.

His Majesty said, “Don’t neglect this duty. We need your help.”

“As this is the wish of His Majesty, it means that I must devote my whole time to it. This must take importance above all other things in the year of His Majesty’s 72nd birthday. The Lions Clubs has in the last 25 years given great significance to this project. We hope that all the Lion’s Clubs will be able to donate money from their charity projects and present it to His Majesty the King personally, to be put to use in his various royal charities,” Capt. Kajit concluded.

Original article by Pattaya Mail