Happy Songkran!

สุขสันต์วันสงกรานต์

The word “Songkran” comes from the Sanskrit word Sangkranti which refers to the movement of the sun and planets from one zodiac sign to another. Songkran in Thai thus refers to sun’s movement into the sign of Aries, signifying the start of a new year (i.e. new solar cycle). According to Brahmin priests, the movement of the sun from Pisces to Aries during Songkran is an auspicious time to make new beginnings and set new goals.

The traditional New Year’s Day in Thailand, celebrated since ancient times, is known as “Songkran Day”. Songkran activities vary among the Thai people, and include going to the temple to make merit and honor deceased family members, pouring water over Buddha statues, building sand pagodas at temples, blessing elders by pouring water over their hands, and engaging in games with water to cool down during the day.

During Songkran, water is viewed as a symbol of cleansing and purification, a symbolism that has been overshadowed in recent decades by the “water wars” where young Thais battle in the streets with huge water pistols and people throw iced water from the back of pickup trucks onto anyone in tossing distance. In addition to symbolizing cleansing, water is also used to wash away bad luck and negativity from the previous year.

Enjoy this exceptionally fun festival from April 13 to 15!  Stay dry inside, or go out and get wet!  Either way, may the Thai New Year bring you good luck in all that you endeavor!

Come Join Us at The Wine Connection

06 May 2025

As we begin rebuilding the club's social event calendar, we would like to announce an exciting start!  

The Wine Connection restaurant at Central Festival will host us for free. They have easy parking, a great selection of food and drinks for members to buy, and a separate area we can use. This is scheduled to be a regular event every Tuesday between 16:00 and 20:00 starting on 6th May, after the smoky season. Christine Lyons has arranged for a host/ess to be present each time to get people mingling.

Please plan to join us!  No reservations!  No fees!  Just come and socialize with your fellow expats in a delightful venue.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the CEC members who generously contributed to the impromptu fundraising effort for The Children’s Sight Project, which took place during the Expat Connect Meeting in March.

Through their collective efforts, we were able to raise 15,000 baht, which was matched by the donation offered by Thomas Carden of American International Tax Advisors on the day of the event. This combined donation resulted in a total of 30,000 baht, which will be utilized to provide 60 pairs of new spectacles to students at Lampun and the School for the Deaf. 

Thank you once again for your unwavering support.

Sincerely,

Peter Bell

Children's Sight Project

Expat Connection:  May 24th

(previously the General Meeting)

SATURDAY BRUNCH - Duke's on 03 May

Don't miss out on the upcoming Saturday Breakfast at The Duke's - Ruamchok on May 3rd.  Breakfast buffet runs from 9:30am - 11:30am.  This is the best breakfast buffet in the city, with hand-carved meats, a fruit and salad bar, a waffle station, a dessert bar and all kinds of mouthwatering side dishes.  It's no wonder the breakfast sells out regularly. Come join us in a beautiful place for a morning with great food and good friends - you might even make some new ones.

Pricing is 345฿ if you make a reservation, 445฿ without a reservation.

If the breakfast is sold out those without reservations will be asked to remain outside until seating is available.  Kids are only 245฿, and a coffee/tea only option is available for 100฿.  

Duke's April Specials

SPOTLIGHT on a Sponsor's Specials 

Thai Tribal Crafts 

Experience the authentic with Thai Tribal Crafts Fair Trade and enjoy 10% off for all CEC club members.

The shop is filled with a variety of beautiful crafts for you to browse or purchase. You can explore your creative side with backstrap weaving classes and/or hand embroidery classes.  Excursions may be scheduled to meet the makers in their villages to experience their culture and way of life.

For inquiries, please contact: info@ttcrafts.co.th or thaitribalcrafts@gmail.com

SPOTLIGHT on a Volunteer

Elias Maung

Elias has been leading our General Meeting since mid 2023 and providing us with speakers on a variety of interesting topics. Chasing life's calling from a rural area in Myanmar, Elias has been living in Thailand since late 2005.

After graduating with his masters degree in Bangkok, he quit his job as Affiliate Manager in a travel-related business and moved to Chiang Mai to pursue his life's values and create sustainable impacts for the tribal artisans and local communities in northern Thailand.

He is currently serving as Managing Director at one of the oldest not-for-profit and Fair Trade Organizations in Chiang Mai (Thai Tribal Crafts) and leading the mission out of one of the biggest pandemics in history. 

Elias loves to spend his free time with his wife and 2 adorable children.