The Chiang Mai Expats Club (cec)

[Mapguy]

This club has become quite a "force" in the expat community in recent months. It is often a very helpful organization for newcomers. There are mixed opinions about it, however, having to do with commercial interests in it. The club is, after all, unabashedly commercial with its "sponsors" and "friendly merchants," et cetera.

[southerndown]

This club has become quite a "force" in the expat community in recent months. It is often a very helpful organization for newcomers. There are mixed opinions about it, however, having to do with commercial interests in it. The club is, after all, unabashedly commercial with its "sponsors" and "friendly merchants," et cetera.

"members" have no voting rights to elect a committee or have any right to vote on any policy. it is constituted as a business controlled by an unelected board.

it is a useful meeting place though if buying anything it is usually cheaper elsewhere

i do wish it could be run as an expats club.

[Greenside]

Go to a meeting or two, talk to the members, organizers and sponsors and form an opinion but oh please spare us from yet another thread destined to be full of uninformed gossip, biased claims, unfounded allegations and pie in the sky speculation.

[Bill97]

This club has become quite a "force" in the expat community in recent months. It is often a very helpful organization for newcomers. There are mixed opinions about it, however, having to do with commercial interests in it. The club is, after all, unabashedly commercial with its "sponsors" and "friendly merchants," et cetera.

Other than helping some newcomers, in what ways has this "club" become quite a "force" in the expat community?

[Loaded]

A few people seem to have had a problem with the 'owner' of the Chiang Mai Expats and Chiang Mai Friends clubs. However, many members seem to be happy with the organisation and have posted their views here.

To the unhappy, please go to a solicitor. there are recommendations on this site. At the moment you are creating an atmosphere that I'm sure a smart businessman would exploit: 'it's us against them my fellow friends and members'

[Paagai]

I find all these threads about ex pat clubs or whatever quite amusing, partly because I really don't get it. If I wanted to be hanging around with a load of farangs all the time I'd still be living in the west. What is the attraction of moving to live half way round the world and then hanging out with the same type of boring, moaning people you knew back home?

Thailand is a fantastic place to live, and apart from really only a couple of good Farang friends, all my friends, and all the people I spend time with on a daily basis are Thai (or Burmese). A couple of times a week I might go to a Farang restaurant/bar (only because my Farang friends want to go there - and only at times I know they'll be empty); other wise, my definition of a good place to go out is somewhere where there are no Farangs.

The thought of going to a meeting with a whole pile of ex-pats would have me climibing the walls. Whilst Thai Visa is a useful place for exchanging views and information I really don't want to meet any of you guys face to face. And trust me, you wouldn't like me either

So what is it with these ex-pats clubs? Why do people feel compelled to wall themselves into Farang ghettos and only associate with Farangs here? Is this not the behaviour that we would critisie as "not integrating into society" when an ethenic minority does it in the west, be it Mexicans in LA or Pakistanis in Bradford?

[tigerbeer]

This club has become quite a "force" in the expat community in recent months. It is often a very helpful organization for newcomers. There are mixed opinions about it, however, having to do with commercial interests in it. The club is, after all, unabashedly commercial with its "sponsors" and "friendly merchants," et cetera.

so?

[cmsally]

Maybe farangs should just start wearing different colour shirts - for and against the CEC

[shepsel]

The expat club, like many Chambers of Commerce in the west is a way of networking one's services or products. I expect the CEC's draw in Chiang Mai is Club which has usefull information to newcomers, and ongoing social programs for the English speaking foreigners living here. I also understand that there are subgroups on computers, cameras, travel, charity and more. The magnet of this group is that its programs are conducted in English. Savvy entrepreneurs can use this venue as a means to promote their services because they have a focused audience in English. It is an inexpensive and personal way of promoting ones self. It is up to the potential buyer of a service to comparison shop like he or she would for a house, a car or even groceries.

On the other hand, I have only requested some information about using the services on relocating to Chiang Mai which was on the website of the Chiang Mai Friends Group, (I do not know if they are part of the CEC or not. They seem to have many of the same directors). Upon receiving a quote, which I thought was extremely expensive, I chose to continue my own research, and find my own accommodation.

I have not attended a meeting as yet, but will do so when I arrive at the end of January, and if I find the Club beneficial to my needs and wants, I will continue going, if not, I am sure I will find my niche in beautiful Chiang Mai.

But, it is comforting to know that an Expats Club exists, whether one needs it or not. I am sure that if an expact has some questions or problems, this would be one of the first places he or she would turn to for answers.

[Rasseru]

Thank you for the recommendation. Any consideration I were to do of the organization would be done at a considerable length, between it and me.

[southerndown]

Go to a meeting or two, talk to the members, organizers and sponsors and form an opinion but oh please spare us from yet another thread destined to be full of uninformed gossip, biased claims, unfounded allegations and pie in the sky speculation.

it is not uninformed gossip, pie in the sky speculation or unfounded allegations , it is from their own constitution which you can freely read on the web. other posters have talked about prices from their own experience. yes "caveat emptor" but one expects something different from clubs aimed at expats.

but as i said it is a good place to meet people

please take more care reading posts. if you say points raised are pie in the sky be prepared to back that up.

[southerndown]

The expat club, like many Chambers of Commerce in the west is a way of networking one's services or products. I expect the CEC's draw in Chiang Mai is Club which has usefull information to newcomers, and ongoing social programs for the English speaking foreigners living here. I also understand that there are subgroups on computers, cameras, travel, charity and more. The magnet of this group is that its programs are conducted in English. Savvy entrepreneurs can use this venue as a means to promote their services because they have a focused audience in English. It is an inexpensive and personal way of promoting ones self. It is up to the potential buyer of a service to comparison shop like he or she would for a house, a car or even groceries.

On the other hand, I have only requested some information about using the services on relocating to Chiang Mai which was on the website of the Chiang Mai Friends Group, (I do not know if they are part of the CEC or not. They seem to have many of the same directors). Upon receiving a quote, which I thought was extremely expensive, I chose to continue my own research, and find my own accommodation.

I have not attended a meeting as yet, but will do so when I arrive at the end of January, and if I find the Club beneficial to my needs and wants, I will continue going, if not, I am sure I will find my niche in beautiful Chiang Mai.

But, it is comforting to know that an Expats Club exists, whether one needs it or not. I am sure that if an expact has some questions or problems, this would be one of the first places he or she would turn to for answers.

Exactly, well said.

I would only add that it should imo be run as a club; they do aftyer refer to the expats as "members"

but yes a good unbiased and fair post for a change. the more people like you who post on thaivisa the better. we will mimimise those who post without thinking or understanding first

[southerndown]

Maybe farangs should just start wearing different colour shirts - for and against the CEC

oh yes very droll!!

i would support you in that cmsally if you also tried to move the cec more towards being an expats club for and of the members.

[southerndown]

I find all these threads about ex pat clubs or whatever quite amusing, partly because I really don't get it. If I wanted to be hanging around with a load of farangs all the time I'd still be living in the west. What is the attraction of moving to live half way round the world and then hanging out with the same type of boring, moaning people you knew back home?

Thailand is a fantastic place to live, and apart from really only a couple of good Farang friends, all my friends, and all the people I spend time with on a daily basis are Thai (or Burmese). A couple of times a week I might go to a Farang restaurant/bar (only because my Farang friends want to go there - and only at times I know they'll be empty); other wise, my definition of a good place to go out is somewhere where there are no Farangs.

The thought of going to a meeting with a whole pile of ex-pats would have me climibing the walls. Whilst Thai Visa is a useful place for exchanging views and information I really don't want to meet any of you guys face to face. And trust me, you wouldn't like me either

So what is it with these ex-pats clubs? Why do people feel compelled to wall themselves into Farang ghettos and only associate with Farangs here? Is this not the behaviour that we would critisie as "not integrating into society" when an ethenic minority does it in the west, be it Mexicans in LA or Pakistanis in Bradford?

going to an expat club does not mean you live in a farang ghetto. most people who go join in both farang and thai activities, and integrate well.

however, i am glad you find it amusing; so you are now well amused but sadly not well informed

[McLovin]

This club has become quite a "force" in the expat community in recent months. It is often a very helpful organization for newcomers. There are mixed opinions about it, however, having to do with commercial interests in it. The club is, after all, unabashedly commercial with its "sponsors" and "friendly merchants," et cetera.

"members" have no voting rights to elect a committee or have any right to vote on any policy. it is constituted as a business controlled by an unelected board.

it is a useful meeting place though if buying anything it is usually cheaper elsewhere

i do wish it could be run as an expats club.

Well said by southerndown.

Try becoming a member of the CEC, then ask either messers Tom, Boon or Alan Hall whether you can promote your own services through the club: travel, legal or investment advice ... UNLIKELY.

CEC is a commercial for profit enterprise marketed by a very smart Alan Hall.

[southerndown]

A few people seem to have had a problem with the 'owner' of the Chiang Mai Expats and Chiang Mai Friends clubs. However, many members seem to be happy with the organisation and have posted their views here.

To the unhappy, please go to a solicitor. there are recommendations on this site. At the moment you are creating an atmosphere that I'm sure a smart businessman would exploit: 'it's us against them my fellow friends and members'

CEC recommended ICO as it is their sponsor.

I went there and will make no comment but look at other posts on thaivisa on the legal forum

Best recommendations are from Thais you know

[southerndown]

Thank you for the recommendation. Any consideration I were to do of the organization would be done at a considerable length, between it and me.

I agree, well said.

[Loaded]

A few people seem to have had a problem with the 'owner' of the Chiang Mai Expats and Chiang Mai Friends clubs. However, many members seem to be happy with the organisation and have posted their views here.

To the unhappy, please go to a solicitor. there are recommendations on this site. At the moment you are creating an atmosphere that I'm sure a smart businessman would exploit: 'it's us against them my fellow friends and members'

CEC recommended ICO as it is their sponsor.

I went there and will make no comment but look at other posts on thaivisa on the legal forum

Best recommendations are from Thais you know

[Ajarn]

A few people seem to have had a problem with the 'owner' of the Chiang Mai Expats and Chiang Mai Friends clubs. However, many members seem to be happy with the organisation and have posted their views here.

To the unhappy, please go to a solicitor. there are recommendations on this site. At the moment you are creating an atmosphere that I'm sure a smart businessman would exploit: 'it's us against them my fellow friends and members'

CEC recommended ICO as it is their sponsor.

I went there and will make no comment but look at other posts on thaivisa on the legal forum

Best recommendations are from Thais you know

I thought you were smart, but my mistake

[southerndown]

A few people seem to have had a problem with the 'owner' of the Chiang Mai Expats and Chiang Mai Friends clubs. However, many members seem to be happy with the organisation and have posted their views here.

To the unhappy, please go to a solicitor. there are recommendations on this site. At the moment you are creating an atmosphere that I'm sure a smart businessman would exploit: 'it's us against them my fellow friends and members'

CEC recommended ICO as it is their sponsor.

I went there and will make no comment but look at other posts on thaivisa on the legal forum

Best recommendations are from Thais you know

I thought you were smart, but my mistake

i don't understand your enigmatic reply and it hardly adds to the thread does it?

my point is ask a thai you trust not a farang who is in it for commercial reasons. is that clear enough for you?

[McLovin]

Anyone interested in this ongoing debate re the CEC should read this weeks Chiang Mai Mail ....

[Paagai]

going to an expat club does not mean you live in a farang ghetto. most people who go join in both farang and thai activities, and integrate well.

however, i am glad you find it amusing; so you are now well amused but sadly not well informed

Well as it happens I've met quite a few people who are involved in the expat club, computer, club, photo club, chiang mai friends, monk chat, arrai godai etc. And I'm well enough imformed to see most of their lives revolve around these activities and they couldn't survive here without them and a Farang support network. They are also those who moan incessantly about EVERYTHING that is wrong with Thailand, rather than accepting the country for what it is and enjoying it. Sorry, just not my thing.

As to "Thai activities" I don't think parading from hillside four to Kad Suan Kaew with the latest bar girl/boy trophy they picked up really qualifies!

As to your comments about ICO, knowing the people behind that business it may be ill advised to make any further derogatory remarks about them on public forums if you are planning a long and happy life in Thailand. From what I've seen they are people who can get things done and solve problems creatively - just what you need in a Thai lawyer IMHO.

[niallf]

My wife and I have been following the various discussions on the CEC with interest. It is at least a relief that today it has been conducted with civility rather than the tasteless vitriol of previous discussions.

We moved to Thailand early last year and joined the CEC to get some initial information and to meet folk in similar circumstances. It was of some limited use for information and there were some nice people but it was not our scene and we attend rarely at meetings these days.

We met Alan Hall at a couple of meetings and he seemed nice enough but both times seemed distracted and was it was sometimes hard to understand his strange way of talking. We were offered legal and insurance services but there was no hard sell and we politely declined. Some of the folk we met at the club were concerned with the commercialism of the organization but seemed uninclined to make it a public issue. They felt Alan was to powerful to confront.

Stateside I was involved with a number of non-profits and the strict rule was if you were part of the administration you could not be involved in a related commercial organization. This is a big problem. Alan Halls company makes a charge for the exact same services for a fee that the CEC nominally offers as part of the attraction for the membership. It is not possible to take profit with the right hand while the left hand is offering the same service for free. No matter the angles there is a clear interest conflict and we fear until this situation is resolved the accusations will continue to dog and divide the CEC community.

It needs urgent address.

[cmsally]

Maybe farangs should just start wearing different colour shirts - for and against the CEC

oh yes very droll!!

i would support you in that cmsally if you also tried to move the cec more towards being an expats club for and of the members.

Seems like I've been mistaken for someone else again :D

Never been to a CEC meeting, don't know anything about it or people mentioned.

Sorry. Maybe there are even more Sallys, I already seem to have been mistaken for one or two others.

[elektrified]

I don't know anything about this organization nor do I have any interest in it whatsoever. I have, however, met a couple of members of the club that "urged" me to attend meetings and become actively involved. I must say that I sensed a bit of a "hard sell" approach and pushiness from these members that made me feel rather uneasy.

Long before I read any of the recent posts about this organization I suspected that the "hard sell" approach had something to do with farang making money off of other farang.

[Boo]

As prior threads have been closed regarding this same subject I'm not sure why this one was started & it looks to be moving in the same direction as the others so....

Closed