Protest over lost golf memberships

BANGKOK: More than 30 golf club members led by a former permanent secretary for the Interior Ministry yesterday turned up at the Natural Park Golf Club complaining that they had been cheated out of their life memberships.

"Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, please help us." one of their banners read.

The former permanent secretary, General Paiboon Emphan, said that the new owner of the golf club recently informed its 1,100 members that they would lose their life memberships.

He said that the members had already paid in total about Bt500 million to the golf club since its launch in 1990.

"The new company that has taken over the golf club has refused to honour contracts its original operators had with members.

"The contracts entitle us to membership regardless of changes in ownership of the golf club," Paiboon said.

Life members were charged a Bt50,000 one-off fee, plus a Bt45,000 annual fee.

The golf course, situated in Bangkok's Khan Na Yow district, opened in 1990.

Its members include senior government officials, high-ranking military and police officers, and politicians.

"I've heard that PM Thaksin is also a member, but I am not sure if he has transferred his membership somewhere else," Paiboon said.

Paiboon said he had tried to negotiate with the golf club's new owner, but to no avail.

"Their executives have denied responsibility," he said.

The protestors have urged authorities to investigate individuals and companies involved in ownership transfers of the golf club.

"We want an urgent investigation," Paiboon said.

A source said a large estate development group had used a front company to buy the golf course hoping to turn it into a housing project.

The golf club is located just behind Safari World.

--The Nation 2004-01-18

A case of Thai 'ethics'?

Diaw...

HOW ABOUT THIS SCENARIO

Golf Club / course agrees to be part of the Elite card.

After said Golf Club gets tired of making no sensible business returns from Elite card members, the owners change their business registration, claiming, possibly legally, to be new owners, not recognising old 'memberships'.

Food for thought!

HOW ABOUT THIS SCENARIO

Golf Club / course agrees to be part of the Elite card.

After said Golf Club gets tired of making no sensible business returns from Elite card members, the owners change their business registration, claiming, possibly legally, to be new owners, not recognising old 'memberships'.

Food for thought!

I'm with you as usual Alan .