June 18, 1999
Lions International President Kajit Habanananda of Bangkok, Thailand, welcomes approximately 17,000 members of Lion Clubs International and their families to San Diego when they gather for the association's 82nd International Convention, held Monday, June 28 through Friday, July 2.
Habanananda comes to San Diego fresh from an exciting year which has seen many important developments and initiatives. Throughout the year, Habanananda has placed special emphasis on harmony through membership for the Lions organization. His belief is that the true strength of Lion Club International lies in the areas of quality of membership, extension and youth activities in the new millennium. Elected international president last year during the Lions 81st International Convention in Birmingham, England, Habana-nanda has traveled to 34 countries during his one-year term.
During this year's International Convention, Habanananda will lead the Lions in various activities throughout the week including a four-hour "Parade of Nations" through the streets of San Diego on the morning of Tuesday, June 29. He will also throw out the first pitch at Lions Night with the San Diego Padres on Wednesday, June 30.
A Lion member for 34 years, Habanananda is still active in the local activities of his multiple district. Having served in most of the positions at club and district levels, Habanananda was the first Thai Lion to be elected to the International Board of Directors. His father, brother and son are all Lions members. An international businessman, Habanananda is actively involved in the aerospace, telecommunications, land and property development and consultancy fields. He and his wife, Panida, have three children.
Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization, with 1.4 million members in more than 44,000 clubs in approximately 185 countries and geographical areas. In addition to its efforts toward conquering blindness, the organization has also made a strong commitment to community service and helping youth throughout the world.
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