Thai Rotarians Visit South Dakota for Cultural Friendship Exchange

Two Districts, Seven Days, and a Shared Motto Across Continents

Eleven visitors from Thailand spent seven days exploring the Sioux Falls area this October, part of a reciprocal international hosting effort managed through the Rotary Friendship Exchange. The exchange connected South Dakota Rotarians with District 3360 in northern Thailand, wrapping up a comprehensive tour that spanned from Rapid City to the banks of the Missouri River.

While the program relies on the familiar cadence of local club meetings and residential hosting, the scope of the itinerary reached deep into regional industries and infrastructure. The delegation’s time in South Dakota, running from October 13 to October 28, contrasted the rolling topography of the Black Hills with the agricultural and manufacturing operations of the eastern side of the state.

From the Black Hills to Gavins Point

Before arriving in Sioux Falls for an intensive run of site visits from October 22 to October 28, the group spent more than a week touring Rapid City and Spearfish. Once they reached the southeastern corner of the state, the itinerary balanced civic landmarks with industrial sights.

In Yankton, the delegation toured the Gavins Point Dam and a local fish hatchery. Moving on to Vermillion, they stopped at Valiant Vineyards Distillery and the National Music Museum. The itinerary also included a South Dakota State University football game in Brookings.

Within Sioux Falls proper, the group’s stops featured Augustana University, the Battleship Memorial, Levitt at the Falls, Jacobson Plaza, the Steel District, St. Joseph Cathedral, and the State Theatre.

Shannon Van Buskirk of the Downtown Sioux Falls Rotary noted that the initiative connects members globally. “Rotary Friendship Exchange is worldwide, with exchanges between participating districts of Japan, Australia, Italy, Thailand, Ghana, Germany, Denmark and Brazil,” Van Buskirk said.

Thai Rotarians Visit American Business Operations

Benjaluck Aukkara Pasuechart, president of the Sila-asana Club and team leader for the 11 visiting Rotarians, has been a member for 38 years.

Traveling to different countries and experiencing their cultures helps us understand and appreciate our differences while discovering the values we share.

The roster included participants experienced in chicken and fish farming, coffee roasting, automotive parts, furniture and gold retail, teaching, and government construction contracting.

For Pasuechart, who is involved in agriculture and business in Thailand, observing American operations firsthand offered a direct point of comparison. She highlighted learning about how American farmers manage their farms, utilize technology, and develop their businesses.

The Friendship Exchange traces its roots to a 1981 recommendation from Rotary’s New Horizons Committee before becoming a permanent program in 1984. The current exchange will reverse direction soon. Members of the Downtown Sioux Falls Rotary and District 5610 are scheduled to visit Thailand from January 18 to January 30, 2027.

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