FCCT by-laws 2024

Pursuant to the provisions in the Articles of the Constitution of the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand (FCCT), the following By-Laws shall constitute the rules and regulations governing operations of the Club, hereinafter referred to as the FCCT.

I. MANAGEMENT AND OFFICERS DUTIES

Management of the FCCT shall be vested in the Executive Committee, whose members preferably shall be individually assigned the following duties:

1. President

The President is the principal executive officer of the FCCT and shall, in general, supervise and control all the business and affairs of the FCCT. The President shall be a Correspondent Member, serve on the Executive Committee (EC) and preside at meetings of the Executive Committee and general club meetings. The President may sign, with the Treasurer or any other designated Officer of the EC any deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts, or other instruments which the EC, after consulting the correspondent membership in good standing, have authorized to be executed, except in cases where the signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the EC or the constitution or by Thai law to some other officer or agent of the FCCT.

The President's duties shall include, but not be limited to the following:

a. To appoint or to suspend from appointment chairmen of standing committees;
b. To appoint or to suspend chairmen of other committees;
c. To implement the Constitution, By-Laws and parliamentary procedures of the FCCT;
d. To report regularly to the general membership in good standing through bulletins and announcements mailed to the membership, and statements or reports in any newsletter or publication the FCCT shall publish regularly;
e. To utilize the First Vice President to assist in the tasks and activities of the President as an assistant so he or she will be prepared to assume the role of the President either temporarily or permanently;
f. To serve on no committee, other than the Executive Committee, as its chairman.
g. To pre-plan with the assistance of the Vice Presidents and the EC to engage in long term planning set long-term goals.
h. To undertake periodic reviews of activities, functions, events and programs of the FCCT, and also undertake similar periodic reviews of systems and procedures of the FCCT.

2. The First Vice President

The First Vice President shall exercise the role of President in the absence of the President, or in the event of the President's inability to act. The First Vice President shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the President or the EC, and shall also be chairman of the Finance Committee.

3. The Second Vice President

The Second Vice President shall preside in the absence or inability to act of both the President and the First Vice President and shall be chairman of the Program Committee.

4. The Recording Secretary

The Recording Secretary shall take minutes of Executive Committee meetings and all duly called meetings of the membership, and shall preserve accurate copies of these minutes on Club grounds, and regularly post copies of those minutes.

5. The Corresponding Secretary

The Corresponding Secretary handles all external correspondence of the FCCT going out over the signature of the Club-designated officers on the official stationery of the FCCT.

6. The Treasurer

The Treasurer shall be responsible for the maintenance of proper and necessary financial records and controls to ensure the Club's financial affairs are operated in accordance with generally accepted legal accounting principles, and shall serve on the Finance Committee. The Treasurer's duties shall also include ensuring that the Club's management:

• Collects all assessments, fees and subscriptions and report thereon at each meeting of the EC;
• Collects all charges for the rental of the Clubhouse premises or admission to the Clubhouse and facilities and activities.
• Prepares statements of the financial condition of the Club each month-end of the calendar year and when called upon by the EC. These statements shall include:

• Balance sheet.
• Profit and Loss statement.
• Others as required by the EC.

• At the end of the fiscal year, cause to be prepared an audited financial statement to be accompanied by an auditor's opinion.
• Have custody of the books of accounts, keeping them under lock and key on the Clubhouse premises, where, subject to reasonable restrictions, such accounts shall be open to the inspection of members in good standing.
• Coordinate and cooperate with the EC, Clubhouse Committee, Program Committee, FCCT Contract Employees, Lessor's Employees and the full membership of the FCCT in installing fiscal controls and proper collection procedures throughout the Clubhouse at all times.
• Supervise any contract FCCT employees
• Oversee the club's card payment and point of sales systems.
• Maintain at all times the accounts in a state of readiness for an external audit by a certified public accountant selected by the EC and ratified by a majority vote at the following AGM.
• In the event of any winding up of the FCCT, present a written report concerning any monies or property on hand and balance out accounts before turning such over to the chosen benefactor in accordance with the Constitution.
  

7. Other Officers

Other Directors shall undertake the chairmanship of any Standing or other committee assigned by the President in accordance with the Constitution.

II. STANDING COMMITTEES

The following Standing Committees shall be appointed at the earliest opportunity by their respective chairmen, such appointment to be subsequently approved by the EC.

1. Finance Committee

Finance Committee shall be chaired by the First Vice President. The Treasurer shall be a member of the committee. The functions of the Finance Committee shall be to organize any major fund-raising projects as well as to advise on long-term financial planning and to propose, when appropriate, various financial arrangements for the benefit of the Club. Subcommittees shall be appointed when appropriate from candidates within the full membership.

2. Program Committee

The chairman of the Program Committee shall be the Second Vice President. It shall be the duty of the Committee to bring suitable programs to the Club on a regular basis. The program schedule must bear in mind the professional interests of foreign correspondents but programs shall also be scheduled to appeal to the full range of interests reflected in the Club's membership. Subcommittees may be appointed as appropriate. The Committee Chairman shall coordinate with the Treasurer to monitor the financial dimensions of the program schedule, and with the Clubhouse Committee to arrange the venue of the programs and post notification of the program calendar.

3. Clubhouse Committee

The Clubhouse Committee shall be chaired preferably by a member of the EC, but may be chaired by a Presidential Appointee from among the membership. The Committee is closely concerned with supervision of the physical premises of the Club. The Committee may recommend to the EC physical improvements of the Clubhouse, movement of the Clubhouse to new premises, and day-to-day operational matters pertaining to control of Club premises and its facilities. Carbon copies or photocopies of all legal documents, such as leases for the premises, insurance contracts, etc., concerning areas of Committee responsibility and contract enforcement shall be provided for the Clubhouse files by the Clubhouse Committee. The Committee may also propose a set of house rules to govern conduct of the membership on Club premises. The Committee shall also carry out such other duties as the EC may direct. Subcommittees shall be appointed as appropriate.

4. Professional Committee

The Professional Committee will be chaired by the Immediate Past President and will be comprised of five Correspondent Members, the other four of whom will be Past Presidents and/or past Board Members if available. Selection of the members of the Professional Committee will rest with the Executive Committee and will be made by appointment. To ensure continuity, the longest-serving member of the Committee will automatically retire after the AGM upon installation of the new Board, but will remain eligible for reappointment, there being no time limit on Professional Committee tenure. The Professional Committee's close working relationship with the Executive Committee will be maintained through its chairman, the Immediate Past President. In the event that the incumbent president is re-elected and the Executive Committee is without an immediate Past President, the Executive Committee will follow the procedure set forth in paragraph 6 of the Constitution. The Chairman of the Professional Committee will, at the end of his term, take over the seat left vacant by the retired longest serving member. The Professional Committee shall concern itself with professional liaison between foreign correspondents and the Royal Thai Government and the local press corps. Its function shall be to develop contacts with appropriate officials in the Public relations Department, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Immigration Division and Labor Division in connection with accreditation, visas, work permits, and essential professional facilities (telephone, telex lines, etc.). The Professional Committee shall also, and solely within the purview of the Club, rule on the qualifications of individuals who may apply for Correspondent Membership and/or status. The Executive Committee will rely heavily on the Professional Committee's recommendations in arriving at a final decision on any professional matter.

5. Membership Committee

The Membership Committee shall be chaired by a Correspondent Member of the Executive Committee. The Membership Committee shall concern itself with maintaining a correct balance of membership in terms of numbers and categories defined in the Constitution. It shall propose lists of prospective candidates, organize recruitment procedures, and scrutinize new applicants when directed by the Executive Committee to do so. The Membership Committee shall also undertake the first review of membership classifications which have been challenged, among either old members or new candidates, and make recommendations accordingly to the Executive Committee with whom the ultimate decision in such cases lies.

6. Publicity Committee

The Publicity Committee shall be chaired by any Member or Correspondent Member appointed by the President. The Publicity Committee shall give the membership adequate notice of Club functions, and affairs outside through liaison with appropriate news and publicity media.

7. Other Committees

In addition to these standing Committees, such other Committees as may be required may be appointed by the EC.

III. TRANSFER OF DUTIES

After the Annual Elections, the outgoing and the newly elected Executive Committee shall hold a joint meeting for the transfer of Club records, documents and other materials. The incoming Executive Committee shall prepare the necessary documents and complete required formalities with the Thai Government to ensure the uninterrupted continuance of the Club license.

IV. VACANCY ON THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

In the event a vacancy occurs on the Executive Committee during its term of office, the Executive Committee by two-thirds vote shall elect a replacement to serve the balance of the unexpired term, with the exception that should the Presidency be vacated then the Vice President next in line shall assume the Presidency, and the Executive Committee by majority vote shall appoint a Correspondent Member in good standing as a Director to fill the unexpired term of the Correspondent Director who shall become the new Second Vice President.

V. ATTENDANCE AT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Any Members of the Executive Committee absenting themselves from three consecutive meetings without explanation satisfactory to the Executive Committee shall cease to be members thereof.

VI. MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS

Applications for membership shall be made on the official FCCT online membership application form located on the FCCT website (www.fccthai.com), and shall be accompanied by payment of such fees as may be determined by the EC. Membership applications can also be done in person at the FCCT and submitted to office staff for processing, with appropriate payment of fees made at the time of the submission of the application.

VII. BONA FIDES

1. Requirements

The FCCT Membership Committee is empowered to require adequate bona fides and credentials in order to establish the category in which prospective member candidates should be placed. In addition the Committee is empowered to consult press files, other Correspondent Members and the candidate's employer(s) to establish credentials. The Executive Committee shall vote on membership candidates on a case-by-case basis if required. Persons engaged in multiple forms of work, such as advertising work and occasional news work, shall not be classified as Correspondent Members unless it can be established that the majority of his/her income derives from journalism as a foreign correspondent. The candidate may establish bona fides by presenting such current items as:

• Photocopy of letter of accreditation/employment.
• Identification Card from employing news agency, service, etc.;
• Press Card issued by the Public relations Department of the Royal Thai Government.
• Radio/television logs showing broadcasting of candidate's editorial product.
• Sample editorial products such as clippings, photos, etc. published giving name of publication, place of publication, and date of publication, etc.
• Other sample editorial products showing byline of candidate, or masthead of publication showing candidate's position.
• Work permit issued by the Labor Department of the Royal Thai Government.
• Passport, certificate of identity or similar document issued by candidate's government.
• Visas for Thailand issued by the Royal Thai Government.
• Such other items, documents, testimonies etc. tending to support the candidate's case.
  

2. Disqualification

Should any member of the FCCT in any category by his or her actions jeopardize the integrity of or bring disgrace upon the FCCT, or otherwise discredit the journalistic profession, this member shall be liable to expulsion from FCCT. Should any member in any category by his or her actions or conduct in the Clubhouse or during any FCCT activities elsewhere violate the law or otherwise jeopardize the license of FCCT, this member shall be liable to expulsion from FCCT. Complaints made against any FCCT member must be submitted to the Executive Committee in writing, citing the date, time, location and facts of the incident(s), together with the names of witnesses; and must be signed by the complainant who must be a member in good standing. The Executive Committee shall investigate the complaint, interview witnesses, and hear the defense, if any, of the member against whom the complaint was made. If by four-fifths majority vote of the Executive Committee, the complaint is adjudged justified, then the Executive Committee shall report its findings at the next Annual General or Specially Called Meeting. Should Correspondent Members in good standing, by a four-fifths majority vote of the total correspondent membership present and voting, or voting by proxy, agree that an offense warrants disqualification, the offending member shall be expelled from FCCT and forfeit his or her rights, privileges and participation in FCCT activities. Any Member of the Club may be suspended by unanimous vote at an Executive Committee meeting for alleged gross misconduct, pending an investigation into possible expulsion.

3. Reinstatement

Any member of the FCCT whose membership has been revoked for failure to honor financial obligations, may apply in writing to the EC for reconsideration, provided that said appeal contains a full explanation of any extenuating circumstances, and is accompanied by payments in full for any and all arrears/and or delinquencies. Following review of the case, the decision of the Executive Committee shall be final and without further appeal.

4. Proof of Good Standing

Should a member in any category be called upon to provide evidence of being in good standing with regard to payment of dues, presentation of a valid membership card and/or a receipt for payment of dues for the period in question (excepting Honorary, Honorary Life and Life Members) constitute the only acceptable proof of current membership.

5. Membership Cards

Membership Cards are issued to all members and their partners or spouses, and remain the property of the Club at all times. A member leaving the Club for whatever reason may be requested to return the card to the Club. The Club reserves the right to require presentation of a valid membership card in order for the holder to enjoy the privileges of membership, including free entry to the clubhouse and F&B charges at members' rates. Lost or damaged Membership Cards should be reported immediately to the FCCT Office for replacement at a nominal charge. An FCCT Membership Card may be required for the use of reciprocal rights with other clubs. An FCCT Membership Card is not a Press Card, and should never be presented as such. Tampering with or other abuse of an FCCT Membership Card are grounds for serious disciplinary action.

VIII. ENTRANCE FEES, DUES, AND ASSESSMENTS

All entrance fees, dues and other assessments will be established by the EC in accordance with paragraph 12 of the Constitution. Honorary Members are not subject to fees, Dues or Approved Assessments.

IX. PAYMENTS POLICY

Payment of any financial obligations due the FCCT by members is acceptable only either in baht cash, or in crossed checks dated as of the day of writing for immediate payment and made out to the FCCT or F.C.C.T. or to the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand, or in accordance with duly established credit systems. The Finance Committee is authorized, at its discretion, to reject checks which are drawn on banks other than local banks.

The encashment by the FCCT of members' checks, money orders, bank drafts and the like, for cash, is not permitted.

X. AUDITING OF ACCOUNTS

An audit of FCCT accounts shall be carried out annually by certified auditors who shall be selected by the Executive Committee with the approval of a majority of Correspondent Members voting at the Annual General Meeting. The audit shall be performed in accordance with Thai law and practice, and a copy of the auditors' report shall be posted in the Clubhouse.

XI. NON-LIABILITIES OF MEMBERS

The liability of each member of the FCCT is limited to the amount of the subscription due by said member. No member, however, shall be held personally liable to creditors for any liability of the FCCT, and any and all creditors of the FCCT shall look only to the assets of the FCCT for payment.

XII. EMPLOYEES OF THE FCCT

All employees of the FCCT shall be employed under contract in conformity with Thai law. The decision to award, amend, extend or terminate such contract shall be by a four-fifths majority vote of the Executive Committee.

XIII. INSURANCE

The FCCT shall carry such insurance as may be required by Thai law and/or deemed appropriate by the Executive Committee.

XIV. SIGNATURE AUTHORITY

Signature authority on behalf of the FCCT shall be held by the President, the First Vice President, the Treasurer and the Recording Secretary, and any other officers who may be appointed by the EC. All checks, contracts and legal documents shall be signed by any two of the above signatories.

XV. GENERAL MEETINGS

1. Annual General Meeting

a. The annual election of officers shall be held on a date selected by the executive committee within 90 days of the closure of the preceding financial year on 31 December.  

b. The Executive Committee shall notify all members in writing of the date of the Annual General Meeting not less than thirty (30) days prior to the date of the Annual General Meeting.
c. Nominations: only Correspondent Members eligible to vote for an office which must be held by a Correspondent Member may nominate a candidate for that office. Correspondent Members and Members may nominate candidates for offices which shall be held by Members. Nominations of candidates for office shall be submitted to the Executive Committee on the official Nomination Form not less than seven (7) days prior to the date of the Annual General Meeting. The Executive Committee shall post the list of candidates on the Club Bulletin Board not less than five (5) days prior to the date of the Annual Election. Nominations may be made from the floor at the Annual General Meeting, provided the nominee's consent is obtained.

d. Order of business at the Annual General Meeting:

1. The President shall appoint from non-candidate members attending the Annual General Meeting three (3) scrutineers who shall confirm the roll call count of Correspondent Members, distribute, collect and tally ballots, confirm proxy holders, tally absentee ballots and announce the results of the voting.
2. The roll shall be called to determine a quorum. A quorum shall be a majority of the Correspondent Members in Bangkok on the date of the elections, attending in person, or represented either by proxy or by absentee Ballot.
3. Reading of the Minutes of the previous meeting.
4. Reporting of the Treasurer, approval of the most current financial statements and appointment of the auditor for the ensuing year.
5. Report of the President.
6. Conduct of General Business.
7. Voting on Proposition and/or Amendments.
8. Voting on Election of Officers in the following order:
   (i) Election of Officers and Directors for which only Correspondent Members can vote.
   (ii) Election of Officers and Directors for which only Correspondent and Journalist    Members can vote.
   (iii) Election of Officers and Directors for which all Members can vote.
9. Introduction of the new Executive Committee.
10. Following the Elections, the Ballots, tally sheets and other records shall be turned    over by the Scrutinizing Committee to the recording Secretary for safekeeping.
11. Adjournment of the meeting

2. Other Meetings

Other meetings requiring the vote of the full membership may be called in accordance with paragraph 9 of the Constitution.

3. Voting Eligibility

Only members in good standing shall be eligible to vote and to hold office. A member to be "in good standing" shall (1) reside in Thailand; (2) have paid all fees, dues and/or approved assessments; and (3) be not subject to disqualification under the provisions of Section VII.
Members may be asked to vote on any question, provided that this has the two-thirds majority approval of eligible Correspondent Members in good standing. Both Correspondents and Members may vote for candidates for offices which shall be held by non-Correspondent or non-Journalist Members.

XVI. AMENDMENTS

Constitutional Amendments can be voted upon only at the Annual General Meeting, or as specifically provided for in Section 14 of the FCCT Constitution. Propositions or Amendments to the Constitution, may be proposed by the EC, or by a Correspondent Member in good standing, seconded by not less than six (6) Correspondent Members in good standing.

A true copy of the proposed Proposition(s) and/or Amendments to the Constitution, together with any explanation thereof, must be placed in the hands of the EC not less than forty-five (45) days prior to the date of the Annual General Meeting.

The Executive Committee shall provide all Correspondent Members with a true copy of proposed Propositions or Constitutional Amendments not less than thirty (30) days prior to the date of the Annual General Meeting.

FCCT By-Laws can be amended by unanimous vote of the Executive Committee, ratified by a simple majority vote of eligible Correspondent Members at any subsequent duly called meeting.

XVII. OTHER MEMBERS

A. Honorary Members
Honorary Membership in the FCCT may be conferred on any person of public distinction or having special relations with the FCCT. Election to Honorary Membership shall be by unanimous vote of the EC.

B. Honorary Life Members
Honorary Life Membership is an honor which may be conferred upon a member of the FCCT in recognition of distinguished service to the organization. An Honorary Life Member must have been a member in good standing for five (5) consecutive years or more, and have served as an officer or Committee Member; shall be nominated by unanimous vote of the EC, and approved by a majority vote of Correspondent Members. No more than one (1) Honorary Life Membership shall be awarded in any one fiscal year. Honorary Life Members shall be eligible for election to posts of Director in the membership category to which they previously belonged.

XVIII. OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

The official language of the FCCT is English. Translations will be made when necessary to comply with the laws of Thailand.

XIX Private Association, Members' Rights and Participation of Non-Members

The FCCT is a private association, organized by its members for the purposes stated in the Constitution. Members in good standing only (defined for the purposes of this section as those members in any category of membership who have paid in full all applicable fees, dues and approved assessments, and who are not subject to disqualification under the provisions of Section VII hereunder), and no other persons, enjoy right of access to the FCCT Clubhouse during regular business hours, and the right to participation in FCCT events and activities, whether held at the Clubhouse or elsewhere. The FCCT retains the right, in its sole and unqualified discretion, to admit persons who are not FCCT members to the Clubhouse or to allow such persons to participate in FCCT events or activities, under conditions and upon payment of fees, if any, established from time to time by the Executive Committee.

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