MC Ren Lexander presents Certificates of Appreciation to Dr. Christopher Karki and Tim van Es for their inspiring talks to the PCEC. PATTAYA, Thailand – On June 4, 2025, Dr. Christopher Karki, a seasoned beekeeper from Sikkim, India, fascinated the Pattaya City Expats Club (PCEC) with his presentation on the indispensable role of bees in our ecosystem. With 29 years of experience and two PhDs in bee culture and apiculture, Dr. Karki shared his profound knowledge and passion for beekeeping, emphasizing the critical importance of bees for human survival. Dr. Karki began by introducing himself and his family’s long-standing tradition of beekeeping, which kindled his fascination with these remarkable insects. He has traveled to over 110 countries, studying various bee species and their behaviors, and has identified 4,862 different species. His research focuses on understanding the unique communication methods of different bee species, challenging the common misconception that bees communicate in a single language. A significant portion of Dr. Karki’s talk was dedicated to the vital role bees play in pollination and food production. He stated that without bees, humanity would only survive for about four years, highlighting their crucial contribution to agriculture and the global food supply. He also shared his observations on traditional honey harvesting methods in Thailand, condemning practices that harm bee populations and advocating for more sustainable beekeeping practices. Dr. Karki’s company, Nature’s Glory Beekeeping and Honey Mission in India, aims to expand beekeeping practices and research, promoting the health benefits of honey. He shared personal anecdotes about the therapeutic properties of raw honey, advocating for its daily consumption to improve overall health and extend life expectancy. He warned against the prevalence of adulterated honey in the market, emphasizing the importance of using unprocessed honey. In conclusion, Dr. Karki urged attendees to recognize the vital role of bees in agriculture and the environment. The presentation ended with a Q&A session and a tasting of Dr. Karki’s raw honey, showcasing its unique qualities. Following Dr Karki, author Tim van Es shared his remarkable journey of self-discovery and the experiences that led him to write his novel. The talk, filled with personal anecdotes and reflections, resonated deeply with the audience, emphasizing the importance of finding one’s true purpose in life. He shared insights from his childhood in the Netherlands, where his fascination with culture and travel began. His early interest in learning different languages and forming friendships with individuals from diverse backgrounds set the stage for his lifelong passion for exploration. As Tim recounted his career development, he highlighted pivotal moments that shaped his path. An internship encounter with a Jordanian man and the influence of the book “The Alchemist” inspired him to pursue his dreams of travel and writing. His journey took him across various countries, deepening his appreciation for different cultures and ultimately leading him to Australia, where he graduated with a business degree and worked in the red meat industry. Tim’s experiences in India, including the birth of his children, were transformative. However, the onset of COVID-19 and a military coup in Myanmar brought significant challenges. Despite these obstacles, Tim found solace in Thailand, where he took a break from his career to reflect on his life and rediscover his passion for writing. His novel, centered around a tea seller in Mumbai, explores themes of purpose and connection through the lives of four characters. After receiving rejections (or non-replies) from a huge number of literary agents, Tim decided to self-publish his book, which has since received many positive reviews and recognition in the literary community. Tim concluded his presentation with a powerful message about embracing one’s true purpose and the transformative power of storytelling. He encouraged the audience to pursue their passions and offered a special deal on his book, hoping to inspire others through his journey. Following the presentations, MC Ren Lexander brought everyone up to date on upcoming events followed by the Open Forum portion of the meeting where questions are asked and comments made about Expat living in Thailand, especially Pattaya. To learn more about the PCEC, visit their website at https:/pcec.club. Visit the PCEC’s YouTube channel for a video of Dr Karki’s presentation at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7WqTyq3seU and for Tim’s presentation at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiEN6NZpwvs&t=19s.