Background Information
Over several decades, retirees from the United Nations organizations and agencies have formed Associations of Former International Civil Servants (AFICS) in many countries across the globe. In Thailand, the “Association of Former International Civil Servants-Thailand (AFICS-T)” was established by three UN/ESCAP retirees, namely, the late Mr. Steve Torok, Mr. Jan B. Orsini, and Mr. Peter Wickenden. They held a founding meeting on 26 February 2001. Once established, AFICS-T held its first Annual General Assembly (AGA) on 29 May 2001. One hundred and ten (110) subscribing members attended the AGA, adopted the “AFICS-T By-Laws” and elected a nine-member Executive Board.
As a voluntary association, AFICS-T fundamentally aims to serve the needs of all UN retirees and their spouses living in Thailand and assist them in various aspects of benefits enjoyed by UN retirees. Brief basic facts about AFICS-T are presented below.
AIMS AND PURPOSES
(A) To protect the benefits and represent the interests of AFICS-T members, their spouses and next of kin, concerning UN pensions, life insurance and health insurance, and other UN benefits by providing advice and assistance in approaching the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF) and other UN administrative bodies
(B) To support and promote the purposes and principles of the United Nations system within the limits of the AFICS-T resources and competence by working closely with the responsible offices of the UN system
(C) To keep members informed of actions and developments affecting their interests
(D) To render advice and to assist, within the means available, retiring and retired international civil servants in matters of residence, health care, taxation, and other relevant issues
(E) To organize social and other activities for members, as decided by AFICS-T
(F) To undertake, in cooperation with relevant bodies in Thailand, such charitable activities as AFICS-T may decide, and to provide assistance to those in need
(G) To provide advice to UN staff, upon request, in matters relating to pension and retirement benefits
MEMBERSHIP
Former UN staff, including staff in active service in anticipation of retirement, living in Thailand, may become members by registering and paying the annual fees and other dues. In addition, their surviving spouses and offspring, who receive a pension from the UNJSPF, may become members of AFICS-T with the continuous payment of annual fees and other dues. (see Membership Application)
ADMINISTRATION
The Executive Board shall consist of, as office bearers, a President, a First Vice-President, a Second Vice-President, a Secretary, a Deputy Secretary, a Treasurer, a Deputy Treasurer, a Registrar, a Communication Officer, a Web Master, a Deputy Web Master, and, if so decided by the Assembly, no less than six other Board members as well as two advisers. Under special circumstances, the Assembly authorizes the Board during its tenure to appoint additional office bearers, members and advisers to ensure the daily smooth operation of the activities undertaken by the Board on behalf of the AFICS-T
AFICS-T RELATION WITH FAFICS
AFICS-T is a member of the world-wide Federation of Associations of Former International Civil Servants (FAFICS), located at the UN in Geneva. With over 20,000 members, FAFICS has gained official representation on the Executive Boards of UNJSPF, the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), the Coordination Committee for Administrative Questions (CCAQ) and other relevant UN committees in New York. These official connections strongly enhance the protection and continuance of benefits entitled by all UN retirees. With due delegation, AFICS-T may represent FAFICS in concerned activities.
LOCATION OF AFICS-T
For more details and the application of membership, AFICS-T is located at :
AFICS-T Ground Floor, United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC) United Nations Building Rajadamnern Nok Avenue, Bangkok 10200
AFICS-T Ground Floor, United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC) United Nations Building Rajadamnern Nok Avenue, Bangkok 10200
Telephone : 66 (0)2-288-1890
Fax : 66 (0)2-288-1088
E-mail escap_un_retirees.unescap@un.org
*** For in-person visits, please note the AFICS-T’s office hours for walk-in members: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday.