The membership of the Association relied on the participatory efforts of the executives, their families and friends, and, of course, students. In those early days, Chanpen and Nivat (Mark) Chainarongpinij from Calgary commuted to events in Edmonton to contribute to the cause; they went on to help form the Alberta Thai-Canadian Association – Calgary (ATCA), but are still involved with Association events today. Thai students, especially at the university level, also continue to promote Thailand and Thai culture in Canada through their work with the Association. Although student numbers tend to fluctuate due to attrition, graduation, and migration, Thai students are a mainstay of the Association, bringing with them a fresh and current perspective of Thailand to Alberta. For many years, the Thai student body at the University of Alberta formed their own association called the Thai Students Association at the University of Alberta (TSA), their mandate including support for Thai students living in Alberta and providing up-to-date news about Thailand. Growing Pains-Growing Pleasures The Association has endured through several changes in membership and executive over its history, much to the delight of some and the dismay of others. As with most nonprofit organizations, the Thai Association has experienced its share of conflicts. At one point in the Association’s history, a group of concerned members threatened to take legal action against the Board over issues of autocracy, the inappropriate use of funds, and irregular accountancy. The Board was voted out and eligible members were selected to assume executive roles on an Interim-Board. A new Board was elected at a subsequent General Meeting and the Association came back in service to their members. The evolution of group dynamics surrounding the Association has also brought about many positive modifications to the way in which the Association operates today. For example, its bylaws have been reviewed and amended to be more community-oriented; a more Western-style administrative system clean, clear, fair and democratic has been implemented; and objectives have been reworked to be more inclusive of other ethnic and non-profit groups (such as the Edmonton Heritage Festival Association). In terms of fund-raising activities, new initiatives the Casino drives, in particular have been pursued more enthusiastically