Kajit Habanananda of Bangkok, Thailand, was elected first vice president of the International Association of Lions Clubs at the association's 80th International Convention, held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, June 30-July 5, 1997.

Vice President Habanananda is an international consultant.

A Lion since 1965 and presently a charter member of the Bangkok (Cosmopolitan) Lions Club, Vice President Habanananda has held a number of positions within the association, including club secretary, club president, district cabinet secretary, deputy district governor, district governor and council chairman. He was a member of the International Board of Directors from 1982-84. Vice President Habanananda has participated in 29 Orient & Southeast Asian Forums (OSEAL) and was the executive secretary of the 12th OSEAL Forum and chairman of the 26th OSEAL Forum.

In recognition of his service on behalf of the association, Vice President Habanananda has received numerous awards including the 100% Club President Award, the 100% District Governor Award, seven Extension Awards, 30 Years Perfect Attendance Award, 13 International President's Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is also a Melvin Jones Fellow and the first individual Lead Gift Donor to Campaign SightFirst.

Vice President Habanananda and his wife, Panida, have three children.

Vice President Habanananda will become the 82nd President of Lions Clubs International at the 81st International Convention to be held in Birmingham, England, June 30 - July 3, 1998.