On 13 November 2017, Mrs. Kanchana Patarachoke, Director - General of the Department of International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, opened the “Experience-Sharing Session by Ms. Praya Lundberg, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador” at Narathip Auditorium, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

          More than 200 youth, representatives from various Thai government agencies, and CSO representatives attended the event. Ms. Praya Lundberg shared her story working with UNHCR and her work as UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, including her visits to temporary shelters for Myanmar displaced persons in Thailand and refugee camps in Jordan, which are among the biggest refugee camps in the world, as well as her future plans. Ms. Lundberg also shared her view on how Thai society could engage more to alleviate the plight of refugees worldwide. Participants also had the opportunity to ask questions and exchange views on issues of interest.

          The event was also an opportunity to create awareness and understanding on the responsibilities and role of UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador as well as the UNHCR.

          The robust partnership between Thailand and the UNHCR has spanned some 40 years. Some of the noteworthy cooperation includes the support on humanitarian assistance to different groups of displaced persons and asylum seekers in Thailand, as well as the resettlement and the return of Myanmar displaced persons in Thailand in a safe, voluntary, and dignified manner. UNHCR appointed Ms. Praya Lundberg, Thai model and actress, as the first UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador for Thailand and for Southeast Asia on 31 January 2017.