On 6 December 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Thailand Foundation jointly hosted the Presentation Ceremony of the Thailand’s Public Diplomacy Award 2024 at Vithes Samosorn. This year, the awards were presented to the Venerable Phra Phrompacharayanmuni (Ajahn Jayasaro), Siam Society under Royal Patronage and Mr. Somtow Sucharitkul. The event was attended by over 200 participants, including members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of international organizations, government, private sector, civil society and media representatives.
The ceremony commenced with H.E. Mr. Tharit Charungvat, Secretary-General of the Thailand Foundation, delivering a report on the objectives of the Public Diplomacy Award, followed by opening remarks and welcome speech by H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs. H.E. Mrs. Eksiri Pintaruchi, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, announced the award recipients and the awards were presented by H.E. Mr. Chirayu Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, Chairman of the Thailand Foundation.
This year's award recipients are recognised for their outstanding contributions in various fields as follows:
(1) The Venerable Phra Phrompacharayanmuni (Ajahn Jayasaro) for his distinguished and rigorous contributions to preserving and propagating Thai Theravada Buddhism globally. His efforts have sparked international interest in Buddhist teachings, leading many to travel to Thailand to study the Dhamma. In addition, his work has helped to promote international awareness of Thai identity, culture, and spirit through Buddhism, which is a major aspect of the way of life for the Thai buddhists.
(2) The Siam Society under Royal Patronage for its role in preserving and promoting Thai cultural heritage over the past 120 years. Through its efforts in compiling and sharing knowledge about Thai art, culture, and history with the international community, in continuously fostering research, and in serving as a bridge for people relations across cultures and institutions, The Siam Society has greatly contributed to raising global awareness of Thai culture and history.
(3) Mr. Somtow Sucharitkul for his role in promoting Thai identity and showcasing his talents as a Thai artist through his work in music, film, and novel writing, he has gained widespread recognition and admiration internationally for over 50 years. His works also promote Thai culture and identity to the world.
The Thailand’s Public Diplomacy Award was established in 2022 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Thailand Foundation to honor Thai and foreign individuals, groups, or organizations who have significantly contributed to the recognition of Thailand, Thai people, and Thainess on the international stage. Another objective was to support recipients in continuing their outstanding works and to inspire the general public to participate more actively in advancing Thai public diplomacy. In 2022, Dr. Soontorn Antarasena, an otolaryngologist, was the first recipient of the Public Diplomacy Award. The following year, in 2023, Thai golf-champion siblings Miss Moriya Jutanugarn and Miss Ariya Jutanugarn, received the Award.