On 7 December 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Thailand Foundation jointly hosted the Presentation Ceremony of the Thailand’s Public Diplomacy Award 2023 at Vithes Samosorn. At the beginning of the event, H.E. Mr. Jakkapong Sangmanee, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, warmly welcomed the attendees.

Then, H.E. Mr. Sarun Charoensuwan, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs delivered the welcoming remarks, followed by the award presentation by H.E. Mr. Chirayu Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, Chairman of the Thailand Foundation. The Thailand’s Public Diplomacy Award 2023 was presented to Miss Moriya Jutanugarn and Miss Ariya Jutanugarn for their outstanding achievements in the international women’s golf. The event was witnessed by members of diplomatic corps and representatives of international organizations, government and private sectors, civil societies, and the media.

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. The Award was also established to support recipients in continuing their outstanding work and to inspire the general public to participate more actively in advancing Thai public diplomacy. “Public diplomacy” refers to people’s diplomacy that promotes better understanding at a people-to-people, leading to friendship and synergy.

Moriya and Ariya Jutanugarn, are both Thai professionals golfers who have entered the Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour (LPGA Tour) in 2013 and in 2015 respectively. They have achieved a remarkable success at the LPGA Tour winning major tournaments. Their successes have also inspired new generations of professional golfers to pursue their dreams and become champions. The Jutanugarn Sisters have shown their Thai culture and values to the world through their 'wai' (Thai greeting), smiles and compassion. Moreover, Miss Moriya and Miss Ariya have pay back their success to the society through establishing the Moriya and Ariya Foundation to help underprivileged children, elderlies, and those in need, as well as through raising environmental awareness.

Recipients of the Thailand’s Public Diplomacy Award will receive the “Goodwill” trophy along with a certificate and prize money of 300,000 baht to continue with their endeavors. The award recipient’s name will also be engraved onto the “Goodwill” trophy and the “Wall of Fame,” which will be permanently displayed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Dr. Soontorn Antarasena, an otolaryngologist, was the first and previous recipient of the Public Diplomacy Award, having received the honor in 2022.  He formed the volunteer Ear Surgery Mobile Unit which provided free treatments to the patients in neighboring countries for more than 30 years.

Thailand Foundation is a nonprofit organization established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 2007 to promote goodwill and friendship between Thailand and the international community. For more information, visit https://www.thailandfoundation.or.th/.