On 7 December 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Thailand Foundation jointly organized the presentation ceremony for the Thailand’s Public Diplomacy Award 2023 at Vithes Samosorn. On this occasion, His Excellency Mr. Jakkapong Sangmanee, Deputy Minister of 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 event was witnessed by members of diplomatic corps and representatives of international organizations, government and private sectors, civil societies, and the media.

The recipients of the Thailand’s Public Diplomacy Award 2023 were golf champions Miss Moriya Jutanugarn and Miss Ariya Jutanugarn, who were honored due to their continuous contributions in the promotion of Thailand through their outstanding achievements in the international women’s golf arena. Their successes have also inspired new generations of professional golfers to follow in their footsteps and become champions in their own rights. As individuals, Miss Moriya and Miss Ariya have represented an image of Thai characteristics through their appearances to worldwide followers. Furthermore, Miss Moriya and Miss Ariya have repaid their successes through establishing the Moriya and Ariya Foundation to help children, elderlies, and those in need within the society, as well as through promoting environmental awareness.

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 also serves to support recipients in continuing their good works and sets an example for the general public to see that any individuals or organizations can actively participate in advancing Thailand’s public diplomacy efforts. Public Diplomacy” refers to citizen diplomacy that emphasizes the promotion of better understanding on a people-to-people level, leading to friendship and synergy. Public diplomacy can be driven by individuals and various organizations. Public diplomacy can be conducted by individuals and the private sector. This, in turn, supports conventional diplomacy, which is primarily conducted on a governmental level to promote relationships between states and governments in a broader context.

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 his endeavors. The award recipient’s name will also be engraved onto the larger “Goodwill” trophy and the “Wall of Fame,” which will be permanently displayed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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