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), The 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 organisations, government, private sector, civil society and media representatives.

The Siam Society Under Royal Patronage, led by President Bilaibhan Sampatisiri, is recognised 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.

The Thailand’s Public Diplomacy Award was established in 2022 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Thailand Foundation to honour Thai and foreign individuals, groups, or organisations 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.