PRESS RELEASE : Thailand hosts 40th anniversary celebration of Chevening awards [July 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 July 2024.

40 Thai Cheveners received awards to recognise and celebrate their significant impact and contributions to Thai society.

In January 2024, the British Embassy Bangkok, in partnership with Thailand Chevening Alumni Association, hosted the Chevening 40th Anniversary Celebration at the British Club Bangkok, presenting awards to honour 40 Thai Cheveners for their significant impact and contributions to Thai society and to broaden UK-Thailand relations.

The event welcomed Cheveners from various sectors, ranging from international relations, human rights, sustainability, journalism to business and more. Dr Lalida Pariyakanok, the Director of Thai Red Cross Eye Bank, who was the very first cohort of Chevening recipients in Thailand was also present at the event. It was an opportunity for Cheveners in Thailand to reconnect and share their experiences and expertise.

British Ambassador to Thailand, Mark Gooding, said:

Our Chevening Alumni are leaders in their fields, working tirelessly for Thailand’s advancement and have effectively become a vital pillar of the UK-Thailand relationship, especially where we work together on shared goals. The insights, access, frank opinion, and friendship that you give me, and the Embassy team are invaluable to our work in Thailand. I am truly proud of our Chevening community, and I believe we should continue to identify opportunities to support each other’s efforts.

From studies to success: How Chevening scholarships change lives

In the special panel discussion, Chevening Alumni shared their experiences from their Chevening years, which led to their current success in various sectors.

Pongsadhorn Pokpermdee, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Public Health (2000-2001 Chevening cohort) said:

Chevening Scholarship is a gateway to many opportunities. Getting to this doorway might not be simple, but its challenges are the building blocks of my self-confidence. Studying in a UK university and being surrounded by international friends encourages creative thinking and enriches our learning techniques. Having encountered a variety of ways of thinking in an open society allows me to consider how we may improve our communities.

Karuna Buakumsri, Journalist (1996 to 1997 Chevening cohort) said:

One of the interviewers asked me how I could be sure that I could make positive contributions to the Thai society. At that time, I said I do not know yet, but I would like a chance to prove myself […] Receiving Chevening Scholarship has been a commitment for me to prove myself that I would do my best. Chevening Scholarship led to new friendships. The change of environment also broadened my horizon and allowed me to understand more about humanity.

Kornkanok Wathanabhoom, Mekong legal Advisor, Earthrights International (2018 to 2019 Chevening cohort) said:

Chevening Scholarship is an opportunity for everyone. You do not have to be the best in class, but you must have determination and dedication to become a leader in your field and develop your potential. If you look at the programmes, they are diverse and interesting. The knowledge we gained empowers us to enhance our capabilities, benefiting our careers and our country.  As society advances, Thailand will thrive.

Chatchavej Chitvarakorn, Managing Partner, Siam Premier International Law Office Limited (2003-2004 Chevening cohort) said:

Even though I am in the private sector, I am proud to have been one of the catalysts that help drive the country’s business and economy forward. What I have gained from the scholarship is the methods of thinking. Chevening is a significant fully funded scholarships programme. The work we put in led us to have communities of Chevening scholars not only in Thailand but also in many other countries with similar networks.

The evening concluded with the Chevening networking reception where Cheveners had a chance to reconnect while enjoying what the British traditional food had to offer.

• Chevening Scholarship, a fully funded UK government scholarship, started off as a ‘Pym Package’ in 1983 after the UK Foreign Secretary at the time. Since then, there have been 57,000 Chevening scholars, including over 600 Chevening scholars from Thailand. Cheveners around the world have made significant contributions to their home countries around the world
• the scholarships support one-year taught master’s degrees at UK universities for individuals with demonstrable potential to become future leaders, decision-makers, and opinion formers
• the Chevening programme accepts applications annually from August to October. You can find more information at https://www.chevening.org/apply/