On 27^th January 2020, H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, presided over the closing ceremony of the 15^th Training Programme for Students from Thailand’s Southern Border Provinces at Buakaew Hall, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.   Also present were Mr. Chainarong Keratiyutwong, Ambassador attached to the Ministry, Ms. Lada Phumas, Director of the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs, and Representatives from the Office of Policy and Planning and Passport Office in Yala Province.

             In her briefing, Ms. Lada Phumas, Director of the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs, informed the Foreign Minister that the 30 students from 3 universities namely Songkhla University, Fatoni University and Rajabhat University Yala had participated in a wide range of activities highlighting various aspects of Thailand’s development. She reported that engagement with representatives from government and private sector as well as community groups helped build the participants’ confidence and communication skills. Furthermore, the programme had provided moral support and inspiration to these dedicated students whose high moral values and ethics earned them a place on the programme. 

             The Foreign Minister’s address focused on the mission and role the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has played in driving Thailand’s foreign policy.  He illustrated this by referring to his visits and meetings with various Foreign Ministers in January, in which long-standing bonds of friendship were reaffirmed, views on issues of mutual concern were exchanged, and current issues such as water management and the outbreak of coronavirus were discussed.

             Also emphasized in the Foreign Minister’s address was the importance the Ministry gives to human resources development. Attention was drawn to the Ministry’s youth project called “Young Ambassadors of Virtue”. This project was designed to instill a sense of morality and social responsibility in students at primary school level.  The project has successfully orientated students towards good citizenship to promote the country’s development. 

Following the presentation of certificates, the floor was opened to participants who asked the Minister how they should go about applying to become a young diplomat. A representative for the group expressed their appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, particularly the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs, for having giving them an opportunity to learn about the country’s foreign  service. He urged the Ministry to continue this useful programme in the future.    

           In the final evening session, which was attended by Mr. Soonthorn Chaiyindeepum, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mr. Dusit Manapan, Director General of the Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs,  and Mr. Natapanu Nopakun, Deputy Director General of the Department of Information, the participants performed cultural dances as a token of their gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.