Former Thai Ambassadors, including H.E Mr. Surapong Jayanama, H.E. Mr. Charivat Santabutra, H.E. Mr. Kittipong Na Ranong and H.E. Mrs. Nantana Sivakua, were invited to engage with participants of the Executive Skills Enhancement Programme for Counsellors for the year 2020 on the topic of “Analytical Thinking”. As session leaders, they provided opportunities for the participants to enhance their capacity for critical thinking, explore the different modes of communication a diplomat can adopt in order to maintain Thailand’s stance on various issues and safeguard the country’s interests in today’s rapidly changing global landscape.  The participants were actively encouraged to exchange views with the session leaders and their peers throughout the 18-hour training. By 10 July 2020, the last day of the programme, the participants had formed a clear understanding of what is required of a head of section.  They had considered ways to: improve efficiency and effectiveness in the management of resources, build awareness of issues related to local and global politics, develop a positive and professional attitude among government officials, and enhance leadership skills in order to build trust and serve as a role model for junior staff.

          Ms. Lada Phumas, Director of the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs, joined former Ambassadors and participants of the Executive Skills Enhancement Programme for Counsellors for the year 2020 for a group photo to mark the end of the first part of the Executive Skills Enhancement Programme for Counsellors for the year 2020.  The second part of the programme, which was organized by the Institute, has been developed as an online workshop that will last for a further month.