On 16 November 2020, the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs launched a training programme for newly recruited diplomats for the second half of the year 2020.  Mr. Chutintorn Kongsak, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was invited to deliver a lecture on the directions of Thailand’s post Covid 19 foreign policy. During the lecture, he shared insights into other relevant issues such as the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic on Thailand, the Ministry’s adaptation to the New Normal, the Ministry’s drives to strengthen cooperation with other agencies, and Thailand’s role in the global and regional arena.

             After welcoming the Deputy Permanent Secretary on his first visit to the Institute, Miss Lada Phumas, Director of the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs, gave a briefing on the objectives of the second half of the training programme for the new recruits, emphasizing its significance following 2 months of on-the-job training. 

              The 6-week programme aims to revise what the participants learnt in the first half of the year; to provide the participants with additional advanced knowledge in the fields of diplomacy and international affairs; to equip the participants with all the necessary skills, especially critical thinking and effective reporting; and to cultivate a positive mindset among all the participants.  A total 30 newly recruited diplomats are attending the programme which lasts from 16 November until 25 December 2020.