On 23 March 2021, the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs hosted a special lecture on protocol and reception for a group of students led by Assistant Professor Dr. Thanasin  Chutintaranond from the Speech, Communication and Performing Arts Programme, Faculty of Communication Arts, Chulalongkorn University. 

               Ms. Wiraka Moodhitaporn, Director of the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs, welcomed and provided the audience with an overview of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ structure and its historical developments.  In her welcome remarks, she focused on the current roles and missions of the Institute as the Royal Thai Government’s main agency responsible for providing training for MFA officials and their spouses, as well as officials from other agencies who will represent Thailand overseas and work under the umbrella of “Team Thailand”.  She emphasized the significance of the institute as the main English language testing center for the Thai government sector, state enterprises and other state agencies, apart from its role in disseminating knowledge of diplomacy and foreign affairs to the public at large.  She also reiterated the facts that Thailand is renowned for diplomacy and that diplomatic protocol is another tool in conduct of the country’s foreign policy.

              The lecture, the first to be arranged for the Speech, Communication and Performing Arts Programme, focused on protocol and reception. It was delivered by Mr. Danai Karnpoj, former Ambassador of Thailand to Timor Leste and an expert in protocol, and Mr. Chana Miencharoen, Counsellor of the Department of Protocol.  The lecturers provided the audience with an overview of protocol and reception, highlighting the importance of diplomatic protocol and manners as socially accepted norms, such as those required for reception,  socialization, dressing etc.  The protocol and good manners aim to allow a state’s procedures and other ceremonial affairs to achieve their propriety, grace, honor and respect for dignity.

              The audience showed their keen interest in the topic and followed up with questions on Thailand’s protocol, especially the relevance of seniority orders in protocol and other diplomatic functions.  The students thanked the lecturers and expressed their gratitude to the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs for arranging this event. 

              The Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs has continued its cooperation with Chulalongkorn University through special lectures on various topics.  The Institute takes pride in these efforts which provide an opportunity to reach out to people of younger generations and to promote better understanding on the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.