THAI PM RECEIVES PRESIDENTIAL SERVICE AWARD FROM US' CLAREMONT GRADUATE UNIVERSITY

By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock

BANGKOK, July 9 (Bernama) -- Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Tuesday received the Presidential Service Award from Claremont Graduate University, one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States, of which he is an alumni.

Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke said the award reflects Srettha's commitment to upholding human rights and improving the quality of life and dignity of the Thai people.

"This award is given to distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions to society," he said in a statement here on Tuesday.

Chai said Srettha also reiterated his commitment to working to further improve the quality of life for the Thai people, particularly in promoting education so that Thai youth can have access to higher education.

He added that Srettha is a strong advocate for human rights and has made significant progress in promoting human rights in Thailand.

Earlier, Srettha received the Presidential Service Award from the president and representatives of Claremont Graduate University at the Government House here.

Claremont Graduate University is a private university in Claremont, California, in the US, and Srettha graduated from it with a Master of Public Administration in 1982.

Meanwhile, Claremont Graduate University representative Dr Michelle Bligh said it was an honour to meet the Thai premier, noting that she was pleased that one of the university’s graduates had risen to the highest position in Thailand. 

She said this is an inspiration to current Thai students at the university and she thanked Srettha for creating a path to the future and doing good for others.

Bligh also expressed confidence that Srettha’s work has played an important role in strengthening relations between Thailand and the US.

-- BERNAMA