***Unfortunately, this program has been canceled as due to health reasons, H.E. Maris Sangiampongsa will be unable to participate.***

Asia Society and the Asia Society Policy Institute will host His Excellency Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, for an address and discussion with the Hon. Dr. Kyung-wha Kang, President and CEO of the Asia Society.

*** Program video with H.E. Maris Sangiampongsa will be posted online after the event. *** 

SPEAKERS

Minister Maris Sangiampongsa has been Thailand’s top diplomat since May 2024. Prior to this, he was an Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs under Prime Minister Srettha Tavisin. Before beginning his political career, Minister Maris had been a career diplomat since 1986. He was appointed as Ambassador to several countries, including Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Nepal. He also served at the Royal Thai Embassy in Germany and Belgium and at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Headquarter during his more junior years, covering wide ranging issues from international organizations, ASEAN affairs, economic cooperation to information and cultural affairs.

Minister Maris obtained his Bachelor Degree on Politics and Government from Ramkhamhaeng University in Bangkok, Thailand, and Master Degree on International Relations from Ohio University, USA. Minister Maris has keen interests in promoting proactive economic diplomacy, education and innovation, and working with international friends and colleagues to create stability and prosperity for the region and boosting Thailand's active role back on the international stage.

Dr. Kyung-wha Kang is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Asia Society. Dr. Kang served as the first female Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Korea, from 2017 to 2021. She is a veteran diplomat in the Korean Foreign Ministry and the United Nations, holding positions in Seoul, New York, and Geneva. Prior to her appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs, she served as Senior Advisor on Policy to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, as well as Chief of his Transition Team. Dr. Kang also served as Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs from April 2013 to October 2016, and was Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights from January 2007 to March 2013. Her roles in the UN marked the highest positions held in an international organization by a Korean woman.