By AIT Public Affairs
8 November 2024: Dr. Monthip Sriratana Tabucanon, a distinguished alumna of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), has been awarded “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon” by the Government of Japan in recognition of her significant contributions to environmental cooperation between Japan and Thailand.
A former Director-General of Thailand’s Department of Environmental Quality Promotion, now known as the Department of Climate Change and Environment under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Dr. Monthip is celebrated as a driving force behind Thailand-Japan environmental collaboration. Recognized by Japanese experts as the “Mother of Japan-Thailand Cooperation on the Environment,” her contributions have created a lasting impact on environmental diplomacy.
The conferment ceremony took place on November 5, 2024, at the residence of Japan’s Ambassador to Thailand, H.E. Mr. OTAKA Masato. The event was attended by esteemed dignitaries, including former Thai Prime Ministers H.E. Mr. Chuan Leekpai and H.E. Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, who both delivered congratulatory remarks. Additionally, Japanese environmental experts from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) shared heartfelt messages from Tokyo in recognition of her work.
Dr. Monthip has played a key and crucial role in establishing the Environmental Research and Training Center (ERTC), now known as the Climate Change and Environmental Research Center, which was the first Japanese Grant Aid in the field of environment worldwide. As the founding director, she has dedicated herself to its operations and continued support beyond her official term.
Additionally, she has actively promoted environmental cooperation through her involvement with various Japanese scientific, research, and academic institutions and networks. Notably, she has served as a Trustee and Councilor for the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) for many years. She is also the National Focal Point for Thailand in the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN) and maintains a strong connection to her alma mater, The University of Tokyo, among other contributions.
Dr. Monthip graduated with a Master’s in Environmental Engineering in 1978 from AIT. Her lifelong commitment to fostering environmental cooperation continues to impact and inspire cross-border initiatives between Japan and Thailand. AIT congratulates Dr. Monthip on her outstanding achievement.
