AIT’s Board of Trustees at its meeting held on 30 October 2006 unanimously approved the nomination of Dr. Tej Bunnag, Vice Chairman of the Board as the next Chairman of the Board Trustees.
Dr. Tej becomes the sixth chairman. Preceding him were Professor Puey Ungpakorn, Professor Oscar Mapua, Dr. Thanat Khoman (Chairman Emeritus), M. L. Birabhongse Kasemsri and H.E. Mr. Anand Panyarachun.
Dr. Tej currently serves as advisor to the Office of His Majesty’s Principal Private Secretary. Prior to that he had an outstanding career in the Thai foreign service, where he served as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry; Ambassador to the United States, France, People’s Republic of China and Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and as Permanent Representative of Thailand to UNESCO in Paris and the United Nations office in Geneva. Dr. Tej earned his D. Phil. from Oxford University (St. Antony’s College) and B.A. and M.A. from Cambridge University (King’s College).
A special plaque presentation ceremony was held immediately following the meeting of the board to felicitate the new chairman as well as to express appreciation to outgoing Chairman H.E. Mr. Anand and trustee, Dr. Phaichitr Uathavikul.
 |
 |
H.E. Mr. Anand, in his farewell address noted that he has been most fortunate to receive the trust and support from members of the board, AIT leadership and members of the AIT community, which he was confident would also be provided to his successor. H.E. Mr. Anand expressed confidence that under the helm of AIT President Professor Said Irandoust, AIT will achieve great strides in the future. H.E. Mr. Anand was optimistic about the institute’s future and remarked that he would always be available to help and assist the institute in any manner even after leaving the board.
On behalf of the institute and the entire AIT community, Professor Irandoust expressed appreciation and gratitude to H.E. Mr. Anand for the instrumental role he has played in the institute since its establishment. Professor Irandoust remarked that under the chairmanship of H.E. Mr. Anand, crucial issues have been addressed, most notable among them the amicable resolution of the land lease, placement of AIT under the auspices of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On a personal note, the president added that he has been privileged to have had the opportunity to work with H.E. Mr. Anand, and gained from his wisdom, experience and counsel.
Professor Irandoust also expressed appreciation to outgoing trustee, Dr. Phaichitr Uathavikul, for his contributions in his capacity as member of the board, Executive Committee and chairman of the By-laws Working Group. Elected to the board in January 1991, Dr. Phaichitr brought to its affairs a dedication, experience, sagacity and good will that have served the interests of the institute outstandingly well throughout his tenure of office.
