The foreign minister remarked that from the beginning, “AIT took on an
international, independent and non political character and has actively
sought partners in Asia and beyond.” He added that times have changed,
and AIT needs to change as well. “We realized some time ago that, for
AIT to further prosper and continue to contribute to our economic
growth, AIT has to be able to operate effectively, with the flexibility
to search for and cooperate with new partners and stake-holders, and
with a reach that has to be not only regional but also global,” the
Minister said.
While announcing that the Royal Thai Government fully endorses the new
AIT Charter, he stated that AIT continues to contribute to the region’s
dynamism and prosperity. “AIT’s role will be even more important as our
growing economy is ever more reliant on our capacity to harness
knowledge and creativity,” the minister added.
The Minister later signed the new AIT Charter and opened it for
countries and international organizations to ratify.
The entire text of the speech delivered by H.E.Mr. Kasit Piromya can
be found at this link.
Prof. Said Irandoust; H.E.Dr. Tej Bunnag;
and H.E.Mr.Kasit Piromya after the signing ceremony of the new AIT
Charter.