WE ARE COMMUNITY
Inspiring & Empower
Extraordinary Leader
Ambassador Vijavat Isarabhakdi, his dedication to support and empower community during this team in USA had empowered and inspired many younger generation and community leaders to unity together. We are honor to highlight his excellency as our honorable Ambassador who serve the community locally and globally
Vijavat Isarabhakdi
Ambassador of Thailand to Canada
Ambassador Vijavat Isarabhakdi arrived in Ottawa to assume his position as Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Canada on 13 February 2015. He presented his credentials to His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, on 31 March 2015. In May 2015, he was also appointed Permanent Representative of Thailand to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal. On 5 November 2015, he presented his credentials as non-resident Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
Prior to these appointments, Ambassador Vijavat served as Thailand’s Ambassador to the United States of America from 2013 to 2015. He also held a number of other senior positions in the Thai Foreign Service, including Ambassador/Deputy Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of Thailand to the United Nations Office in Geneva from 2006 to 2011; Director-General of the Department of International Organizations in Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 2011 to 2012; and Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs overseeing Thailand’s bilateral relations with all countries from 2012 to 2013.
Born on 28 June 1957, Ambassador Vijavat began his diplomatic career in 1990, working as a U.S. desk officer in the North America Division, Department of Political Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He spent one year as a Congressional Fellow on Capitol Hill, under the sponsorship of the American Political Science Association and the Asia Foundation, serving in the offices of Senator Hank Brown (R-Colorado) and Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (R-California). He subsequently served as First Secretary (Political Affairs) at the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C. from 1993 to 1997.
During his diplomatic career, Ambassador Vijavat has served as an aide to two Ministers of Foreign Affairs during 1992-93 and 1997-2000, acting as interpreter, speechwriter and personal assistant. He was also seconded to the Office of the Prime Minister during 2001-2006, where he performed similar responsibilities for the Prime Minister, while also serving as a liaison between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Government House.
Ambassador Vijavat received his undergraduate degree (First Class Honours) in 1980 from the Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok. In 1982, he received a Fulbright scholarship to pursue graduate studies in the United States of America, earning his Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy (M.A.L.D.) degree as well as his Ph.D. in International Relations from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, in Massachusetts in 1989.
On 5 December 2014, Ambassador Vijavat was bestowed the Royal Decoration of
Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand.
As one of the representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he received an award for Outstanding Civil Servant of the Year in 2000.
Ambassador Vijavat is married to Wannipa Isarabhakdi and has one daughter, Natasha.
Letter of acknowledgement of Ambassador's performance
Febuary 2015, it's my pleasure to representing Thai-American community leaders to compose Letter of Acknowledgement and give the farewell speech for his Excellency Vijavat Isarabhakdi at Wat Thai Washington DC
Febuary 5, 2015
The Honorable Mr.Vijavat Isarabhakdi
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the United States of America
Dear Ambassador Isarabhakdi:
With deep appreciation and gratitude, we write to thank you for your historic contributions to improving the lives of Thai’s in America and around the world. Your legacy will have a positive impact on future generations.
As Ambassador you supported each almost every program our committee presented without hesitation. Your support and that of the Thai Embassy overall was a positive inspiration to the countless business, political and grass roots organizations our members were charged with pulling together during your tenure.
It takes good people inspire ideas. Good ideas tend to inspire hope towards meaningful change.
The Embassies Science, technology and innovations is one of many ideas fostering cooperation between Thailand and the United States. You were active in the decisions leading to the Embassy working with the DC Public School as part of a culture exchange.
The many great experiences our members shared with you are too numerous to fit into one letter. Your support of the 1st Samakee Thai Summit helped bring together the Thai Community at large throughout the Washington DMV area towards positive change with a focus on Thai-American. We appreciate the time and attention you gave towards the numerous gatherings over the years including the events involving Southern Thai, Eastern Thai and Wat Thai activities, to name a few. As your term nears its end, we will continue to look to you for inspiration, leadership, guidance and encouragement.
And in addition to our gratitude, will our encouragement and blessing to you towards your future endeavors in Canada and beyond. Great leaders are not remembered for their position or title held or for their inability to connect with the people. Great leaders are in fact remembered for those they helped and mentored to also become leaders.
For that we offer our highest thanks and appreciation to you Sir.
It was John Quincy Adams who said, “ If your actions inspire others to dream more, to do more, to become more, then you are in fact a leader.” For that and much more we salute you. Best wishes to you Mr. Ambassador. You will always remain in our heart.
With Great Respect,
Chintana Vann
VP, Thai Alliance in America
Community Leaders and Associations
Pa Tu Funeral Association
Dr. Saleewun Physician Association
Ian Asvakovith President of Thai Alliance in America
Wat Thai DC
Khun Pirote Kongpat Southern Thai
Khun Praphot Eastern Thai Association
Thai Golf Association DC
Thai Golf Association Baltimore
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