Surin Pitsuwan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Surin Pitsuwan
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| สุรินทร์ พิศสุวรรณ سورين ڤيتسووان |
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Surin Pitsuwan on 6 June 2010 at World Economic Forum on East Asia
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| 12th Secretary-General of ASEAN | |
| In office 1 January 2008 – 31 December 2012 |
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| Preceded by | Ong Keng Yong |
| Succeeded by | Lê Lương Minh |
| Minister of Foreign Affairs | |
| In office 14 November 1997 – 14 February 2001 |
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| Prime Minister | Chuan Leekpai |
| Preceded by | Prachuab Chaiyasan |
| Succeeded by | Surakiart Sathirathai |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 28 October 1949 Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand |
| Died | 30 November 2017 (aged 68) Bangkok, Thailand |
| Political party | Democrat Party |
| Spouse | Alisa Pitsuwan |
| Alma mater | Thammasat University Claremont McKenna College Harvard University (MA, PhD) |
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Surin Abdul Halim bin Ismail Pitsuwan (born October 28, 1949 – died November 30, 2017) was an important diplomat and politician from Thailand. He was known for being the 12th Secretary-General of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) from 2008 to 2012. Surin Pitsuwan was of Malay descent.
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Early Life and Education
Surin Pitsuwan started his studies at Thammasat University in Thailand. There, he earned his bachelor's degree in political science. In 1972, he graduated with honors from Claremont McKenna College in California, also in political science.
He then continued his education at Harvard University with help from the Rockefeller Foundation. He received his master's degree in 1974. From 1975 to 1977, he studied Arabic and did research in Cairo, Egypt.
Later, from 1977 to 1980, he was a researcher at Thammasat University. He also worked in the US Capitol from 1983 to 1984 as a congressional fellow. During this time, he taught international relations at the American University in Washington, D.C.. He finished his PhD at Harvard in 1982. His main research was about Islam and Malay nationalism.
Political Career
Surin Pitsuwan began his political journey when he was elected as a Member of Parliament for Nakhon Si Thammarat Province in 1986. In the same year, he became a secretary to the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
In 1988, he was appointed assistant secretary to the Minister of Interior. He served as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1992 to 1995. Then, from 1997 to 2001, he became the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He also chaired the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum from 1999 to 2000.
Besides his political work, Surin Pitsuwan taught at Thammasat University. He also wrote for two English newspapers in Bangkok between 1980 and 1992.
Leading ASEAN
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On June 18, 2007, the Thai government chose Surin Pitsuwan to be their candidate for Secretary-General of ASEAN. ASEAN Foreign Ministers confirmed his role in July 2007. He officially took over from Ong Keng Yong on January 1, 2008. His term lasted for five years.
Surin Pitsuwan was the first ASEAN Secretary-General with a lot of political experience. He was known for wanting to play a more active role in member countries. Many people believed he was very effective in this position.
On January 1, 2013, he passed his role to Lê Lương Minh, the next ASEAN Secretary-General. After his time at ASEAN, he said he was ready to lead Thailand's education ministry if he had the chance.
Under Surin's leadership, ASEAN became a more important group in international affairs. He helped ASEAN move away from a strict "non-interference" rule. This rule had sometimes been used to avoid talking about human rights issues in member states. He helped set up ASEAN's own Human Rights Commission.
Surin also supported a policy called "flexible engagement" towards Myanmar. This meant increasing talks with Myanmar leaders when they made steps towards reform. It also encouraged more connections between people from different nations. Experts said he guided ASEAN through tough times, like Myanmar opening up and rising tensions in the South China Sea.
Other Roles and Contributions
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Since 2003, Surin Pitsuwan was a member of the board of trustees for The Asia Foundation. This organization works to improve lives across Asia.
From October 2013, Surin also served on the board of the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD). This group works to prevent armed violence through talking and mediation.
He was also a member of several important international groups. These included the Commission on Human Security and the World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalization.
After his passing, the Surin Pitsuwan Foundation was created in 2019 by his eldest son, Fuadi Pitsuwan. The foundation focuses on three main areas: education, diplomacy, and human security. It aims to provide scholarships for students, support peace talks, and help with disaster relief.
Death
Surin Pitsuwan passed away on November 30, 2017, from heart failure. He was 68 years old. He collapsed while getting ready to speak at an event in Bangkok.
Awards and Honours
Surin Pitsuwan received several important awards during his life. These include royal decorations from Thailand:
- Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of The Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand
- Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant
He also received honours from other countries:
- From Malaysia: Honorary Commander of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia (2015)
- From Portugal: Grand Cross of the Order of Prince Henry
He was also recognized as a Distinguished Fellow of JICA-RI.
Academic Recognition
Surin Pitsuwan was recognized as a Professor Emeritus of Thammasat University. This title is given to retired professors who have made great contributions to their field.
Images for kids
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Ribbon for the Order of the Crown of Thailand
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Ribbon for the Order of the White Elephant
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See also
In Spanish: Surin Pitsuwan para niños
