HM Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck, HE Ambassador Busaya Mathelin and HRH Princess Eeuphelma of Bhutan – Picture by Office of HM Gyalyum Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck.
Thailand’s hitherto diplomatic head of mission to the EU, Belgium and Luxembourg, HE Ambassador Busaya Mathelin became as per 1 October 2016 Permanent Secretary of Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. First woman ever appointed to this post. She is expected to complete a three-year term before hitting mandatory retirement age.
Permanent Secretary Busaya Mathelin served in the past as ambassador to Spain and Senegal, and was Director-General of the European Affairs Department at Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mrs Mathelin holds master degrees in political science and Asian studies, both from the University of Michigan.
Busaya will likely focus on reinvigorating Thailand’s free trade negotiations with the European Union. Her maiden voyage took her to the neighbouring Kingdom of Bhutan for ritual Bhuddist ceremonies following the demise of King Rama IX (Bhumibol Adulyadej). Bhutan’s monarch, HM Dragon King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was the first foreign head of state to pay his respects in Bangkok following the passing of King Rama IX.
For further information:
Thai Foreign Ministry: http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/organize/21985-Permanent-Secretary.html
