Rosemary Whitcraft, Rip | Bangkok Post: feature

Rosemary Whitcraft, a prominent long-time American resident of Thailand, passed away peacefully in the early afternoon of Christmas Day at Bangkok's Bumrungrad International Hospital surrounded by her family.

Noted for her commitment to public service and remarkable networking talents, Whitcraft did much to promote international understanding through educational projects. Her work as a consultant for the American Field Service (AFS) Intercultural Programs raised funds for countless student scholarships that enabled Thai high school students and teachers to travel overseas and further their education. Among the many student beneficiaries of AFS who went on to distinguished careers is former Thai foreign minister Dr Surin Pitsuwan, the current secretary-general of Asean.

Whitcraft also worked with Indiana University, Prasarnmit College, Battelle Memorial Institute _ the Thailand Information Center, the UNHCR and Saatchi & Saatchi. She was an active supporter of the Soroptimists, the American Women's Club of Thailand, the National Museum Volunteers, The Siam Society, the Neilson Hay's Library and the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand (FCCT).