Advancing women's rights

NEWS Makers

HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha, the eldest daughter of HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, recently accepted her honorary doctorate degree in criminology, justice administration and society from her aunt, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, during Mahidol University's graduation ceremony at the navy auditorium.

HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha

Princess Bha, as she is affectionately called, graduated with a PhD in law from Cornell University, and currently works as assistant public prosecutor in Udon Thani province.

She is dedicated to advancing women's rights in Thailand, as seen in her initiative, titled "Kamlangjai" (Inspire), to empower women inmates and pregnant women inmates and their babies in correctional facilities.

In 2005, the princess led the Thai delegation at the UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice to present a report which eventually led to the approval of the UN mandate on the development of the justice system.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) also presented the princess with an award of recognition in April for her work in the justice system when she attended the 18th session of the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice to address the commission.

Last year, the princess was also appointed Unifem Goodwill Ambassador for Thailand.

Philippe Broianigo, CEO of Carrefour Thailand on receiving a medal from the French government.

Elevating commerce and philanthropy

Congratulations to Philippe Broianigo, CEO of Carrefour Thailand, on being awarded Chevalier de l'Ordre National du Merite by the French government for his contributions to the Thai community and for elevating commercial exchanges between Thailand and France.

As CEO of Carrefour Thailand, Philippe's role is to develop commercial collaboration between the two countries. But his work is not confined to business; Philippe has been active in supporting local communities. Under his management, Carrefour Thailand has provided financial support worth 15 million baht to the Educational Development Project for hill-tribe children and youth in Omkoi district in Chiang Mai province. The project is under the patronage of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Apart from the fund, blankets from Carrefour have been sent to keep these children warm.

During the Asian tsunami, Carrefour Thailand gave the fund over 30 million baht to build and improve schools in Ban Nam Khem in Phang Nga province - one of the hardest hit spots in the tsunami.

His contribution to Thailand is not limited to acts of philanthropy. Philippe has transformed the role of Carrefour from retailer into exporter of Thai products to the international market. Many products made by local communities are now available in Carrefour outlets overseas, thanks to Philippe's initiative.