AIT attains status of International Intergovernmental Organization

A landmark in Thailand’s higher learning was reached when the Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Kasit Piromya signed the new Charter of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) on behalf of the Royal Thai Government, thereby initiating the process to grant it the status of an International organization. AIT becomes the first international organization in the field of higher learning in Thailand.

H.E. Mr. Kasit Piromya signing the new AIT Charter
Signing the charter, the minister congratulated AIT and stated that “AIT is recognized as a center of excellence in research and knowledge in Southeast Asia.” The Foreign Minister stated that the Royal Thai Government fully endorses the new Charter and that the Charter will be open for signature for one year from today, and it will become effective when the fifth country deposits its instrument of ratification with the Royal Thai Government.

Today, 12 countries and one intergovernmental organization signed the new AIT Charter. They include People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Kingdom of Cambodia, Republic of India, Japan, Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Republic of Philippines, Republic of Seychelles, Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Thailand, Democratic Republic of Timor Leste and United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM).

Former minister of foreign affairs, H.E. Dr. Tej Bunnag, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of AIT, thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and stated that the new Charter is the most significant development in the five decade long history of AIT. Dr. Tej, said the move is the fulfillment of the dream of the founding fathers of AIT, who had envisioned the creation of an international institute of higher learning in Asia.

Prof. Said Irandoust, President AIT thanked all partners for their continuous support and stated that AIT foresees itself playing a lead role in ensuring that Thailand emerges as a top destination for international students.

News of new AIT Charter was displayed prominently in the Breaking News section in The Nation newspaper. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) of the Royal Thai Government has also prominently featured the news on their website.

News about AIT's new Charter can be found at these links:

MoFA
The Nation, Thailand, Breaking News
The Nation, National Section
RYT9 English
RYT9 Thai
ASEAN Affairs
Ministry of External Affairs Sri Lanka
Associated Press of Pakistan
Business Recorder, Pakistan
The New Nation, Bagladesh
UNBconnect, Bangladesh
SiamX

Source: AIT News (http://www.ait.ac.th/news-and-events/2010/news/ait-attains-status-of-international-intergovernmental-organization/view)