UNESCO honours Prof Puey, Pia as world historic important figures

BANGKOK, Nov 20 (TNA) -- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) named Prof Puey Ungphakorn and Mom Rajawongse Pia Malakul as UNESCO World Historic Important Figures and celebrations for the recognition were set in 2016 and 2017, according to Education Minister Dapong Ratanasuwan. Gen Dapong said that Thailand successfully sought the recognition for both persons from the 38th general conference of the UNESCO in Paris from Nov 3 to 18. Prof Puey and MR Pia have been recognized for their outstanding capabilities in education, social sciences and humanities and their 100th birthday anniversary will fall in 2016 and 2017 respectively. The UNESCO’s recognition is aimed at supporting the celebrations for their 100th birthday anniversaries and the organization would participate in the celebrations as both persons were good models worth the attention of the international community, the minister said. Since 1962, UNESCO has recognized 26 Thai persons/historical events as UNESCO World Historic Important Figure. The recognition happens in the lead-up to the 50th and 100th birthday anniversaries of such persons. The Thai persons obtaining the recognition include His Majesty the King on his 50th anniversary celebrations of his accession to the throne, MR Pin Malakul, MR Kukrit Pramoj and Thanpuying Ngamjit Burachat. (TNA)