President’s Hall Sala, Malacañan Palace
April 17, 2018

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte extended his acknowledgements to the outgoing Ambassador of Thailand to the Philippines, H.E. Thanatip Upatising, in a farewell call in Malacañan Palace.

President Duterte also conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the Rank of Grand Cross (Gold Distinction) to Ambassador Upatising for his efforts while serving as Thailand’s envoy to the country, particularly in bolstering the already strong bilateral relations between the two countries, as well as the envoy’s role in extending aid and support during the rehabilitation works in the war-torn city of Marawi.

The Order of Sikatuna, which is the highest form of award a Philippine President can confer on foreign nationals, is an order of diplomatic merit conferred upon individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the Republic of the Philippines, including diplomats, officials, and nationals of foreign states who have rendered conspicuous service in fostering, developing, and strengthening relations between their country and the Philippines.

Ambassador Upatising served at the Royal Thai Embassy in the Philippines since April 2015, and bound to be appointed in a new mission at Moscow, Russia.

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