On February 10, 2026, the Press Association of Thailand under the Royal Patronage celebrated its 85th anniversary by hosting the 3rd Honorary Awards Ceremony. The event featured the Press Person Award, the Headline Award, and the Awards for Organizations and Individuals who have contributed to the mass media profession, education, society, and the country. Former Prime Minister Mr. Chuan Leekpai presided over the award ceremony. It was announced that the Bodhigaya Vijjalaya 980 Institute received two honorary awards, which are:
1). The Award for Organizations Contributing to the Mass Media Profession, Education, Society, and the Country: awarded to the Bodhigaya Vijjalaya 980 Institute, an organization dedicated to maintaining and propagating Buddhism, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Dr. Aphai Chantaneejulaka, Vice President of the Bodhigaya Institute, accepted the award on its behalf. On stage, he invited the public to collaborate with the Bodhigaya Vijjalaya 980 Institute in supporting Buddhist activities and elevating them to a global scale through Dhamma.
2). The Award for Individuals Contributing to the Mass Media Profession, Education, Society, and the Country: awarded to Dr. Supachai Verapuchong, Secretary-General of the Bodhigaya Vijjalaya 980 Institute. During his acceptance speech on stage, he expressed his gratitude to the Press Association of Thailand for bestowing this prestigious award. He stated that he considers it a blessing and good fortune to have been born in Thailand and to have ordained in honor of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great on the occasion of His Majesty's 80th birthday. This pivotal event led to the founding of the Bodhigaya Vijjalaya 980 Institute. Having carried out religious work for 20 years, he expressed confidence that Thailand would become a global center, a land of Dhamma, and a golden land. In particular, the United Nations' official recognition and integration of the word Dhamma into its system for the first time is a significant step that brings immense pride. He pledged to continue working for the Nation, the Religion, and the Monarchy until his last breath.
On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Bodhigaya Vijjalaya 980 Institute, we would like to thank the Press Association of Thailand for presenting these 2 honorary awards to the Bodhigaya Institute and its executives.
As for the other awards across the 3 categories, the details are as follows:
1). The Press Person Honorary Award has 3 recipients, namely:
Mr. Ravi Lohtong, founder of Siam Sport Syndicate Public Company Limited, owner of Siam Keela Daily newspaper, and founder of Muangthong United Football Club.
Mr. Somchai Katanyutanan, or Chai Rachawat, the most influential cartoonist and creator of the comic strip Phu Yai Ma Gub Thung Mha Moen (Headman Ma and the Ignoring Dog Field). He received royal permission from King Rama IX to illustrate the royal literary work The Story of Mahajanaka in a comic format, and was named a National Artist in Visual Arts (Cartoon) in 2021.
Ms. Phudsadee Keetaworanat, the first female editor of the Chinese newspaper Xin Zhong Yuan. She has dedicated herself to the mass communication circle, bridging the relationship between Thai and Chinese media, holding the firm belief that no matter how technology changes, the true heart of media is truth and responsibility.
2). The Award for Organizations Contributing to the Mass Media Profession, Education, Society, and the Country has 3 recipients, namely:
The Bodhigaya Vijjalaya 980 Institute, supported by the Verapuchong Foundation.
The True Little Monk Project (Sammanen Plook Panya Dhamma), a 24-hour live broadcast Dhamma reality show organized by Charoen Pokphand Group and True Corporation.
Jai Tueng Jai, Khon Thai Mai Ting Gun (Heart to Heart, Thais Don't Leave Each Other Behind), an organization that conducts rapid response operations for public disaster relief, serving as an exemplary model for volunteerism.
3). The Award for Individuals Contributing to the Mass Media Profession, Education, Society, and the Country has 3 recipients, namely:
Mr. Kampon Tansacha, Chairman of Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden in Pattaya, Chonburi Province, who transformed the site into one of the top 5 botanical gardens in the world.
Dr. Supachai Verapuchong, Secretary-General of the Bodhigaya Vijjalaya 980 Institute and Vice Chairman of Thai Nakorn Patana Co., Ltd. He operates his business under the motto Virtue leads business and dedicates himself to religious work across the Mekong region, South Asia, and East Asia, reaching all the way to the United Nations platform.
Mr. Kosonwat Inthuchanyong, Director-General of the Department of Rights and Liberties Protection and Legal Aid, known for his proactive working vision.
Mr. Kosonwat Inthuchanyong, Director-General of the Department of Rights and Liberties Protection and Legal Aid, known for his proactive working vision.
The honorary awards across the 4 categories presented by the Press Association of Thailand under the Royal Patronage are considered highly prestigious. They serve as a vital encouragement for the awarded individuals and organizations to continue their dedicated work for the benefit of the mass media profession, education, society, and the nation.
