Established on 24 February 2003 as a semi–autonomous academic institute, the Saranrom Institute of Foreign Affairs (SIFA) is dedicated to facilitating interchange on foreign policy issues and to fostering a better appreciation and understanding of international affairs. From its inception, SIFA’s activities have been funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In 2004, the Saranrom Institute of Foreign Affairs Foundation was established to support the Institute in both financial and human resources.
SIFA’s main objective is to promote public awareness and understanding of current foreign policy issues. It also seeks to create policy and issue-related discussion opportunities to assist in formulating and conductingforeign policy.
Finally, it aims to encourage studies and analyses of relevant policies and issues in various aspects of international affairs, as follows:
International politics
International organisations
International economics
Strategic studies
International law
Our activities can be divided into 2 parts :
To promote study and carry out research on strategy and international cooperation in politics, security, economics and social issues
To organise academic conferences, lecture series and seminars on international issues in Thailand and abroad.
To ensure the quality of administration and to achieve the objectives of SIFA, a SIFA Steering Committee has been appointed to give directions and identify research topics for SIFA, approve the appointment of sub-committees and make decisions for the payment of researchers including outsiders, MFA officers or SIFA representatives.
The 10 members appointed to the committee are:
1. Dr. Tej Bunnag Chairman
Vice-Chairman (Acting Chairman)
2. Mr. Saroj Chavanaviraj
3. Dr. Sarasin Virapol
4. Assoc.Prof.Dr. Chulacheeb Chinwanno
5. Prof.Dr. Chaiwat Khamchoo
6. Director of SIFA
Secretary
7. Dr. Dhiravat Bhumichitr
Assistant Secretary
1. Mr. Surapong Jayanama
SIFA Director
2. Mrs. Sacran Somnuke
Deputy Director (Programme & Administration)
1. Mr. Wachirawit Laohasukphisan
Development Cooperation Officer
2. Miss Prangtip Kongridhisuksakorn
Second Secretary
3. Miss Supamas Sakdaechakul
Coordinating Officer
4. Miss Chayawan Yaibuathes
Coordinating Officer
The Saranrom Institute of Foreign Affairs
was founded on 15 October 2004 to support SIFA’s activities. The Board of Governors of SIFA Foundation includes scholars, businessmen, government officials and former senior government officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The purposes of SIFA Foundation are as follows:
To promote better understanding of international relations issues.
To support Saranrom Institute of Foreign Affairs (SIFA) activities. For instance, organising academic conferences and seminars, conducting research and international affairs studies.
To promote academic cooperation with organisations and institutions in Thailand and abroad.
To cooperate with charitable organisations for the public benefit.
SIFA activities are not related to any political activities.
SIFA Foundation activities have included:
supporting SIFA activities that strengthen Thailand’s international position and image
fostering and supporting research on international relations issues
supporting the SIFA in providing forums where national and international scholars have opportunities to exchange ideas and experience and where distinguished statesmen, well-known diplomats, government and business leaders are invited to give lectures on international affairs on politics, economic and social issues
assisting the SIFA in conducting activities which provide useful information for the Thai foreign policy formulation.
1. Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai
President
2. Dr. Sorajak Kasemsuvan
Vice- President
3. Mr. Nitya Pibulsonggram
Member
4. Mr. Vitthya Vejjajiva
Member
5. Dr. Tej Bunnag
Member
6. Mr. Saroj Chavanaviraj
Member
7. Mr. Vidhya Rayananonda
Member
8. Mr. Virasakdi Futrakul
Member
9. Mrs. Cholchineepan Chiranond
Member
10. Mr. Norachit Sinhaseni
Member
11. Mr. Theerakun Niyom
Member
12. Mr. Tharit Charungvat
Member
13. Dr. Jingjai Hanchanlash
Member
14. Mr. Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi
Member
15. Prof. Dr. Chumporn Pachusanond
Member
16. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sakda Thanitkul
Member
17. Mrs. Kanthong Unakul
Member
18. Miss Kanyapak Vorasaph
Treasurer
19. Mr. Vitavas Srivihok
Member and Secretary
SIFAF is self-financing and receives no direct government funding. Contributions from individuals, government and private agencies for SIFA activities such as the “SIFA Lecture Series by prominent guest speakers” and the conduct of research are welcomed.
The Saranrom Institute of Foreign Affairs Foundation (SIFAF) 443 Sri Ayudhya Road, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400
Telephone +66(0)2 643 5290
Facsimile +66(0)2 643 5289
