LocationsA 60-Year Journey of UNDP and Thailand - Investing in Hope For People and the Planet
October 21, 2025
A Legacy of UNDP Partnership and Progress in Thailand
As UNDP celebrates six decades of partnership and progress, its story is one of people—turning vision into reality, side by side with communities in over 170 countries and territories around the world, including Thailand. Since its founding in 1965, UNDP has worked to redefine development, placing human dignity, equality, and resilience at the heart of every effort. From pioneering the Human Development Index to advancing climate action, gender equality, and digital transformation, UNDP’s journey continues to empower people everywhere to shape their own future.
Since opening its office in Thailand in 1966, UNDP has been a steadfast partner in the country’s progress, supporting national development priorities and strengthening the capacity of institutions and people to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Over the decades, this partnership has accompanied Thailand’s transformation, from poverty reduction and community empowerment to advancing climate resilience, gender equality, and inclusive growth.
Laying the Foundations of Sustainable Development
In its early years, UNDP worked hand in hand with Thailand to build the foundations of inclusive development. From supporting the Rubber Research Centre in Hat Yai to helping establish Thailand’s first Hotel Training Institute and expand Don Mueang International Airport, UNDP played a vital role in shaping sectors that continue to define Thailand’s economy today. The organization also advanced offshore mineral exploration and agricultural research, empowering local experts and farmers to strengthen livelihoods and build resilience
A laboratory technician conducts an experiment in the chemical laboratory of the Rubber Research Center in Hat Yai.
Students pressing and folding napkins in the laundry room of the Hotel Training Institute in Bang Saen, Thailand
A barge is being overhauled at a boatyard in Phuket, Thailand.
A worker in Bangkok, Thailand tests a machine part.
Control tower personnel at work.
Passengers await their luggage at the newly built section of the airport.
People Behind the Progress
Behind every milestone in Thailand’s development journey are ‘the people’ who make it possible, ‘the colleagues’ whose dedication, creativity, and empathy breathe life into UNDP’s mission. From advancing climate finance and gender equality to leading work on migration, biodiversity, and strategic planning, their stories reveal what it truly means to serve with purpose. Each face represents more than a role, it tells a story of perseverance, partnership, and belief in the power of collective impact. In celebration of United Nations Day and UNDP’s 60th anniversary, we invited our colleagues to reflect on their own journey's past, present, and future and share how their work continues to shape Thailand’s path toward sustainable development.
Asad Maken
Public Climate Finance Advisor, UNDP Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific (RBAP)
Three words that describe UNDP: “Innovative, Inclusive, and Trusted”
Asad Maken
“What drives me is UNDP’s ability to turn global ideas into local action. Working in climate finance, I’ve seen how the right investments can empower countries to achieve their climate goals while creating opportunities for people. Development is no longer about isolated projects; it’s about systems change, partnerships, and purpose. Above all, it’s about people because behind every policy or investment lies a story of resilience, collaboration, and hope."
George May
Migrant Protection and Development Specialist, UNDP Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific (RBAP)
Three words that describe UNDP: 'Steadfast, Resourceful and Forward-looking.'
George May
“Working in fragile and crisis settings reminds me that real change happens when communities lead their own recovery. What drives me is seeing people rebuild livelihoods, grow businesses, and overcome adversity with hope. As the region faces new challenges from climate shocks to rapid urbanization, UNDP’s role is to help countries anticipate crises, strengthen resilience, and turn uncertainty into opportunity. Even in the hardest contexts, our work matters most when we stand with people to shape their own future.”
Solene Le Doze
Regional Technical Specialist, UNDP Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific (RBAP)
Three words that describe UNDP: 'Integration, inclusiveness and expertise.'
Solene Le Doze
“What inspires me most about UNDP is its ability to connect environmental protection with human development. By integrating biodiversity and ecosystem management into broader economic priorities, we make sustainability part of everyday progress. The next generation of UNDP staff and partners must keep that spirit alive driving policies, mobilizing finance, and ensuring that people and planet thrive together.”
Niamh Collier-Smith
Resident Representative, UNDP Thailand
Three words that describe UNDP: 'Investing in hope.'
Niamh Collier-Smith
“I began my career as a journalist, curious about people’s stories and how they inspire change. At UNDP, I discovered an organization that connects those local stories with a global vision, working with communities and world leaders alike to drive progress. Whether working on elections, sustainable finance, or climate action, with UNDP I’ve seen how partnership turns challenges into opportunities, and how, especially when things are tough, people find the courage to invest in hope.”
Niamh Collier-Smith on a mission in Phitsanulok, Thailand.
Irina Goryunova
Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP Thailand
Three words that describe UNDP: 'Inspiring, Transformative and Inclusive.'
Irina Goryunova
“Joining the United Nations felt surreal to be part of something bigger than myself. What drew me to UNDP is its ability to turn global ideals into local action, to connect people and policies in ways that create real change. From restoring forests to empowering communities, I’ve seen how development transforms lives. As UNDP turns 60, my hope is that we stay curious, keep learning, and never lose sight of what matters most: walking alongside people to make change possible.”
Irina Goryunova at the 88th Run2gether, a joint collaboration between UNDP, Together Foundation and Thai Promotion Fund to the guide runners for friends with disabilities at Lumphini Park, Bangkok, Thailand
Wisoot Tantinan
Partnership and Engagement Specialist, UNDP Thailand
Three words that describe UNDP: 'Development is human.'
Wisoot Tantinan
“UNDP’s work is about turning global knowledge into local impact, creating spaces where people can participate and shape the future together. From supporting inclusive laws to building transparent governance, every project reflects our belief in equality and collaboration. Thailand’s potential for development is immense, and UNDP serves as the bridge connecting that potential with global experience. Looking ahead, we’ll continue to share knowledge, foster partnerships, and help countries move from recipients to contributors of sustainable change.”
Wisoot Tantinan at the community visit in Narathiwat, Thailand
Suparnee Jay Pongruengphant
Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Advisor, UNDP Thailand
Three words that describe UNDP: 'Inspiring, Equal and Inclusive.'
Suparnee Jay Pongruengphant
“My passion for human rights led me to UNDP. What inspires me most is its ability to bring people together, connect with policymakers, communities, and advocates to drive real change. Working on LGBTI advocacy, especially the Marriage Equality Bill, has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. UNDP is proud to contribute to this historic legal change, supporting partner agencies and national efforts that advance equality and inclusion. True equality takes more than laws, it takes collaboration, leadership, and courage. If you want to make real change, UNDP is where purpose becomes action.”
Suparnee “Jay” Pongruengphant speaks at Pride Talk hosted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
Pimsai Lertanugrom
Human Resources Associate, UNDP Thailand
Three words that describe UNDP: 'People-Centered, Inclusive, Empowerment.'
Pimsai Lertanugrom
“UNDP has always been where people and purpose come together. What I’m most proud of isn’t a single project, but seeing colleagues grow and thrive because when people feel valued, real impact follows. My role in HR goes beyond policies; it’s about creating an environment where others can do their best work. Every act of support, every connection, strengthens the spirit of UNDP. To the next generation: no role is ever too small to shape the future. You are both the legacy and the hope of UNDP.”
Pimsai Lertanugrom at the Orientation of UNDP Student Ambassador Programme, Bangkok, Thailand.
Together for a Future That Leaves No One Behind
As UNDP continues its journey with Thailand, these faces remind us that development is not only about policies or projects, but also about people. Their work reflects a shared commitment to listen, to learn, and to lead change from within communities and institutions alike. Together, they represent the heartbeat of UNDP: transforming challenges into opportunities, and visions into impact. Through their stories, we see how Thailand’s path toward sustainable development is not a solitary one, it is a collective endeavor, carried forward by those who believe that progress is most powerful when it leaves no one behind.
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The Faces of UNDP Thailand is a series to echo the voice of UNDP staff who support UNDP and the community to advance the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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