INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN THAILAND

UNCLAS BANGKOK 000617 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP/MLS AND S/WE: SASHA MEHRA AND GERDA LANE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PREL KWMN TH SUBJECT: INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN THAILAND REF: SECSTATE 202341 Per reftel request, please find the names, contact information and brief background for five of Thailand's most influential women below. Post based its selection on a combination of influence, accessability, and likely interest in engaging with Department officials on women's empowerment issues. ¶1. (Khunying) Kasama Varavarn Secretary General, Office of the Basic Education Commission SIPDIS Office Phone: (66) 2-282-5531/6, 2-282-2815 Office Fax: (66) 2-282-9981 Email: kasamvar@emisc.moe.go.th A leader in the field of education, Khunying Kasama played a prominent role in the redesign of Thailand's compulsory education system. She also led Thailand's National Literary Campaign. ¶2. (Khunying) Jada Wattanasiritham Executive Director, Siam Commercial Bank Office Phone: (66) 2-544-5555, 2-544-1111 Office Fax: (66) 2-937-7550 Email: chutarat@scb.co.th As Thailand's only female bank president, Khunying Jada will be stepping down as the CEO of the fourth largest back in Thailand to become its Executive Director in February 2007. ¶3. Rosana Tositrakul Advisor, Campaign for Popular Media Reform and Secretary-General, Thai Holistic Health Foundation SIPDIS Office Phone: (66) 2-589-4243, 2-591-8092 Office Fax: (66) 2-589-4243 Email: thaihof@yahoo.com Named as one of the "Ten Thais to Watch: Citigroup's Choices for Thai Politics-Shapers," Rosana was a senator-elect in the 2006 Thai senatorial race before the military-coup overthrew the existing government. A consumer rights advocate, Rosana focuses on the protection of consumers, public health, and environment. ¶4. Dr. Saisuree Chutikul Chairwoman, National Anti-Trafficking Committee Home Phone: (66) 2-252-8345 Fax: (66) 2-251-2759 (no email available) Former member of the UN Committee of the Rights of the Child, Dr. Saisuree is currently serving on the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. A former Senator, she initiated changes in Thai laws to protect gender equality and women's rights, and increased penalties for those involved with child prostitution. Dr. Saisuree is also the Chairperson of Thailand's Sub-Committee on Combating Trafficking of Women and Children. ¶5. Tuenjai Deetes Member, National Legislative Assembly and Secretary-General, The Hill Area and Community Development SIPDIS Foundation Office Phone: (66) 5-375-8658, 5-360-1192 Office Fax: (66) 5-375-8658 Ext. 106 Email: tuenjai d@yahoo.com A social activist for minority groups in Thailand, Tuenjai is best known for her work to improve the livelihood of the hill tribes people in northern Thailand. She was the winner of the Goldman Environmental Prize in 1994. BOYCE