Widely-respected Buddhist monk the Venerable V. Vajiramedhi has been honored as the patron of UNHCR in the field of peace and compassion, the first Thai ever honored with the prestigious title by the international refugees organization.

The other recipient of his prestigious honor in the field of health of mothers and new-born babies is Princess Zara Zid of Jordan.

A ceremony to grant this prestigious title will be held on Thursday at the UNHCR head office in Geneva, Switzerland.

Ms Arunee Atchakulvisut, director for private sectors’ cooperation promotion of UNHCR’s regional office in Thailand, said the recipients were chosen from different countries for having contributed to the cause of refugees for a long time and for helping in improving the livelihood of refugees.

As for the Venerable V. Vajiramedhi, she said the highly respected monk believes that peace is created internally and he spreads the words that “all in the world are brothers and sisters” to encourage people to pay attention to the plights of refugees.