Thailand’s terrific golf siblings Moriya and Ariya Jutanugarn have been named the dual recipients of the Public Diplomacy Award 2023 from the Thai Foreign Ministry and Thailand Foundation.

Thailand Foundation said the sisters were awarded due to their continuous contributions in the promotion of Thailand through their outstanding achievements in international ladies’ golf arena.

“Their successes have also inspired new generations of professional golfers to follow in their footsteps and become champions in their own rights,” Thailand Foundation said in a press statement.

It said as individuals, the sisters have also represented an image of Thai characteristics through their appearances to worldwide followers. “Furthermore, Moriya and Ariya are role models in promoting environmental awareness and social development,” it said.

The Public Diplomacy Award was established by the Foreign Ministry and Thailand Foundation to honor individuals, groups, or organizations who have contributed significant works in promoting goodwill and friendship between Thailand and the rest of the world, on a people-to-people level.  The two sisters were chosen by a committee from a list of nominees.

Moriya entered the Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour (LPGA Tour), the world’s foremost golf tournament for women, in 2013. Ariya followed shortly in 2015, setting record as the first Thai female golfer to rank top of the LPGA in only 2 years after joining the association.

The story of the Jutanugarn sisters became the basis of the documentary film “Tee Shot: Ariya Jutanugarn,” with the central message of diligence and working hard to follow one’s dreams. The documentary has been screened in many countries and is also available on the international streaming service Netflix.

The Thai Foundation said Moriya’s and Ariya’s names will be engraved on the trophy and the “Wall of Fame” along with the name of the past recipient. Both the trophy and the “Wall of Fame” are on display at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Moriya and Ariya will also receive a replica trophy along with an honorary plaque and a prize of 300,000 baht.

Dr. Soontorn Antarasena, an otolaryngologist, was the first and previous recipient of the Public Diplomacy Award, having received the honor in 2022.  He spent more than 30 years helping patients across 10 countries.

Thailand Foundation is under the Foreign Ministry whose mission is to conduct Thailand’s public diplomacy to promote better understanding about Thailand and Thai people through Thai studies and Thai culture.