KBRN, Jakarta: Teachers who have made a lasting impact on students’ lives are receiving international recognition through the Princess Maha Chakri Award (PMCA), a biennial honor presented to outstanding educators from 14 countries across Asia.

As part of this initiative, a delegation from the Princess Maha Chakri Award Foundation (PMCAF) Thailand visited Jakarta to acknowledge and support award recipients, including Indonesian honoree.

PMCAF Chairman Krissanapong Kirtikara, who has been leading the delegation from January 11–14, 2026, emphasized the award’s significance in celebrating the vital role of teachers.

“This award is a prestigious honor that highlights the important role and impact teachers have in shaping students’ lives,” Krissanapong said during the visit on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The delegation’s program included a courtesy call to the Indonesian Ministry of Elementary and Secondary Education and a meeting with Indonesian recipient of the 2025 Princess Maha Chakri Award, Ade Putri Sarwendah.

Krissanapong noted that beyond recognition, the award fosters ongoing collaboration among recipients, Thailand’s embassies in participating countries, and the foundation itself through the “Friends of Thailand” network, which supports teachers and strengthens educational ties.

Committee member Benjalug Namfa underscored the influence teachers have on students, not only through knowledge but also by instilling hope and happiness. “We see it in the eyes and actions of students; they feel happy, they have hope. That is why teachers deserve recognition for their hard work,” Benjalug said.

The Princess Maha Chakri Award, named in honor of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand, is presented every two years to one distinguished teacher from each of the 14 participating countries: the 10 ASEAN nations, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Mongolia, and Timor-Leste.

Recipients are selected for their transformative impact on students and their contributions to education. ***