Dr Chai-Anan Samudavinija

Dr Chai-Anan Samudavinija first came to New Zealand in the 1960s, for a New Zealand tertiary education at Victoria University – leading to completion of a Bachelor of Arts.

In addition to his studies in Political Science and Asian studies, Chai-Anan was able to enjoy the university and New Zealand lifestyle, and further enhance his education. “While I was at Victoria University I took an active part in extracurricular activities (writing an article for Salient), taking in the first International Workcamp at Cape Reinga. I was the first non-New Zealander to be elected President of the International Club and also co-founded the Asian Studies Society. I think my out-of-classroom activities helped me to learn more about the New Zealand people and their lifestyle.”

Dr Chai-Anan Samudavinija’s New Zealand experience laid the foundation for a successful career. Since his time at Victoria University, he has held the position of Senator, has been a Judge for the Constitutional Court, and currently holds a number of key positions – Director of Vajiravudh College, Vice-President of the Royal Institute, Chairman for Thai Airways International Board of Directors and President for the New Zealand Alumni Association. As a scholar, he has published 39 books in Thai, 3 in English, and a considerable number of articles, reports and essays. In particular, as a courageous defender of democracy in southeast Asian, he has played a key role as a constitutional craftsman, helping to draft democractic constitutions in 1974 and 1999.

It is an honour that Chai-Anan holds with such high esteem much of the culture he encountered while in New Zealand. “I admire the practical wisdom of so many New Zealanders – I learned a great deal from their humbleness, friendliness, their concern for nature and the environment.”