Thai Golfer Attanaya Thitikul Wins Public Diplomacy Award
Professional golfer Attanaya Thitikul receives Thailand's 2026 Public Diplomacy Award for her global golfing achievements and role in enhancing the nation's international reputation. The 19-year-old, who became the world's top-ranked female
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Thai Foundation announced the 2026 Thailand Public Diplomacy Award, with the Thai Foundation committee approving the honor for professional golfer Attanaya Thitikul. The golfer was recognized for her continuous outstanding achievements and global recognition, and her critical role in enhancing Thailand's reputation, honor, and image internationally, while serving as an inspiration to young Thais advancing Thailand's public diplomacy through world-stage success.
The award announcement was made at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs press room, with Jaithai Uparanitikasat, Director-General of the Public Relations Department and ministry spokesperson, and Tharet Jarunwattana, Secretary-General of the Thai Foundation, presenting the results. The nomination period ran for three months from April 23 to July 25, 2026.
Jaithai Uparanitikasat stated that the Public Diplomacy Award, now in its fifth year, honors individuals, groups, or organizations—both Thai and foreign—who have significantly enhanced Thailand's reputation, honor, image, and Thai identity in the eyes of the international community. The award aims to inspire awardees to continue their work and raise public awareness that ordinary citizens can contribute to Thailand's public diplomacy.
Tharet Jarunwattana noted that on September 1, 2026, the Thai Foundation committee approved the award for Patty based on her outstanding role and achievements recognized globally for nearly a decade. Her success reflects not only sporting excellence but also significant contributions to Thailand's international reputation and image.
Thitikul made world history at age 14 by becoming the youngest professional golfer ever to win the Ladies European Thailand Championship in 2017. At 19, she became the world's number-one female golfer, the second Thai to achieve this rank after Ariya Jutanugarn, and held the top position for 40 weeks. She has also topped the Ladies European Tour rankings and led the LPGA Tour money list for two consecutive years in 2024 and 2025.
Throughout her professional golf career, Patty has achieved continuous success in major international competitions, including victories in the LPGA Tour and multiple international events such as the JTBC Classic, Walmart NW Arkansas Championship, Hanwha LIFEPLUS International Crown, CME Group Tour Championship, Dow Championship, Mizuho Americas Open, and Buick LPGA Shanghai. She won the Honda LPGA Thailand championship in 2026, followed by victories in the Mizuho Americas Open and Standard Portland Classic the same year.
