Thailand Wins a 2026 United Nations Public Service Award for Inclusive Early Childhood Education

Thailand received the top honour in the category "Delivering Inclusive and Equitable Services for Leaving No One Behind" at the 2026 United Nations Public Service Awards, according to an announcement published by Thailand's Government Public Relations Department on 26 June 2026. The award was presented in Tbilisi, Georgia, jointly to the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister, and the Pang Mu Subdistrict Administrative Organization in Mae Hong Son province.

The recognised programme is titled "Equitable Local Early Childhood Education Management for Ethnic Minority and Stateless Children in Pang Mu Subdistrict, Mae Hong Son Province." Deputy Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister's Office Chuencheewan Limteerakul accepted the award on Thailand's behalf, accompanied by Pang Mu Subdistrict Administrative Organization President Piriya Tuanglaptweekig and the organization's permanent secretary.

The presentation took place during the United Nations Public Service Forum, attended by representatives from 62 countries, including government officials, academics, civil society organisations, private-sector leaders and delegates from international and regional organisations. United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua presented one of twelve awards made across four categories.

The United Nations Public Service Awards recognise excellence and innovation in public service that improve service delivery, increase public participation and advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The Government Public Relations Department noted that the Office of the Permanent Secretary, through the Office of Decentralization to the Local Government Organization Committee, assisted qualified local government organisations with their applications.