The office reported that the appointment was aimed at raising the profile of and increasing support for development efforts that address the impact of crime on society, contributing to judicial reform. Princess Bajrakitiyabha has supported UNODC efforts in the region over the years, increasing visibility and mobilising partnerships, including most recently promoting the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda.

Jeremy Douglas, regional representative of the Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific of the UNODC, and Kittipong Kittayarak, executive director of the Thailand Institute of Justice, would make the official announcement of the appointment next week at the UN headquarters in Bangkok.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha has served as Thailand’s ambassador to the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice and was appointed UN Women’s Nat-ional Ambassador to Thailand in 2008.