Orapim Pakdeesongkram

I am from Thailand. Graduated from the Executive Masters in International Development (EMID) in 2024. Regarding the goals, I have a ten-year plan. A professional goal is to apply for the Military Advisor position at the Permanent Mission of Thailand to the United Nations. My personal goal is to be happy and healthy, so I can contribute more to the society. I love hiking, reading, creative journaling, traveling, and I can spend whole day at an art museum. In 16 years of service, I deployed in the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations in UNMOGIP (2016-2017), exchanged instructor for Peacekeeping course at Peacekeeping training centre in South Korea (2018) and Malaysia (2019), and recently deployed as Planning Officer, Office of Military Affairs, Department of Peace Operations, UNHQs NY from 2021 - 2025. Currently working as Chief Planning Section, Plans and Projects Division, Peace Operations Centre, Directorate of Joint Operations, Royal Thai Armed Forces. 

How did IE help you get to where you are today?

The knowledge I gained from the Executive Masters in International Development supported me tremendously in the decision making process through "EAST" framework from behavioral science. This subject and other subjects during my study at IE allowed me to gain more knowledge and share it with others. Not only the knowledge but IE also provides me with the network of right-minded people that shared the same passion to make the world a better place. 

How are you impacting the lives of women? 

During my deployment in UNMOGIP, I always planned my patrol for community engagement which I will visit schools, universities, and women communities in the area with male colleagues. By working together, we can raise the awareness of gender equality, human rights, women rights, and this will remind them that they can be more and do more for their lives and for others.

Through my career, I was selected to be the first group of female military officers to attend Staff College as a pilot project as in Thailand, they have never allowed female military officers to attend this course before. This opportunity was not only a career advancement but also inspired other women in service to keep on going by being the change that we want to make in this world.

When I was selected for the position in New York, my success gave hope to other women that they can do the same. This send a message of equal opportunity. 

In your opinion, what institutional or societal changes need to be made to keep women at the forefront of business and society? 

Norms and stereotypes are important to be changed for the society to be able to move forward on the equality. However, it's hard to move forward against the tide without allies. Education is the key. People needs to understand about gender equality and how we can incorporate it into our lives and work. When the awareness is raised and we shared the same understanding, same goals, together we can move the society forward and make it a better place for the new generations.