Thailand’s First Female Ambassador to Singapore on Leadership, Gender Equality, and the Future of Women in Diplomacy
Singapore, 5 March 2025 – Celebrating International Women’s Day 2025, we spotlight H.E. Ureerat Chareontoh. In this exclusive interview with IN Diplomacy, she shares insights on leadership, gender equality, and the evolving role of women in diplomacy as Thailand’s first female Ambassador to Singapore. Over three decades in diplomacy, she has advanced Thailand’s global partnerships while promoting equal opportunities in leadership, education, and careers. A dedicated diplomat and mother, she empowers women to make their own choices while paving the way for future generations to lead and thrive. She also received the HER Awards 2024 from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Outstanding Alumni of Political Sciences Faculty, Chulalongkorn University.
Q: As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, what challenges did you face in your early career, and how did you overcome them?
A: Diplomacy, like many fields, has historically been male-dominated, especially in leadership roles. My major challenges were balancing my career and my family. Between these two important roles, I had to prove myself through hard work, resilience, and results, while at the same time, I had to fulfil my role as a wife and a mother, which I could not have done without the support of my family. I also want to disprove the stereotype of a female officer, as I believe in equality, where both men and women should be given the same opportunities based on their abilities and performances.
Q: Can you share a moment when you felt like you were breaking new ground for women in diplomacy?
A: What stands out most is not just my achievements but also seeing more women rise in the ranks of diplomacy. I believe true progress is when we normalize female leadership, when it’s no longer an exception but the norm. That, to me, is breaking new ground. Rather than a single moment, I see breaking new ground as a continuous journey. Every step forward, whether it was my role as junior officer, director, Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Director-General of the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), or now as Thailand’s first female Ambassador to Singapore, has been part of a broader effort to prove that women also belong in leadership roles in diplomacy. I truly hope that my life and work, though in a small way, would also inspire many other women in all sectors, both nationally and abroad.
Q: How do you think women’s participation in diplomacy has evolved over the years, and what more needs to be done?
A: Women’s role in diplomacy has expanded significantly, with more female ambassadors and leaders shaping global affairs. Thailand has also seen more women in leadership roles, not only in diplomacy but also in other sectors as well, demonstrating the country’s commitment to gender equality in general.
However, while progress has been made, equality is not just about numbers. I do not want to be part of any percentage or statistics of female leadership. Equality is about ensuring that women have the same opportunities to lead and contribute at the highest levels. But leadership cannot be achieved overnight for both men and women. Therefore, not only for us, who are considered successful in our career, to lead by example, but also to provide opportunities and exposure for young minds, who need to be nurtured and groomed.
Q: How did your education prepare you for a career in diplomacy, and what role do you think education plays in empowering women?
A: Education is a powerful equalizer. Studying in Thailand and abroad broadened my perspective and equipped me with essential skills. Accessible education and upskilling ensure careers are built on merit, empowering both men and women in all fields. In diplomacy, learning never stops, every day, every minute, because the world is constantly changing.
Lifelong learning is also crucial in a rapidly evolving world, and Singapore’s SkillsFuture program is a great example of how continuous learning helps individuals adapt and grow.
Q: What advice would you give to young girls and women who are interested in pursuing careers in diplomacy or international relations?
A: Believe in yourself and pursue opportunities with confidence. Diplomacy requires adaptability, critical thinking, and cultural awareness. Seek mentors, work hard, and let your abilities define you, not your gender.
Q: As a woman in a high-pressure role, how do you balance your personal and professional life?
A: Balancing career and family is never easy, and every woman faces unique challenges and sacrifices. I believe that women should have choices, whether they want to focus on their careers, family, or both. I admire all women, regardless of their choices, because every path comes with its challenges. I have been fortunate to raise my family while serving in diplomatic roles, proving that it is possible to do both.
Q: What support systems do you have in place to help you manage the demands of your job?
A: Diplomacy is not a solo effort. Throughout my career, I have relied on strong teams, trusted colleagues, and family support. Balancing a high-pressure career and personal life requires understanding, flexibility, and time management. Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also developed more inclusive policies to ensure that both men and women have the resources they need to thrive.
Q: What initiatives has Thailand taken to promote women’s rights and empowerment, both domestically and internationally?
A: Thailand actively promotes women’s empowerment through equal opportunities in education, leadership, and economic participation. Domestically, policies ensure equal education, gender equality, and efforts to reduce dropouts, providing women with a strong foundation to pursue careers. Additionally, maternity and paternity support policies help balance work and family life.
Internationally, Thailand integrates gender equality into development diplomacy. During my tenure as Director-General of the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), we partnered with organizations such as UNFPA to support women’s healthcare, reproductive rights, and leadership programs. Our Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) for SDGs Partnership also incorporates gender equality into sustainable development efforts worldwide.
Q: How do you think the international community can work together to address issues like gender-based violence, equal pay, and women’s representation in leadership?
A: Global challenges require global cooperation. The international community must strengthen legal protections, invest in education, and create economic opportunities for women. Equal pay and leadership representation should not just be aspirational goals, they should be realities.
Q: Who are some of the women who have inspired you throughout your career, and what qualities do you admire about them?
A: My greatest inspiration is my mother, Chantana Chareontoh, who is also a civil servant. She is Thailand’s first female Director of the Central Women’s Correctional Institution and a former Deputy Director-General of the Department of Corrections. She represents Thai women with resilience, vision, and passion. At a time when women were rarely in senior positions, and with a strong support of my father, she has proven that a woman can excel in both career and family life. She taught me that leadership is not about power but about making a difference.
Q: What do you hope your legacy will be, both as a diplomat and as a woman leader?
A: I hope my legacy is one of opportunity and impact, where merit—not gender—defines success. I want to inspire more women to lead with confidence in diplomacy and beyond. Most importantly, I want to be remembered for creating pathways for others, proving that leadership is about making a difference, not just holding a title. As I step away from my official role, I hope my journey inspires young women to pursue leadership fearlessly. If I leave behind a legacy of empowering women in diplomacy, then I will consider my career truly rewarding.
Q: What advice would you give to women who are just starting in their careers and are looking for inspiration and guidance?
A: No matter what career path you choose, stay determined, be open to learning, and never underestimate your potential. Women today have more choices than ever before, but every choice requires hard work and sacrifice. Whether you choose to focus on your career, family, or both, embrace your decision with confidence. Success is not about having it all, it’s about making the most of the opportunities available to you.
H.E. Ureerat Chareontoh’s journey as Thailand’s first female Ambassador to Singapore is a testament to resilience, merit-based leadership, and the power of choice. Her advocacy for gender equality, education, and diplomatic excellence continues to inspire the next generation of women leaders. Through her achievements, she has not only broken barriers but also paved the way for future diplomats to rise based on their abilities rather than gender. As she reflects on her career, her message is clear: Leadership is about making a lasting impact, and true progress is achieved when women in diplomacy are no longer the exception but the norm.
