The Press release: from Rangsit Universtiy http://www.rsu.ac.th

 

 

Rangsit University will award an honorary Doctorate in Politics, Philosophy and Economics to Aung San Suu Kyi of Burma in recognition of her continuing efforts in promoting democracy and human rights. The conferral of the honorary doctorate will occur December 26, 2004 during the Graduation Ceremony on the main Rangsit University Campus.

 

Aung San Suu Kyi is the daughter of Burma's liberation leader Aung San and after having long refrained from political activity, she became involved in "'the second struggle for national independence" in Burma in 1988. She is the leader of a democratic opposition to resist a regime characterized by brutality and repression. A champion of justice, Suu Kyi's campaign for freedom and recognition of human rights has stressed non-violent means to achieve national reconciliation in Burma. She has emphasized the need for conciliation between the divided regions and ethnic groups in her country. The national election held in May 1990 resulted in a conclusive victory for the opposition. The Burmese regime ignored the election results. Suu Kyi refused to leave the country and since then, she has been kept under strict house arrest.

 

Suu Kyi's struggle is one of the most heroic examples of courage in Asia in recent decades. She has become an international symbol in the fight against oppression.

 

In awarding an Honorary Doctorate to Aung San Suu Kyi, Rangsit University wishes to honour this woman for her noble work in seeking a peaceful and lasting political future for Burma. Her work and dedication is an example for all who seek a just and fair world where democracy and human rights are the guiding principles in society.

 

Rangsit University is a major private university in Pathum Thani, Thailand, just the capital Bangkok. Rangsit University has over 14,000 students studying in 24 faculties and colleges. A comprehensive university Rangsit  offers bachelor and post-graduate degrees in a variety of fields including Law, Medicine, Nursing, Oriental Medicine, Architecture, Fine Arts, Liberal Arts, Music,  Pharmacy, Computer Science, Information Technology, Tourism, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Engineering, and the International College.

 

 Rangsit University has taken the lead from its President Dr. Arthit Ourairat. A member of the Thai parliament since 1988, Dr. Arthit has held a variety of top government posts including Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Public Health, and Minister of Science, Technology and Environment. In 1992, in the position as Speaker of the House, Dr. Arthit is credited with steering the nomination of Anand Punyarachun as Prime Minister which heralded the democratic era which Thailand currently enjoys. Beside Rangsit University Dr Arthit has also founded Sathit Bilingual School and Dulwich International College in Phuket, Thailand.

 

 

Past recipients of Honorary Doctorates from Rangsit University include H.E Mr. Chuan Leekbai former Prime Minster of Thailand and H. E. Mr. Vincent Siew former Prime Minister of Taiwan.