The new charter gives the institute the status of an international intergovernmental organisation, and all signing countries become founder members of the new AIT.

Apart from Seychelles, these comprise Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Japan, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Thailand and Timor Leste.

One international organisation, the United Nations Development Fund for Women, also becomes a member. Seychelles’ ambassador to Thailand, Philippe Le Gall, signed for his country.

Mr Piromya signed the new AIT charter on Wednesday August 25 on behalf of the Thai government, thus starting the process to grant it the status of an international organisation, the first in the field of higher learning in Thailand.
The minister congratulated the institute, saying it is “recognised as a centre of excellence in research and knowledge in South-East Asia”.
 
He added that the Thai government fully endorses the new charter, which will remain open for signature for one year from today and will become effective when the fifth country deposits its instrument of ratification.

Dr Tej Bunnag, the former Thai minister of foreign affairs and chairman of the board of trustees of the AIT, said the new charter is the most significant development in the institute’s 50-year history.

He said the move is the fulfilment of the dream of the founding fathers of the AIT, who had the vision of an international institute of higher learning based in Asia.

Professor Said Irandoust, president of the AIT, thanked all partners for their continuous support and said it is expected to play a lead role in ensuring Thailand emerges as a top destination for international students.

The AIT’s mission is to develop highly qualified professionals and researchers who will play a leading role in the sustainable development of the region and its integration into the global economy.

It has 130 faculty members and nearly 2,500 full-time master’s and doctoral students, with over 17,500 alumni living and working in more than 70 countries worldwide.