Professor Thomas is taking the opportunity of a business trip to Thailand to confer the degree of Doctor of Laws on Dr Surin Pitsuwan, one of Southeast Asia’s most influential people.

Dr Pitsuwan, who has a PhD from Harvard University, became Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in January of this year. ASEAN seeks to accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development and to promote peace and stability in the region.

Formerly Thailand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Pitsuwan has academic links with Bristol University through its Governance Research Centre.