In a special ceremony, Seoul awarded Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul honorary citizenship for her impactful contributions to South Korean sports and culture.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government has awarded Seoul Honorary Citizenship to Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), recognising her invaluable contributions to South Korean sports and her support for national athletic initiatives.
Typically reserved for foreign nationals residing in Seoul for over three years who have significantly enhanced the city's global standing, this honour was exceptionally granted by Mayor Oh Se-hoon on October 21, 2024. The recognition reflects Khunying Patama's contributions to the successful hosting of the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics and her support for the 2024 Gangwon Youth Winter Olympics.
Khunying Patama is pictured with executives from the Seoul Metropolitan Government after being awarded Seoul Honorary Citizenship. From left to right: Kim Young Hwan, Seoul's director general of Tourism and Sports; Cho Hyun-jae, president of Korea Sports Promotion Foundation; Oh Se-hoon, Mayor of Seoul; Khunying Patama; Dr Somsak Leeswadtrakul; and Koo Hong-seok, ambassador for International Relations of Seoul.
Looking forward, South Korea is also preparing a bid to host the 2036 Olympics. "We are confident of hosting a surplus Olympics as successful as the Paris Olympics. We aim to host a meaningful Olympics that will foster peace and friendship," said Mayor Oh.
Khunying Patama is a prominent figure in Thailand and internationally, advancing sports and cultural heritage. She serves as Chairperson of the IOC Commission for Culture and Olympic Heritage, Deputy President of the Badminton World Federation (BWF), and President of the Badminton Association of Thailand (BAT). Under her leadership, Thai badminton has reached the levels of success it has never seen before.
Roh Jae-hun, President of the East Asia Culture Center and son of former President Roh Tae-woo, presents a congratulatory plaque to Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul.
Oh Se-hoon, Mayor of Seoul, congratulates Khunying Patama.
Beyond her sports roles, she is renowned for her philanthropic work in cultural and educational development. Her leadership has significantly reshaped Thai sports, especially in youth development, gender equality, and inspiring future athletes.
In addition to the honorary citizenship, Khunying Patama and Dr Somsak Leeswadtrakul, a business tycoon, with a strong record of contributions to sports, healthcare, education and charitable causes were also honoured by the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation (KSPO) at the Seoul Olympic Legacy Forum 2024.
Dr Somsak currently serves as the Chairman of the National Doping Control Centre Policy Board.
KSPO awarded them the Honor Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sport, recognising their dedication to preserving sports heritage and fostering ties between Thailand and South Korea. Both received an honorary medal, award, and ceremonial sash to mark their achievements.
"The leadership and commitment shown by IOC member Khunying Patama and Dr Somsak Leeswadtrakul have strengthened mutual understanding and cooperation, leaving a legacy of friendship and collaboration," said KSPO President Hyunjae Cho.
Additionally, Dr Somsak and Khunying Patama were also honoured with the Appreciation Award from the Korean Sports Journalist Association. This award was Presented in recognition of his outstanding contributions and dedication to supporting the success of Korean sports. The award was given by the association president Suh Jeung-hoon on October 22, 2024.
Cho Hyun-jae, President of the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation, presents the Honor Award and Medal for Outstanding Achievement in Sport, and ceremonial sash to Dr Somsak and Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul.
Suh Jeung-hoon, President of the Korean Sports Journalist Association, presents the Appreciation Award to honor Dr Somsak and Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul.
Dr.Somsak & Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul joined Seoul Olympic Legacy Forum 2024 for Building a better World Through Sport
Yoon Jay-yon owner of SBS Broadcasting group & Executive Board member Korea Sports Olympic Committee and Lee Sun Hwa President Korea Cheerleading Association congratulations Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon present the Seoul ceremonial sash to KhunyingPatama Leeswadtrakul
Myong - Hi Chang President of the Asian Skating Union,Yoon Jay-Yon executive Board member Korea Sports & Olympic Committe,Lee Sun Hwa President Korea Cheerleading Association, Hee Don Jung AIPS Asia President,SBS Broadcaster and friends congrat Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul
Cho Hyun-Jae Korea Sports Promotion Foundation (KSPO)President Congratulations Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul
The Seoul Metropolitan Government has awarded Seoul Honorary Citizenship to Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), recognising her invaluable contributions to South Korean sports and her support for national athletic initiatives.
Typically reserved for foreign nationals residing in Seoul for over three years who have significantly enhanced the city's global standing, this honour was exceptionally granted by Mayor Oh Se-hoon on October 21, 2024. The recognition reflects Khunying Patama's contributions to the successful hosting of the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics and her support for the 2024 Gangwon Youth Winter Olympics.
Khunying Patama is pictured with executives from the Seoul Metropolitan Government after being awarded Seoul Honorary Citizenship. From left to right: Kim Young Hwan, Seoul's director general of Tourism and Sports; Cho Hyun-jae, president of Korea Sports Promotion Foundation; Oh Se-hoon, Mayor of Seoul; Khunying Patama; Dr Somsak Leeswadtrakul; and Koo Hong-seok, ambassador for International Relations of Seoul.
Looking forward, South Korea is also preparing a bid to host the 2036 Olympics. "We are confident of hosting a surplus Olympics as successful as the Paris Olympics. We aim to host a meaningful Olympics that will foster peace and friendship," said Mayor Oh.
Khunying Patama is a prominent figure in Thailand and internationally, advancing sports and cultural heritage. She serves as Chairperson of the IOC Commission for Culture and Olympic Heritage, Deputy President of the Badminton World Federation (BWF), and President of the Badminton Association of Thailand (BAT). Under her leadership, Thai badminton has reached the levels of success it has never seen before.
Roh Jae-hun, President of the East Asia Culture Center and son of former President Roh Tae-woo, presents a congratulatory plaque to Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul.
Oh Se-hoon, Mayor of Seoul, congratulates Khunying Patama.
Beyond her sports roles, she is renowned for her philanthropic work in cultural and educational development. Her leadership has significantly reshaped Thai sports, especially in youth development, gender equality, and inspiring future athletes.
In addition to the honorary citizenship, Khunying Patama and Dr Somsak Leeswadtrakul, a business tycoon, with a strong record of contributions to sports, healthcare, education and charitable causes were also honoured by the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation (KSPO) at the Seoul Olympic Legacy Forum 2024.
Dr Somsak currently serves as the Chairman of the National Doping Control Centre Policy Board.
KSPO awarded them the Honor Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sport, recognising their dedication to preserving sports heritage and fostering ties between Thailand and South Korea. Both received an honorary medal, award, and ceremonial sash to mark their achievements.
"The leadership and commitment shown by IOC member Khunying Patama and Dr Somsak Leeswadtrakul have strengthened mutual understanding and cooperation, leaving a legacy of friendship and collaboration," said KSPO President Hyunjae Cho.
Additionally, Dr Somsak and Khunying Patama were also honoured with the Appreciation Award from the Korean Sports Journalist Association. This award was Presented in recognition of his outstanding contributions and dedication to supporting the success of Korean sports. The award was given by the association president Suh Jeung-hoon on October 22, 2024.
Cho Hyun-jae, President of the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation, presents the Honor Award and Medal for Outstanding Achievement in Sport, and ceremonial sash to Dr Somsak and Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul.
Suh Jeung-hoon, President of the Korean Sports Journalist Association, presents the Appreciation Award to honor Dr Somsak and Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul.
Dr.Somsak & Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul joined Seoul Olympic Legacy Forum 2024 for Building a better World Through Sport
Yoon Jay-yon owner of SBS Broadcasting group & Executive Board member Korea Sports Olympic Committee and Lee Sun Hwa President Korea Cheerleading Association congratulations Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon present the Seoul ceremonial sash to KhunyingPatama Leeswadtrakul
Myong - Hi Chang President of the Asian Skating Union,Yoon Jay-Yon executive Board member Korea Sports & Olympic Committe,Lee Sun Hwa President Korea Cheerleading Association, Hee Don Jung AIPS Asia President,SBS Broadcaster and friends congrat Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul
Cho Hyun-Jae Korea Sports Promotion Foundation (KSPO)President Congratulations Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul
