On 10 March 2026, H.E. Ms. Lada Phumas, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia, was invited to attend Malaysia’s International Women’s Day 2026 celebration, organized by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur. On this occasion, Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, delivered the welcoming remarks, while Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, officiated the event and delivered the keynote address. Also in attendance were Datuk Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, spouse of the Prime Minister; Cabinet representatives including Datuk Amar Haji Fadillah Yusof, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation; Mrs. Fadhlina Sidek, Minister of Education; and Mrs. Lim Hui Ying, Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development. The event was attended by ambassadors and representatives of foreign missions, as well as guests from Malaysia’s public and private sectors, civil society, and the media, with more than 1,500 participants in total.

 

This year’s celebration was held under the theme “Empowering Women, Strengthening the Nation,” reflecting the key priorities of Malaysia’s National Women’s Policy and the Women’s Development Action Plan 2025–2030. During the event, the Prime Minister acknowledged the growing role of Malaysian women and related initiatives under the MADANI Economy framework, as well as Malaysia’s contributions to advancing women’s issues at the international level. The Prime Minister also witnessed the launch of the PRISMAnita programme, which aims to support and provide protection for women seeking assistance.

 

On this occasion, the Ambassador congratulated the Government of Malaysia on its efforts to promote women’s leadership and their important roles in the family, community, society, and national development. Thailand remains committed to promoting equal rights under the law and ensuring access to justice for women and girls. Thailand is also an active party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and supports the implementation of the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-Custodial Measures for Women Offenders (the Bangkok Rules).