FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
nationthailand

Remembering the gleaming wit and wisdom of ‘brother Surin’

Remembering the gleaming wit and wisdom of ‘brother Surin’

I am deeply saddened by the sudden death of Dr Surin Pitsuwan, whom I had invited to speak on several occasions at Assumption University.

Surin’s ability as a public speaker has often been acclaimed, yet he was also unusually talented in handling the intersection of religious issues, and policies of integration, of dialogue, of solidarity and, most importantly, of community. 
At one forum I introduced him as the Secretary-General of Asean. “Secretary”, he quipped, was in recognition of his power, while “General” reflected the fact he had no money and therefore had to be general in his role – in keeping with the Asean Way. That kind of spontaneous and self-deprecating wit was part of Surin’s charm but also his evidence of his unique and valuable way of looking at life. As a Muslim, he was very inclusive in his attitude and views, even to the extent of calling me “his brother” – a gesture I felt honoured by.
My last interaction with Surin was on July 21 when he attended a forum at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel in response to my invitation. He was physically weak, but his doctor had given him permission to participate before returning to his hospital bed. That was to be my last meeting with Surin, who was generous to the last in accepting one final invitation from “his brother”.
Rest fulfilled and in peace, Surin.
Glen Chatelier
Director at Office of International Affairs,  
Assumption University 

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