President Fidel Ramos, Mrs. Luz Magsaysay, distinguished trustees, fellow awardees, ladies and gentlemen.

I am honored to have been conferred the 1997 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service.

This Award carries the name and spirit of a great Asian leader, one known for his unstinting efforts to pursue reform in every segment of Philippine life. President Magsaysay’s commitment to reform for the benefit of Philippine society and his well-deserved reputation for incorruptibility provide us with a shining example of Asian values.

Throughout my own life and career, I have tried to pursue the same goals. It has been my view, tested in the crucible of my public and private careers, that the advancement of Asian societies can be achieved only in the presence of good governance, including:

First, an honest government, one that serves the interests of the people; Second, an efficient government, one that provides good value for money; Third, a just government, one that endeavours with sincerity and vigour to minimize economic and social inequalities.

Above all, good governance requires compliance with the precepts of democratic rule.

The lessons of the twentieth century are clear. First, no nation can any longer afford to base its prosperity, its security, and its future on military might. Second, no nation can any longer feel secure if its citizens are deprived of the opportunities for meaningful participation in political, economic, and social life. Third and most important, real security can only derive from a nation’s inner strength, the well-being of the people.

In accepting this Award, I do so on behalf of the many Thais who have pursued the same goals that I have striven for, namely, the building of a democratic society, emphasizing people’s participation, economic prosperity, and social justice.