Ambassador Bhakavat holds a postgraduate degree in Development Administration from Western Michigan University. He has accrued professional experience in Foreign Service since joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand in 1987.

His previous assignments, among others, were Ambassador of Thailand to Nepal, Minister at the Royal Thai Embassy in Tokyo and Deputy Director-General of the Department of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. 

Apart from Hungary, he is also accredited as non-resident Ambassador of Thailand to Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. 

1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?

I arrived in Hungary in October 2019, after my previous assignment as Ambassador of Thailand to Nepal

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
I have been living in many countries. I was a postgraduate student of Development Administration at Western Michigan University, USA, and got through my career life as a Thai diplomat in many countries, including USA, Chile, Vietnam, Japan and Nepal.

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?

When I arrived in Hungary, many things surprised me. Despite being a landlocked country, Hungary is full of water. The Danube River runs through historical bridges and places in Budapest. Lake Balaton is a beautiful inland sea and place for relaxation and fun. The thermal water and spa culture have their healing power.

Another thing that impresses me is the Hungarian language. The way that 26 letters of alphabet are turned into the Hungarian 44 letters is exceptional. No wonder it is a prominently difficult language to learn.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?

Speaking for the post COVID-19 pandemic, I would recommend friends to visit all Budapest’s historical and architectural sights, including the Buda Castle, the Fishermen’s Bastion, the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, the Parliament, as well as to go cruising on the Danube river and shopping at the Váci Street.

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?

Beef goulash with nokedli.

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?

Orange juice. I cannot have breakfast every morning without a glass of orange juice.  

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?

“Boldog” for Boldog új évet!

8. What do you miss most from home?

Family and friends, but we are closer nowadays with digital and social applications.

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?

Hotel General Manager

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?

Politician

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

12. Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?

Hungary’s Tokaj Wine Region

13. Apart of temptation what can't you resist?

I do photography as a hobby and enjoy my time with photographing devices and materials

14. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?

The Beetles and Queens

15. Red wine or white?

Red wine

16. Book or movie?

Movie. We can learn various interesting things from watching movies.

17. Morning person or night person?

Morning

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?

Human rights and social equality.

19. Buda or Pest side?

Both - each side has its own charm and beauty.

20. What would you say is your personal motto?

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”