The Embassy of Ireland in Bangkok, in partnership with the International Women’s Club of Thailand, hosted a Women in Leadership panel discussion to commemorate St. Brigid’s Day 2026. The event centered on advancing women’s leadership through knowledge sharing across healthcare, business, international development, and education.

Ireland’s Ambassador to Thailand, Pat Bourne, inaugurated the program, describing St. Brigid’s Day as a celebration of women’s contributions to society and an opportunity to encourage greater participation in leadership and decision-making roles. Joy Nicharot, president of the International Women’s Club of Thailand, also addressed attendees, expressing the organization’s long-standing support for women from diverse backgrounds.

The panel featured senior Thai and Irish leaders, including the chief executive of Bumrungrad International Hospital, the resident representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Thailand, the chief executive and president of Berli Jucker Public Company Limited, and the co-founder and director of education at Eblana Learning.

Speakers shared experiences from their professional journeys, including leading digital transformation in healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic, becoming the first woman to head a 140-year-old Thai company, and managing international development work alongside family responsibilities. The discussion also looked into the challenges women face in senior roles and strategies to overcome these barriers.