Bangkok, 1 August 2025 – Greenpeace Southeast Asia has appointed Veerawit Tianchainan as its new Executive Director, effective 1 August 2025. Assuming leadership at a time of intensifying escalating climate threats and systemic environmental injustices, Veerawit brings a bold and values-driven vision to lead the organisation in confronting the climate crisis and champion environmental justice across Southeast Asia.
A seasoned leader in environmental and human rights advocacy, Veerawit brings over 25 years of experience working across Southeast Asia and globally. His career spans diplomacy, public policy, grassroots mobilisation and international cooperation with governments, multilateral institutions and civil society movements.
Early in his career, Veerawit worked with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Regional Office in Thailand before founding the Thai Committee for Refugees Foundation (TCR), the country’s first nationally registered non-profit organisation dedicated to refugee protection. Under his leadership, TCR became a leading advocate for the rights of refugees, asylum seekers and stateless persons across Thailand and the region.
Prior to joining Greenpeace, Veerawit held leadership roles with the USAID-WWF Mekong for the Future Programme, where he led initiatives on environmental governance, community rights and natural resource protection across the Lower Mekong and wider ASEAN region. He also served leadership roles at The Freedom Story in Chiang Rai and the US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, and has advised the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand, the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights, and the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children and the Asian Research Center for Migration.
Upon his appointment, Veerawit stated:
“We can only secure a thriving future for people and planet by standing up to unjust systems and creating bold, fair alternatives that put communities and the environment first. Greenpeace is a force for transformation – driven by courage, hope, and the power of people coming together. I’m proud to stand with Southeast Asia’s communities as we fight for environmental justice and a dignified future for all.”
Welcoming the new Executive Director, Wahyu Dhyatmika, Chair of Greenpeace Southeast Asia’s Board of Directors, commented:
“Veerawit’s bold vision, deep roots in community engagement, and proven leadership come at a time when bold action is urgently needed. The Board is confident he will guide Greenpeace Southeast Asia with purpose and drive the systemic change required to meet today’s environmental challenges.”
With presence in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, for over 25 years, Greenpeace Southeast Asia continues to champion renewable energy, forest and ocean protection, and climate justice – working alongside communities and grassroots movements to build a just, peaceful and sustainable future.
Download the image of Veerawit here
For media inquiries, please contact:
Somrudee Panasudtha, Senior Media Campaigner, Greenpeace Thailand
Tel. 081 929 5747 Email: [email protected]
