On 6 December 2006, H.E. Mr. Chaiyong Satjitpanon, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva, humbly brought a royal message from His Majesty the King of Thailand congratulating Dr. Margaret Chan on the occasion of her appointment as Director-General of the World Health Organization.
Dr. Chan responded that she was deeply honoured that H.M. the King graciously sent her best wishes. It was the greatest honour for her and her family. She promised to do her best on the job and to continue promoting the amiable relationship between Thailand and the WHO.
Dr. Chan received the Prince Mahidol Award in the field of public health for 1998 for her effective control of the Avian Influenza in Hong Kong.