BANGKOK: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was conferred a prestigious Thai honorary doctorate by Rangsit University in recognition of his statesmanship.

Dr Mahathir was awarded the doctorate for leadership in social, business and politics by university president Dr Arthit Ourairat during its convocation ceremony here.

The Rangsit University Hall, with 5,000 graduates, was adorned with fresh flowers while the stage, complete with an altar for the Thai King, was full of traditional ornamentation. 

The conferment ceremony was steeped in Thai customs.

The university's orchestra also rendered a special song titled "Blessings from the Sky", which had been composed specially for Dr Mahathir.

In his acceptance speech on Sunday (Dec 16), Dr Mahathir highlighted how students are future leaders who can also help maintain relations among Asean countries.

Dr Arthit praised Dr Mahathir for being a leader who returned from retirement to save Malaysia from being destroyed by corruption and greed, and also as someone who bravely speaks up for those countries which are unable to do so.