Surin, who was 68, was said to have collapsed while preparing to speak at the Thailand Halal Assembly 2017 in Bang Na, Bangkok.

He was taken to Ramkhamhaeng Hospital but was later pronounced dead, the Thai daily said.

Minutes after the news broke, Selangor Menteri Besar Mohamed Azmin Ali tweeted his condolences, describing Surin as a dear and incomparable friend.

“Just heard the very sad news of the passing of Surin Pitsuwan. A true Muslim democrat, renowned diplomat and a man of many talents. Al Fatihah.”

Azmin also uploaded a picture of himself with Surin at their last meeting together.

According to Bangkok Post, Surin’s funeral will be held tomorrow at a mosque in Tambon Tha It, Nonthaburi’ Pak Kret district.

Surin, who was also Thailand’s former foreign minister, was well known and respected in the country.

He was born on Oct 28, 1949, in an integrated Thai family of Malay descent.

He completed his postgraduate studies and doctorate in political science and Middle Eastern studies at Harvard University and taught political science in Thailand before entering politics.

He was deputy minister of foreign affairs from 1992 to 1995, before being elevated to foreign affairs minister from 1997 to 2001.

While serving as the chairman of the Asean Regional Forum, he focused on fostering greater unity throughout Southeast Asia.

He has also been part of many international commissions such as the UN Commission on Human Security, Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalization, and the International Advisory Board of the International Crisis Group.

He is survived by his wife, Alisa Pitsuwan, and three children, Frickli Pitsuwan, Muhammad Fuake Pitsuwan and Hussani Pitsuwan.