Former U.S. Sen. Mark Hatfield and Thai Privy Councilor Thep Devakula will be honored with the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Sacred Treasure, the second-highest decoration awarded regularly by the Japanese government, the Cabinet Office said Tuesday.

Hatfield, 80, and Devakula, 67, are among 24 individuals from 15 countries named in the government's spring honors list for foreign nationals.

Hatfield was recognized for his work to boost economic ties between Japan and the United States, while Devakula was honored for his contribution to friendly ties between Japan and Thailand.

This spring, there are six recipients from the United States, three from Germany, two each from Spain and Thailand, and one each from Britain, Brazil, France, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland and Venezuela.

Michel Franck, 60, of France, president of the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will be honored with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, the third-highest honor of the government's 15 ranks, for his work to boost economic ties between France and Japan.

Pongsak Viddayakorn, 69, of Thailand, who heads Bangkok Dusit Medical Services PLC, will be honored with the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, the sixth-highest regular honor, for improving medical and welfare services in Thailand, including for Japanese nationals.

Cho Man Jei, 77, of South Korea, former head of the Korean Japanese Association, will be honored with the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, for his contribution to cultural exchanges between Japan and South Korea.

Akira Nakano, 72, a Japanese-American who headed the U.S.-based Committee of Atomic Bomb Survivors, will be honored with the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Rays, the 10th-highest regular honor, for his work to improve welfare services for people in the U.S. from Japan or of Japanese descent.