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.