Chula Hosts an International Conference Thailand–Central Asia, and launches the Center for Central Asia Studies 

The Institute of Asian Studies, Chulalongkorn University, organized the international conference “Thailand and Central Asia: Forging Sustainable Connectivity and New Partnerships in a Dynamic Eurasia” on April 29–30, 2026, at the CU Social Innovation Hub, ground floor, Visid Prachuabmoh Building, Chulalongkorn University. The event serves as an important platform for knowledge exchange and for strengthening cooperation between Thailand and Central Asian countries, amid a global context in which the Eurasian region is gaining prominence in economic, energy, and geopolitical dimensions.

The opening ceremony took place on April 29, 2026. Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the university’s role as a hub of knowledge and international collaboration. Associate Professor Dr. Pavika Sriratanaban, Director of the Institute of Asian Studies, outlined the objectives of the event, which seeks to create a platform for integrating academic knowledge and fostering cross-regional cooperation. Mrs. Urasa Mongkolnavin, Director-General of the Department of South Asia, Middle East, and Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the importance of interregional cooperation.

The event also featured a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing ceremony among relevant organizations to strengthen collaboration in academic and policy development dimensions. This was followed by the official launch of the Center for Central Asia Studies (CASC), which serves as a strategic mechanism for Chulalongkorn University in advancing research, network development, and policymaking related to Central Asia.

In addition, a panel discussion titled “Diplomatic Perspectives: Thailand–Central Asia Relations in a Changing Eurasia” brought together ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from Central Asian countries—Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—to exchange views on international relations, economic opportunities, and future cooperation. The session was moderated by Mr. Apirat Sugondhabhirom, former Thai Ambassador to Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan.

Associate Professor Dr. Pavika Sriratanaban stated that the conference is significant in two main aspects: first, as an international academic forum reflecting Chulalongkorn University’s role as a global platform for knowledge exchange; and second, as the launch of the Center for Central Asia Studies (CASC), which has received strong support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to enhance integrated collaboration between academic work and Thailand’s international policy efforts. 

She further noted that Central Asia is currently transforming from a perceived landlocked region into a “Middle Corridor,” or a key connectivity hub linking Asia, Europe, and Southeast Asia. This shift is highly significant in trade, energy, and geopolitics. The conference, therefore, aims to raise awareness and deepen understanding of the region, while also creating opportunities to build new networks of cooperation between Thailand and Central Asian countries.

“Chulalongkorn University is one of the academic institutions seriously and proactively driving Central Asia-related initiatives, focusing on knowledge creation and international network building. At the same time, the establishment of the Center for Central Asia Studies will serve as a key mechanism to support long-term activities, cooperation, and knowledge exchange in academic, policy, and international networking dimensions,” she added.

A key highlight of the event was the diplomatic panel discussion, which provided an opportunity for representatives from Central Asian countries to share perspectives on international relations in a changing global context. This forum reflects the expansion of comprehensive cooperation among the government, academic, and other sectors. 

This international academic conference underscores Chulalongkorn University’s role as a global platform for connecting knowledge and cross-regional collaboration, while reinforcing Thailand’s potential to become a hub for cooperation with Central Asia, paving the way for sustainable relationships in the future.