Chula Institute of Asian Studies Hosts Seminar on “Plural Society in Khlong Takhein” 

The Contemporary Security Studies Center, Institute of Asian Studies, Chulalongkorn University, in collaboration with the Khlong Takhein Subdistrict Administrative Organization, the Kudi Cho Fa Mosque Islamsriayutthaya Foundation School in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, and the Faculty of Liberal Arts at Krirk University, organized an academic seminar on “Regional Connectivity of Asia to the Global Stage” to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Institute of Asian Studies. The seminar, titled “Plural Society in Khlong Takhein: Weaving Cultures from Persia, Ayutthaya, and the Malay Peninsula into Guidelines for Community Strength Development,” took place on February 5, 2025, at the CU Social Innovation Center (CU SiHub), 1st floor, Visid Prachuabmoh Building.

The event featured opening remarks by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pawika Sriratanaban, Director of the Institute of Asian Studies at Chulalongkorn University, followed by a keynote lecture on “The Importance of Khlong Takhein” by Mr. Sukit Lohfor, Chief Executive of the Khlong Takhein Subdistrict Administrative Organization. A discussion panel on “Plural society in Khlong Takhein: Weaving cultures from Persia, Ayutthaya, and the Malay Peninsula. Towards a way to develop community strength” by Ajarn Faisal Boonrod, Director of the Islamic Sri Ayudhya Foundation School, and Dr. Bandit Aroman, Lecturer in the Faculty of Liberal Arts at Krirk University 

The seminar served as a platform to share and disseminate knowledge about the diverse cultural heritage of the Khlong Takhein community in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. It highlighted the significance of contemporary cultural connections in the region and examined ways to align research with evolving social phenomena. Additionally, the event fostered creative academic exchange between educational institutions and local communities, contributing to future research and community development initiatives.