Chula Hosts WEAI 2026, Reinforcing Its Role as a Global Economics Hub

Chulalongkorn University hosted the Western Economic Association International (WEAI) 2026 Conference from April 1–4, 2026, bringing together more than 500 academics, researchers, and experts from 36 countries. The conference featured 366 research presentations and highlighted the university’s growing role as a global center for economic research and academic collaboration. 

The conference was co-hosted by the Faculty of Economics and the Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy. The event served as an important international platform for the exchange of economic knowledge and for strengthening global research networks and academic partnerships. 

The opening ceremony was presided over by Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University. Prof. Dr. Noppol Witvorapong, Dean of the Faculty of Economics, delivered remarks on behalf of the two host faculties, emphasizing the importance of the conference as a major platform for economic knowledge exchange and international research collaboration. 

Also attending the opening ceremony were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tartat Mokkhamakkul, along with Asst. Prof. Dr. Panutat Satchachai and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kanis Saengchote, who played key roles in organizing the conference. Their efforts reflected the strong collaboration between the two faculties in advancing the university’s academic excellence. 

On this occasion, Prof. Wade E. Martin, Professor Emeritus from the Department of Economics at California State University, Long Beach, and WEAI Executive Director, presented a commemorative gift to the university in appreciation for hosting the conference and to mark the continuing academic collaboration between WEAI and Chulalongkorn University. 

Key highlights of the conference included keynote lectures by leading economists: Prof. Maurice Obstfeld (C. Fred Bergsten Senior Fellow, Peterson Institute for International Economics), Prof. Danny Quah (Li Ka Shing Professor of Economics, National University of Singapore), and Dr. Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput (former Governor of the Bank of Thailand and Privy Councillor). 

The conference reaffirms Chulalongkorn University’s position as an important global platform for economic research, academic dialogue, and international collaboration. 

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