Siam Dialogue Debuts at Chula, Spotlighting Thailand’s Path to OECD Membership 

The Institute of Asian Studies at Chulalongkorn University organized Siam Dialogue @ IAS CU – Emerging Conversations on Asia and the World, a policy dialogue forum, on March 31, 2026, at Ruean Chula Narumit. The event was opened by Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pavika Sriratanaban, Director of the Institute of Asian Studies, delivering the report. This was followed by a keynote lecture titled “OECD and Benefits of Thailand’s Accession” by Ms. Gita Kothari, Director for Legal Affairs and OECD Accession Coordinator, moderated by Assoc. Prof. Surachart Horachaikul of the Institute of Asian Studies. 

Siam Dialogue @ IAS CU – Emerging Conversations on Asia and the World is a new policy dialogue platform that connects academics, diplomats, policymakers, and emerging thinkers to exchange perspectives on Asia’s role and international cooperation. It aims to foster in-depth discussions on geopolitics, economics, technology, and sustainability from Asian perspectives while positioning Thailand as a hub for intellectual exchange and international policy dialogue. 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pavika Sriratanaban stated that Thailand is in the process of applying for membership in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which currently has 38 member countries worldwide. These countries are recognized for promoting economic and social development and meeting standards in areas such as inequality and anti-corruption, reflecting a strong commitment to economic and social advancement and recovery. 

This inaugural Siam Dialogue @ IAS CU is a collaboration between the Institute of Asian Studies and the Department of International Economic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event featured Ms. Gita Kothari as a keynote speaker and marked an important starting point for demonstrating the role of academia—led by Chulalongkorn University—in helping Thailand benefit from OECD membership. It represents a high-level social impact that complements the university’s recognition in global rankings (World University Rankings). This forum also highlights another dimension of Chulalongkorn University’s global academic reputation. 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pavika added that many Chulalongkorn students were attending the event, reflecting the university’s readiness and the potential of its new generation to engage with future challenges. Participants also included stakeholders actively involved in Thailand’s OECD accession process, such as representatives from labor unions and the Department of International Economic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

She further explained that Siam Dialogue differs from the ongoing Asia Forward Series hosted by the Institute. While Asia Forward takes a broader view of global-Asia connections, Siam Dialogue focuses on specific, high-impact issues for in-depth discussion. 

“In terms of strategy, the Institute of Asian Studies is increasingly operating in an international context, expanding the role of knowledge within its collaborative networks. Hosting policy dialogue forums under the name of Chulalongkorn University serves as a bridge—not simply a venue but a platform with strong potential and a highly challenging new mission for the institute,” the Director concluded. 

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