Chula Brings Together Researchers and Policymakers to Advance Climate Adaptation in Thailand
The Social Research Institute (SRI), Chulalongkorn University, in collaboration with the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) and the Adaptation Research Alliance (ARA), organized the Thailand Climate Adaptation Research Forum 2026 on Wednesday, 8 July, 2026, at the Social Innovation Hub, Visid Prajuabmoh Building, Chulalongkorn University. The forum aimed to strengthen research and innovation networks for climate change adaptation in Thailand while providing a platform for knowledge exchange, fostering collaborative partnerships, and promoting the translation of research into policy and practical implementation.
Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, presided over the opening ceremony and presented awards for outstanding poster presentations. Dr. Surachai Sathitkunarat, Director of the Office of the National Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO), delivered a keynote address entitled “MHESI Policy and Climate Change Adaptation.”
The event also welcomed Dr. Chayanis Krittasudthacheewa, Deputy Director of the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) Asia Centre in Bangkok, and Dr. Albert Salamanca, Senior Research Fellow at the Stockholm Environment Institute Asia Centre, who introduced the global vision and activities of the Adaptation Research Alliance (ARA).
Associate Professor Dr. Unruan Leknoi, Director of the Social Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University, presented the Adaptation Research Alliance (ARA) Thailand, an initiative established to promote collaboration in climate adaptation research and innovation across the country.
The forum featured keynote lectures on climate change adaptation by distinguished experts. Professor of Practice Dr. Sate Sampattagul, Director of the University Academic Service Center (UNISERV), Chiang Mai University, delivered a presentation on “Climate Risk and Vulnerability.” Associate Professor Dr. Unruen Leknoi, Director of the Social Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University, presented a lecture entitled “Climate Adaptation: Building Resilience to Climate Change.”
In the afternoon, participants joined breakout group discussions to analyze Thailand’s strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities in climate adaptation research and to identify future research priorities. The discussions concluded with presentations of each group’s findings, followed by the forum’s closing ceremony.
The forum marked another significant milestone in connecting researchers, experts, policymakers, and partner organizations from diverse sectors to jointly advance knowledge, research, and innovation toward evidence-based policymaking and practical action, ultimately supporting Thailand’s long-term and sustainable adaptation to climate change.
