The 18th WEAI 2026 Conference: Chula Advances Economic Knowledge Globally 

The Faculty of Economics and the Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy at Chulalongkorn University co-hosted the 18th Western Economic Association International (WEAI) Conference 2026 from April 1–4, 2026, at Chulalongkorn University. The event brought together over 500 academics, researchers, and experts from around the world, featuring 366 research presentations from 36 countries.

The Western Economic Association International (WEAI) is a non-profit organization founded in 1992 in the United States. Its primary mission is to promote economic research, provide a platform for exchanging ideas on key global challenges, and foster strong academic relationships.

The 18th WEAI Conference gathered policy scholars and economists from institutions worldwide. The program included keynote lectures by globally renowned economists, offering new research perspectives to participants, as well as academic paper presentations and knowledge exchange sessions. It also featured policy-oriented forums beneficial for government policy design and provided opportunities for doctoral students to present their dissertations, helping to develop human capital and produce high-quality scholars for the labor market. Currently, WEAI has over 2,000 members worldwide, and past conferences have attracted between 300 and 800 participants. 

Prof. Dr. Nopphol Witvorapong, Dean of the Faculty of Economics at Chulalongkorn University, stated, “This conference is the largest academic event ever organized by the Faculty of Economics, with around 400 participants and 366 research papers presented from 36 countries worldwide. It reflects close collaboration between the Faculty of Economics and the Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy. Faculty members from both faculties contributed a total of 20 research papers—10 from each faculty—to further develop academic work and teaching. This international conference also provides a platform for faculty members to exchange knowledge and receive feedback to enhance their research. The successful organization of this event has led to international universities expressing interest in partnerships with Chulalongkorn University, helping propel the university toward becoming a truly global institution.” 

Professor Emeritus Wade E. Martin, from the Department of Economics at California State University, Long Beach, and Executive Director of WEAI, said, “WEAI is an international conference that brings together experts, keynote speakers, and scholars from around the world. This year’s conference includes participants from over 30 countries, allowing colleagues to share experiences and knowledge. These insights help advance the field of economics and contribute to participating countries through collaboration with host institutions.” 

“Chulalongkorn University enjoys an international reputation, and Bangkok is an attractive destination for visitors. The university is open to diverse intellectual perspectives. Hosting the conference here aligns with WEAI’s mission to share economic research insights with a broader society, rather than limiting them to small academic communities.” 

Prof. Danny Quah, Li Ka Shing Professor of Economics at the National University of Singapore, one of the keynote speakers, emphasized that the body of economic expertise developed across academic institutions worldwide is valuable and should be shared globally. Chulalongkorn University is one of the leading higher education and research institutions in this region and an ideal venue for exchanging these important ideas. Economics seeks to improve human well-being, prosperity, and security by offering principles on how businesses, consumers, and governments can best serve society. This conference at Chulalongkorn is not only about delivering knowledge but also represents a journey of knowledge—from the world to Chulalongkorn and from Chulalongkorn to the world.

Prof. Maurice Obstfeld, C. Fred Bergsten Senior Fellow, Peterson Institute for International Economics, another keynote speaker, added, “Universities are excellent platforms for building international collaboration and communication to disseminate the best academic and scientific knowledge. Participants from around the world can gain insights and exchange experiences. Economic policy is complex and often intertwined with politics, so economics must apply scientific reasoning to find reliable answers. This conference at Chulalongkorn serves as a valuable source of knowledge and provides answers to these challenges.”