07/05/2026
The Institute of Asian Studies, Chulalongkorn University, through the Central Asia Studies Center (CASC), was honored to host the international symposium “Thailand and Central Asia: Forging Sustainable Connectivity and New Partnerships in a Dynamic Eurasia” during 28 April – 1 May 2026, with the valued support of Chulalongkorn University, the Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Program Management Unit on Area-Based Development (PMU A), and the Office of International Affairs and Global Network (OIA), Chulalongkorn University.
The symposium brought together diplomatic, academic, and policy perspectives to reassess Thailand–Central Asia relations at a time when Eurasian connectivity, regional governance, and new partnership frameworks are gaining increasing strategic importance. The event also marked the official launch of CASC, establishing a dedicated platform for advancing research, knowledge exchange, and policy engagement on Central Asia.
✨ Highlights
Day 1 (28 April) – Welcoming and Exchange
Participants joined a campus tour and introductory session, followed by welcoming remarks by Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University. The evening concluded with a reception, creating a space for early academic and policy dialogue.
Day 2 (29 April) – Opening & Public Panels
The symposium officially opened with remarks by university leadership, followed by a distinguished address by H.E. Mrs. Urasa Mongkolnavin, Director-General of the Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, and the inauguration of the Central Asia Studies Center (CASC).
Special Diplomatic Panel on Thailand–Central Asia relations in a changing Eurasia
Panel 1: Central Asian research as a new academic frontier for Thailand
Panel 2: Geopolitical shifts and emerging economic corridors
✨ A special highlight on this day was the vibrant cultural exhibitions presented by:
The Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Bangkok
The Consulate-General of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Bangkok
The Embassy of Tajikistan in Kuala Lumpur
Day 3 (30 April) – Continued Public Panels
Panel 3: History, peoples, cultures, and state formation in Central Asia
Panel 4: Trade, logistics, and Thai opportunities along the New Silk Road
Panel 5: Central Asia in global geopolitics and regional strategy
Day 4 (1 May) – Continued Engagement
The programme concluded with continued cultural and academic exchanges and collaborative discussions, reinforcing the connections built throughout the symposium.
The symposium reaffirmed the growing importance of Central Asia as a strategic partner for Thailand, highlighting its role in connectivity, economic cooperation, and regional dialogue across Eurasia.
We extend our sincere appreciation to all speakers, partners, and participants who made this symposium a success. 💐
📌 Participants are kindly invited to share feedback via our survey:
https://forms.gle/xWBGypcBubx5Sz8A9
