KHON KAEN – Khon Kaen University’s Faculty of Economics and the Khon Kaen Business School (KKBS), in partnership with eight provincial economic organizations, held a seminar on Thursday, August 14, 2025, aimed at charting a course for the city’s future. The event, titled “Transforming Khon Kaen into an International Metropolis,” took place at the university’s Bayasita Hotel.

The seminar attracted a diverse and engaged audience, with representatives from academic, business, and various other sectors participating in wide-ranging discussions. A key presentation was delivered by Asst. Prof. Prasert Vijitnopparat, Associate Dean for Research, Innovation, Academic Services, and Corporate Communication at the Faculty of Economics and head of the Isan Insight team. He outlined the potential and challenges facing Khon Kaen in its ambition to achieve international city status.

A panel discussion featured a lineup of distinguished speakers, including Chanwit Phuanchoat, Director of Ground Operations at Pattaya Aviation Co., Ltd.; Marc Nuchom, the Honorary Consul of France in Khon Kaen; and Saowanee Rattanasomboonsuk, Managing Director of Think Out Loud Co., Ltd. and an expert in city branding, marketing, and experience design. The session was moderated by Pongphan Sathatip, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Industrial Relations and Sustainability at KKBS.

Leaders from the eight participating economic organizations also contributed their perspectives, offering in-depth insights from the local business community. The seminar is being viewed as a significant step in fostering collaboration between the university and the private sector to collectively drive Khon Kaen’s development on the international stage, focusing on its future economy, society, and overall city image.