Assistant Professor Sirisak Laochankham, Dean of the College of Local Administration (COLA), Khon Kaen University, accompanied by Dr. Rosita Dasri, Deputy Director of COLAB, participated in a strategic operational workshop titled “Foresight for Thailand: ISAN Agenda 2030.” The programme was hosted by the Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS) on 23 January 2026, in Mueang District, Khon Kaen Province.

The workshop’s primary goal was to establish a neutral space based on the principles of Deliberative Democracy, allowing diverse sectors to exchange in-depth data concerning pressing social, economic, and political governance situations. The discussions focused on utilising credible databases to synthesise public policy recommendations at both the local and national levels.

During the event, the Dean of the College of Local Administration offered critical perspectives on the dimension of ‘Politics,’ highlighting its role as a key driving force for the development of Thailand’s Northeast region. Furthermore, he presented a structured foresight framework designed to help prepare Thai society for the current context of change and the anticipated upcoming general election.

COLA KKU’s active involvement in this forum reflects its established role as an academic institution proactively contributing to the strategic direction of public policy and sustainable local development.