The landmark agreement marks the 50th anniversary of Thai–Vietnamese diplomatic relations, strengthening regional educational ties and academic collaboration.
Khon Kaen University has concluded a historic international partnership through an official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) exchange ceremony for educational collaboration with the Academy of Public Policy and Governance (APAG) of Vietnam. The ceremony was witnessed by the senior leaders of both Thailand and Vietnam, marking the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Thai–Vietnamese diplomatic relations.
The exchange ceremony took place on 28 May 2026 at the Santi Maitri Building, Government House. KKU was represented by Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, who exchanged the MOU with Associate Professor Nguyen Ba Chien, Ph.D., President of APAG.
The ceremony was attended by Mr Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, and Mr To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, alongside cabinet ministers from both nations. The occasion marks a significant milestone in regional cooperation and educational diplomacy. The KKU delegation also included Assistant Professor Sirisak Laochankham, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Local Administration; Associate Professor Suthin Wianwiwat, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Economics; Assistant Professor Suntaree Buchitchon, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies; and Dr Sakchai Jarernsiripornkul, Dean of the College of Graduate Study in Management.
Notably, KKU was the only Thai university selected for this initiative. The MOU represents one of four key areas of cooperation proposed by the Vietnamese government to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The signing also coincided with the first official state visit to Thailand by the Vietnamese leader since his taking office — Thailand being the first ASEAN nation he visited in an official capacity.
This partnership builds upon the existing academic relationship between the College of Local Administration at KKU and APAG, encompassing academic affairs, research, scholar exchanges, and the development of a public administration network within the ASEAN region.
Following the signing, both institutions plan to implement a series of joint initiatives: co-hosting the 2nd International Conference on Public Affairs in Khon Kaen from 19 to 20 November 2026, and participating in the Vietnam National Public Administration Conference in Hanoi in October 2026. Future activities will include faculty, researcher, and student exchanges, alongside collaborative research on public administration reform and matters of mutual interest between Thailand and Vietnam. The agreement also opens opportunities for faculties and colleges across KKU to expand their academic ties with APAG, with a view to enhancing educational capacity, research quality, and regional human resource development.
This milestone reflects KKU’s commitment to international academic engagement and consolidates a strategic educational alliance with Vietnam — a nation undergoing rapid economic growth — in support of the security, progress, and sustainable development of the Greater Mekong Subregion.
News: Benjamaporn Mamook
Information/Photos: College of Local Administration
