H.E. Zhang Jianwei, Ambassador of the Embassy of The People's Republic of China in The Kingdom of Thailand, together with Mr. Wang Zhijian, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Songkhla, and delegation, paid an official visit to Prince of Songkla University (PSU), Hat Yai Campus, to meet with the university’s executive management and discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations between Thailand and China, with a focus on academic and educational cooperation.
Key topics discussed included preparations for the 20th anniversary celebration of the Confucius Institute, the promotion of Chinese student enrollment at PSU, and the expansion of academic and research collaboration in various areas. The delegation was welcomed by Asst. Prof. Dr. Niwat Keawpradub, President of Prince of Songkla University, along with Asst. Prof. Dr. Thakerng Wongsirichot, Vice President for Academic and International Affairs, Dr. Panida Suksrimuang, Dean of the Faculty of Liberal Arts, and other university executives. The meeting was held on 26 December 2025 at the Office of the President.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Niwat Keawpradub stated that Prince of Songkla University has maintained strong partnerships with Chinese higher education institutions for more than 30 years, since 1992, and has signed over 70 academic cooperation agreements with Chinese institutions. These collaborations cover student and staff exchanges, joint research projects, academic conferences, cultural exchanges, and joint degree program development. He also noted that Chinese students represent the largest group of international students at PSU.
“We are pleased to be part of the efforts to strengthen Thailand–China cooperation on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Thailand–China diplomatic relations. With the Ambassador’s support, we are confident that the partnership between Prince of Songkla University and Chinese universities will continue to grow sustainably and become even stronger in the future”, the President said.
H.E. Zhang Jianwei remarked that this was his first visit to Songkhla Province and expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome. He praised Prince of Songkla University for its strong commitment to academic collaboration, particularly in promoting Chinese language education through the Confucius Institute and facilitating student exchanges to China. He also expressed hope for continued joint activities and cooperation in the years ahead.