On 5 February 2025, the Dr. Thanat Khoman ASEAN Studies Center at PSU Hatyai Campus, in collaboration with the Institute of Foreign Affairs (ISC) and the Policy and Planning Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, organized a seminar titled “Thailand’s International Affairs through the People’s Lens” to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event was presided over by Asst. Prof. Dr. Niwat Keawpradub, PSU President, and attended by university executives, faculty, students, and representatives from various public and private sectors. The seminar took place at the Learning Resources Center, PSU Hatyai Campus.
The event featured a keynote lecture titled “Thailand’s Foreign Policy: Continuity and Change” by Dr. Anuson Chinvanno, Director of the Institute of Foreign Affairs. Following the lecture, a panel discussion on “Thailand’s International Affairs through the People’s Lens” took place, with contributions from Asst. Prof. Dr. Thakerng Wongsirichot, Vice President for Academic and International Affairs at Prince of Songkla University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jittipat Poonkham, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Political Science at Thammasat University, Mr. Chanin Sakarin, Vice President of the Hat Yai-Songkhla Hotel Association, Dr. Hafiz Salae, Head of the Southeast Asian Maritime State Studies Center, and Mr. Songpol Changsiriwattanathamrong, President of the Songkhla Chamber of Commerce. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Krongkwan Traitongyoo, Senior Analyst at the Institute of Foreign Affairs.
The event also featured an English Speech Competition for Songkhla Province, with the topic “Shaping Thailand’s Global Role: How Can Thailand Leverage Its Strategic Location to Advance National Interests Amidst the Changing Geopolitical Landscape?”. Participants competed for cash prizes, trophies, and certificates of achievement.
Dr. Niwat emphasized that this event serves as a valuable brainstorming seminar, offering a platform to reflect the perspectives and needs of various sectors, including government, the private sector, civil society, and academia, on key issues related to Thailand’s future foreign policy. He also highlighted the importance of youth engagement through the English speech competition for undergraduate students, centered around the timely topic: How can Thailand leverage its strategic geographic location to advance national interests? This initiative aligns with PSU’s mission to foster academic leadership, innovation, and knowledge creation. The insights gained from the seminar will contribute to shaping research agendas that support the development of southern Thailand and the nation, while fostering connections with society and international networks.
