During 7 - 13 February 2026, Dr. Orathai Phubunlap Gunaseelan, Minister-Counsellor of the Royal Thai Embassy in Astana, was entrusted by the Embassy to lead a delegation of scholars and education professionals from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Tajikistan on a visit to Thailand under the Embassy’s Project “Strengthening Academic and Educational Cooperation between Thailand and Central Asia, Contributing to the Establishment of a Central Asia Studies Center in Thailand.” The visit aimed to enhance academic cooperation, promote knowledge exchange, and expand collaboration networks between Thai higher education institutions and their counterparts in Central Asia.

The delegation from Kazakhstan comprised Dr. Aidar Kurmashev, Head of the Asian Studies Department of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President (KazISS); Dr. Zhanar Ashikbayeva, Assistant Professor of Maqsut Narikbayev University; Ms. Durdona Yussupova, Senior Lecturer of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Business and Law, Suleyman Demirel University; and Ms. Aisha Kulzhabayeva, Senior Manager of the Europe and Asia Department of the Center for International Programs “Bolashak.” From the Kyrgyz Republic, the delegation included Ms. Diana Sultanbekova, Deputy Director for International Cooperation and Relations of Kyrgyz National University. From Tajikistan, the delegation was joined by Dr. Shohkarim Shabonov, Lecturer of the Department of Entrepreneurial and Commercial Law of Tajik National University.

During the programme, the Central Asian scholars participated in three key activities. First, they delivered academic lectures and engaged in knowledge exchanges with students at Burapha University, Thammasat University (Faculties of Political Science and Liberal Arts), and Rangsit University, with active participation of over 300 students. Second, they took part in an academic roundtable discussion with Thai scholars, jointly organized by the Institute of Asian Studies of Chulalongkorn University, and the International Studies Center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with approximately 30 Thai scholars in attendance. Third, the delegation exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest with Dr. Somkiat Tungkitvanich, President of the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI).

The implementation of the Project successfully achieved its intended objectives in strengthening academic and educational cooperation between Thailand and Central Asian countries, while supporting Thailand’s Proactive Diplomacy and Development Diplomacy. Furthermore, the Project plays a significant role in supporting the establishment of a Central Asia Studies Center at the Institute of Asian Studies of Chulalongkorn University, envisioned as a hub for academic research, scholarly and policy analysis, and systematic dissemination of knowledge on Central Asia.