On 30 June 2025, Khon Kaen University hosted His Excellency Mr. Yongmin Park, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Thailand, along with his delegation, at the President’s special reception room on the 6th floor of Sirikoonsiri Building. The delegation was welcomed by Associate Professor Dr. Chanchai Phanthongviriyakul, President of Khon Kaen University, accompanied by Assistant Professor Dr. Atcharaowan Tophakngam, Vice President for International Affairs; Associate Professor Dr. Jiranuch Sengiemsak, Vice President for Research and Innovation; and Dr. Sukhetsak Wanwacha, Chair of the Korean Language Major, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
The visit aimed to deepen Thai–Korean relations through cooperation in education, research, innovation, technology, and the promotion of the Korean language and culture. Particular emphasis was placed on the creative economy and opportunities for future collaboration.
President Dr. Chanchai highlighted the university’s ongoing partnerships with leading Korean institutions, especially in Korean language and culture education. He noted successful programs, such as the placement of volunteer Korean teachers from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and knowledge exchanges in technology and medicine. He emphasized that this visit presented a valuable opportunity to expand cooperation, including increasing the number of Korean language instructors to meet growing student demand. During the visit, the delegation also toured COSMAX, a leading Korean beauty industry manufacturer and innovator, illustrating the connection between academia and industry in an international context.
Ambassador Mr. Yongmin Park praised Khon Kaen University’s strengths and expressed his pleasure in contributing to educational cooperation, particularly in advancing Korean language and culture. He highlighted the crucial role of Korean soft power—such as entertainment and the creative economy—in global influence. He also proposed future collaboration paths, especially in creating networks that enable graduates from Khon Kaen University to work with Korean companies, benefiting students and supporting the sustainable growth of Thai–Korean relations.
Reported by: Office of International Affairs, Khon Kaen University
