On the occasion of the 57th anniversary of ASEAN, the ASEAN Studies Center, Khon Kaen University, the Mekong Institute, the Mekong Pluralism Research Center, the Social Sciences Group, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Khon Kaen University, and ASEAN and Mekong Subregion Networks join in celebrating this important occasion with a variety of cultural activities and an academic seminar on ASEAN studies (ASEAN Day 2024) in 2024.
On August 6, 2024 at 08.30, Khon Kaen University, represented by the ASEAN Studies Center, Khon Kaen University, in collaboration with the Mekong Institute and the Mekong Pluralism Research Center, the Social Sciences Group, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Khon Kaen University, and ASEAN and Mekong Subregion Networks, organized the ASEAN Day 2024 event at the HS03 meeting room, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Khon Kaen University. The event was honored to have Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai Panthongviriyakul, Acting President of Khon Kaen University, as the chairman, along with Asst. Prof. Dr. Atcharawan Topakngam, Assistant to the President for International Affairs, as honorary guests at the event. The objectives of the event are to promote the creation of knowledge in ASEAN studies and to disseminate academic and research knowledge to lecturers, personnel, students of Khon Kaen University, and the general public, and to create a network of cooperation by collaborating with universities, faculties, agencies, and foreign countries to exchange knowledge about the Mekong Subregion to keep it up-to-date at all times. The event was attended by a total of 250 people.
Before entering the cultural art show, we were honored by Mr. Wongthep Arthakaivalwatee, former Deputy Secretary-General of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, ASEAN Secretariat, who gave a speech on the topic of “Learning from the Past, Creating the Future.” The ASEAN Talk academic seminar activity under the topic of “ASEAN Vision in 2588” was honored by Mr. Suriyan Vichitralekkakan, Executive Director of the Mekong Institute for Economic Cooperation, as the moderator. The distinguished speakers who honored us by joining the academic seminar this time were Mr. Wongthep Arthakaivalwatee, former Deputy Secretary-General of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, ASEAN Secretariat, Mr. Apichai Sanjinda, former Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation, Mr. Atthayut Srisamut, former Thai Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China in Beijing, former Director-General of the ASEAN Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Somsak Pipoppinyo, former Director of the Economic Development Division. ASEAN Secretariat, Ms. Pojaman Wongsanga, former Senior Official on Food, Agriculture and Forestry, ASEAN Secretariat
For the morning activities, there were cultural performances by the Dance Club, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and an ASEAN national costume competition, along with a Q&A session on ASEAN knowledge. Both Thai and international students were very interested in participating in this activity and had lunch together.
Afternoon activity by Dr. Kantapong Jitkla, lecturer of Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Khon Kaen University, hosting an academic seminar under the topic of “ASEAN Perspectives through Politics, Culture, Arts and Society” with qualified speakers joining the seminar, including Mr. Suriyan Wichitlekkarn, Executive Director of Mekong Institute for Economic Cooperation; Asst. Prof. Dr. Thanaset Chantaree, Faculty of Architecture, Khon Kaen University; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hideki Hiramatsu, Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University; Asst. Prof. Dr. Kiratiporn Jutawiriya, Acting Director of ASEAN Studies Center, Khon Kaen University; Asst. Prof. Dr. Suphakit Buakhao, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Khon Kaen University; and the summary of the activities and closing remarks by Asst. Prof. Dr. Kiratiporn Jutawiriya, Acting Director of ASEAN Studies Center, Khon Kaen University.
News: Saowalak Bangbai, International Relations Officer
Compiled by: Prawsaeng Siriphanuwat, International Relations Officer
Photo news: Ms. Phawadi Maphan
