Khon Kaen University’s College of Local Administration (COLA KKU) recently hosted a significant meeting aimed at fortifying the network of public administration and political science institutions across Thailand’s Northeastern region. The gathering, held on September 12, 2025, at the Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid Hotel, brought together deans, associate deans, program chairs, administrators, and faculty members from various universities.

The primary objective of the meeting was to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration among executives from participating institutions. Discussions focused on enhancing teaching and learning methodologies, research initiatives, academic services to society, student development, network strengthening, and adapting the disciplines to a changing global landscape.

Attendees included representatives from the Faculty of Political Science at Ubon Ratchathani University, the College of Politics and Governance at Mahasarakham University, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Khon Kaen University, the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Nakhon Phanom University, the Faculty of Social Sciences at Mahamakut Buddhist University, and the Faculty of Multidisciplinary Sciences, Nong Khai Campus, Khon Kaen University.

The constructive meeting successfully deepened existing friendships and solidified cooperative ties within the network. Key outcomes and future initiatives agreed upon by the institutions include:

• Formalizing the Northeastern Public Administration and Political Science Network: Establishing a dedicated platform for ongoing collaboration and exchange among member institutions.
• Student Capacity Building Programs: Developing initiatives to enhance student competitiveness nationally and internationally, such as International/National Summer School Programs, English language skill development camps, AI skill development and competitions in public affairs and policy, and research presentation camps for young researchers.
• Cooperative Education (Co-op) Exchange: Facilitating domestic and international co-op training exchanges and collaborations.
• Research Brainstorming Platforms: Creating forums for faculty and graduate students to brainstorm and design research topics in public affairs, politics, and public policy, with a view to securing research funding.
• Esan Policy Advocacy Forum: Launching a platform to present policy findings and innovative public policy proposals from institutions to policymakers, political parties, national/local politicians, research funders, and the general public.
• Joint Hosting of Academic Conferences: Collaborating on future national and international academic conferences organized by individual institutions.

This meeting marked the second consecutive year for the network’s executive gathering, underscoring the growing importance and collective power of these institutions. The continued collaboration aims to drive change and development in the Northeastern region through shared knowledge and common goals.