LEEDS, UK – Khon Kaen University’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences officially launched the Centre for Thai Language and Culture on October 12, 2025, at the Buddharam Temple in Leeds, United Kingdom. The new center is a collaborative effort between Khon Kaen University, the Buddharam Temple, and the Faculty of Arts, Humanities & Cultures at the University of Leeds.
The opening ceremony was attended by prominent figures from both Thailand and the UK. Dignitaries included H.E. Thani Thongphakdi, Ambassador of Thailand to the United Kingdom; Councillor Dan Cohen, Lord Mayor of Leeds; Surapon Petch-Vra, Vice Chairman of the Khon Kaen University Council; and Associate Professor Dr. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, President of Khon Kaen University. Representatives from the University of Leeds, including Prof. Emma Cayley, Head of the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies, and Prof. Martin Seeger, a professor of Thai Studies, were also present.
Phrakhru Siridhammaprateep, the abbot of Buddharam Temple, welcomed attendees, stating, “The opening of the Thai Language and Culture Centre today is a significant step in disseminating the Thai language and culture more widely. It will not only help the new generation learn their Thai roots but also serve as a bridge to strengthen the friendship between the people of Thailand and Britain.”
Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, emphasized the center’s global significance, describing it as a “symbol of friendship, understanding, and sustainable cooperation between the two nations.” He noted that the center will promote Thai language, arts, and culture to an international audience, including students, the Thai community, and foreign nationals interested in Thai culture. “This center will be a space for learning, research, and cultural exchange that will grow into an important platform for building sustainable collaboration,” he said.
The center, managed by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, aims to promote Thai language and culture internationally, create a platform for academic and cultural exchange, and strengthen understanding between the people of Thailand and the UK. It is also part of the faculty’s mission to advance its internationalization efforts.
Prior to the official opening, the center ran a “Thai Language and Culture Summer Course 2025,” which used participatory learning to teach basic Thai communication and cultural etiquette to foreign learners through hands-on activities.
Associate Professor Dr. Orathai Piayura, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, stated, “This center will be a space for learning and real-world experience, providing internship and learning opportunities for students from both Khon Kaen University and the University of Leeds to understand different languages and cultures.”
The establishment of the center marks a significant step in Khon Kaen University’s efforts to promote Thai language education and culture on a global stage. It will serve as a hub for language and cultural activities, Thai language training for foreigners, student and staff exchanges, and cultural events in collaboration with the Thai community in the UK. The initiative is seen as a key part of Thailand’s “soft power” strategy, extending its cultural reach into Europe.
