The landmark agreement marks the 50th anniversary of Thai–Vietnamese diplomatic relations, strengthening regional educational ties and academic collaboration.
Khon Kaen University has forged a historic international partnership after participating in an official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) exchange ceremony for educational collaboration with the Academy of Public Policy and Governance (APAG) of Vietnam. The prestigious ceremony was witnessed by the top leaders of both Thailand and Vietnam, marking the auspicious occasion of the 50th anniversary of Thai–Vietnamese diplomatic relations.
The exchange ceremony took place on 28 May 2026 at the Santi Maitri Building, Government House. Khon Kaen University (KKU) was led by Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, who exchanged the educational agreement with Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Ba Chien, President of APAG.
The ceremony was highly honoured by the presence of Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, and Mr. To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, alongside cabinet ministers from both nations. The event represents a significant milestone in regional cooperation and educational diplomacy. A delegation of KKU executives also attended the ceremony, including Assistant Professor Dr. Sirisak Laochankham, Dean of the College of Local Administration; Associate Professor Dr. Suthin Wianwiwat, Dean of the Faculty of Economics; Assistant Professor Dr. Suntaree Buchitchon, Dean of the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies; and Dr. Sakchai Jarernsiripornkul, Dean of the College of Graduate Study in Management.
Notably, KKU was the only university from Thailand selected for this initiative. The agreement represents one of the four key areas of cooperation proposed by the Vietnamese government to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. This occasion also coincided with the first official state visit to Thailand by the Vietnamese leader since taking office, choosing Thailand as the first ASEAN nation for an official visit.
This historic partnership builds upon the existing academic network between the College of Local Administration at KKU and APAG. The ongoing collaboration encompasses academic affairs, research, scholar exchanges, and the development of a public administration network within the ASEAN region.
Following the signing, both institutions plan to implement concrete joint initiatives. These include co-hosting the 2nd International Conference on Public Affairs in Khon Kaen from 19 to 20 November 2026, and participating in the Vietnam National Public Administration Conference in Hanoi in October 2026. Future activities will also feature faculty, researcher, and student exchanges, alongside collaborative research on public administration reform and mutual interests between Thailand and Vietnam. Furthermore, this agreement opens avenues for all faculties and colleges across KKU to expand their academic ties with APAG to enhance educational capacity, research quality, and regional human resource development.
This historic milestone reflects the pivotal role of KKU in advancing towards international academic excellence. It solidifies a strategic educational alliance with Vietnam, a nation undergoing rapid economic growth and development, which will ultimately contribute to the security, progress, and sustainable development of the Greater Mekong Subregion.
News: Benjamaporn Mamook
Information/Photos: College of Local Administration
