On 12 August 2025, Mae Fah Luang University organised the sharing sessions under the Thai-Chinese Youth Ambassador Camp at Pradoo Daeng 1, General Sampao Choosri Building (E4).
The event aimed to provide a platform for participants of the Thai-Chinese Youth Ambassador Camp, the MFU community and the people of Chiang Rai to gain a deeper understanding and insights into the history of Thai - Chinese relations, current challenges, and the path toward a shared future from the direct experience of stakeholders.
The welcoming ceremony included a collaborative welcoming performance by the School of Sinology and Thai Traditional Dance Club, an introduction to the Thai-Chinese Youth Ambassador Camp by Asst. Prof. Dr.Romyen Kosaikanont, Vice President, followed by welcoming remarks by Asst. Prof. Dr. Matchima Naradisorn, President of Mae Fah Luang University, and Mr. Ruttisak Rangsri, Vice Governor of Chiang Rai Province.
In her speech, the MFU President officially welcomed the 50 youth ambassadors to Mae Fah Luang University. “As the students have participated in activities at Mahidol University in Bangkok and Prince of Songkla University in Songkhla, and learned about Thai–Chinese relations, medical and health development contexts, sustainable urban management as well as sustainable marine development, this special session served as another spark to raise awareness of the value of Thai–Chinese friendship. It covered historical, economic, educational, and people-to-people dimensions, all through the valuable perspectives and experiences of our distinguished guest speaker.”
The event featured a video of special talk on "Strengthening Human Community for Sustainable Region and a Shared Future" by Consul-General Chen Haiping of the Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Chiang Mai. In his speech, Consul-General stated that Mae Fah Luang University has always placed great importance on fostering cooperation and exchanges with China, nurturing talented young people proficient in both Thai and Chinese who are dedicated to the friendship between our two nations. He added that as President Xi Jinping has stated, “Youth are the hope of the nation and the future of the country.” The foundation and future of Thai–Chinese friendship rest equally in the hands of the youth of both nations.
Additionally, there was a special lecture titled "Deepening Sino-Thai People to People Connectivity for Well-being and Sustainable Mekong Subregion" by Professor Dr. Vanchai Sirichana, Chairman of University Council and Founding President of Mae Fah Luang University. Professor Dr. Vanchai Sirichana told the story of the relations between MFU and China since the university’s establishment particularly the founding of the Sirindhorn Chinese Language and Culture Center. The center, supported by Chinese government through funding, architectural design, materials, and construction, was established with the purposes of promoting Chinese language teaching and culture among Thai people and serving as a mark of friendship between people of the two countries. Moreover, the Chinese government supported the provision of Chinese volunteers to develop curriculum and organise Chinese language training for teachers at MFU.
The highlight of the event was a panel discussion titled "Learning from the Past, Understanding the Current Context, Building a Community of Common Destiny for a Sustainable Future", which was moderated by Ms. Sutara Boriboonangkul, fourth-year Business Chinese Programme student from the School of Sinology. The session brought together experienced and distinguished panelists, including:
1. Mr. Sumate Tanthuwanit, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Sirindhorn Chinese Language and Culture Center, MFU Council Member, and Chairman of the Board Dirctor of Ngow Hock Group
2. Mr. Kraisin Vongsurakrai, Deputy Secretary-General of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Secretary-General, the Thailand-China Business Council
3. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aksornsri Phanishsarn, Lecturer at the Faculty of Economics of Thammasat University and Former Director of the Thai-Chinese Strategic Research Centre (TCRC), National Research Council of Thailand
4. Mr. Joe Horn Phathanothai, Founder and CEO of Strategy613.
This panel aimed to explore the origins of Thailand–China relations, highlighting both their official milestones and the deeper, behind-the-scenes dynamics. It examines the development of bilateral ties across key areas—social and cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and trade. The session also emphasised the importance of fostering mutual understanding, especially among youth, as a foundation for building a shared future rooted in sustainable development.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Thai-Chinese diplomatic relations, MFU initiated the Thai-Chinese Youth Ambassador Camp in collaboration with Mahidol University, Prince of Songkla University, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming Medical University, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Xiamen University. The programme brings together 50 youth participants—25 from Thailand and 25 from China—for a cultural exchange journey across five cities (Bangkok, Songkla, Chiang Rai, Kunming, and Beijing) from 3 – 25 August 2025. The participants will be equipped with future-oriented thinking, cross-disciplinary, cross-cultural collaboration skills to propose concrete initiatives under the Thai-Yunnan Education Cooperation Framework.
Altogether, these meaningful activities and insight will inspire participants to develop creative proposals and calls for actions for a sustainable shared future between the two countries, in line with the theme: "Learning from the Past, Understanding the Current Context, Building a Community of Common Destiny for a Sustainable Future"
