This year, 2025, marks several significant milestones: the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand and, concurrently, the 27th anniversary of Mae Fah Luang University, the 25th anniversary of the Sirindhorn Chinese Language and Culture Center, and the 20th anniversary of the Confucius Institute at MFU. These concurrent celebrations reflect the enduring and fruitful collaboration between Thailand and China.
To commemorate these landmark occasions, MFU hosted a series of celebratory events on 26 September 2025. These include the academic forum titled: “50 Years of Thailand – China Relations: Educational Cooperation as a Foundation of Friendship Toward a Sustainable Community of Shared Future,” along with seminars, workshops, and the 50th Anniversary Thai–Chinese Cultural & Music Festival.
The opening ceremony of the academic forum featured special performance, including “The Wooden Puppet Show: The legendary love story of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai” from Xiamen University and “Five Decades of Friendship: Joy Shared by Two Nations” by the Mae Fah Luang University Thai Traditional Dance Club. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Asst. Prof. Dr. Matchima Naradisorn, President of Mae Fah Luang University, and Mr. Ruttisak Rangsri, Vice Governor, on behalf of the Governor of Chiang Rai Province.
The forum brought together distinguished guests to reflect on Thailand – China relations through educational cooperation, featuring several key lectures:
• "The Role of Confucius Institutes in Enhancing Thailand-China Relations" by Somdet Phramaharajamongkolmunee (Thongchai Dhammatacho), Assistant Abbot of Wat Traimit Witthayaram Worawihan, Chief of the Central Sangha Region, Member of the Supreme Sangha Council, and Chairman of the Maritime Silk Road Confucius Institute.
• "Mae Fah Luang University: Connecting the Past, Present, and Laying the Foundation for the Future Through Education," by Professor Dr. Vanchai Sirichana, Chairman of the Mae Fah Luang University Council.
• "50 Years of Thailand-China Friendship: The Power of Friendship Towards a Sustainable Future of Cooperation," by Mr. Piyapak Sricharoen, Director-General of the Department of East Asian Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
A special session, "50 Years of Thailand-China Diplomatic Relations: A Perspective Through Educational Cooperation," engaged executives from educational institutions in China and Thailand. Asst. Prof. Dr. Matchima Naradisorn (President of Mae Fah Luang University), Prof. Zhang Zongyi (President of Xiamen University), and Prof. Yang Wei, President of the Chinese International Education Foundation) shared their views on how educational relations strengthen Thailand-China diplomatic ties.
In addition to the perspectives of executives, the forum served as a stage for students who have built networks through government- and institutional-level cooperation projects, such as the Thai-Chinese Youth Ambassador Camp. Student representatives including Ms. Saranya Sangphorn (third-year English programme student, School of Liberal Arts, MFU) and Ms. Yu Linxin (second-year graduate student, School of International Relations and the Nanyang Research Institute, Xiamen University), shared their experiences and inspirations gained during participation in the Youth Camp.
Furthermore, a plaque presentation ceremony was held for the "Xiamen University Volunteer Teacher Training Center in Thailand," which Xiamen University presented to Mae Fah Luang University.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Matchima Naradisorn stated: “As the university located closest to China, Mae Fah Luang University recognises its vital role in fostering strong relations between the two countries through education. We firmly believe that education is the most powerful force in building mutual understanding and preparing the younger generation for a shared future between Thailand and China. In today’s rapidly changing world, educational cooperation plays a key role in driving innovation and identifying new approaches to economic, social, trade, investment, tourism, and environmental development—ensuring alignment with emerging challenges and opportunities.”
The forum thus presented an important opportunity for all sectors to reflect on past achievements and to chart a shared path forward toward a prosperous and sustainable future for relations between Thailand and China.
