On 20 January 2026, Mae Fah Luang University (MFU), in collaboration with the International Studies Center (ISC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, organised a seminar entitled “Cross-Border Challenges in a Time of Transition: New Dimensions of Subregional Cooperation” at Kham Mok Luang Room, Mae Fah Luang University.
The seminar was presided over by Prof. Dr. Sujitra Wongkasemjit, Vice President of Mae Fah Luang University, and attracted more than 100 participants, including university executives, faculty members, staff, students, and representatives from government agencies, the private sector, and civil society.
The event aimed to provide a platform for exchanging views on key challenges and emerging opportunities for cooperation in border areas and the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). Discussions focused on economic, social, environmental, and security dimensions that have significant impacts on the livelihoods and well-being of people living in border regions. Particular emphasis was placed on incorporating perspectives from local and regional stakeholders to ensure that cooperation frameworks are responsive to on-the-ground realities.
The programme featured a keynote address on “Thailand’s Foreign Policy: Continuity and Change” by Dr. Anuson Chinvanno, Director of the International Studies Center (ISC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, followed by a special lecture on “Strategic Competition and Global Transformations” delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jittipat Poonkham, Associate Dean for Academic and International Affairs, Faculty of Political Science, Thammasat University.
In addition, an academic panel discussion brought together experts from diverse disciplines to explore cross-sectoral cooperation in economic development, social resilience, environmental sustainability, and regional security. The panelists included:
• Asst. Prof. Dr. Thanikun Chantra, Dean, School of Social Innovation, Mae Fah Luang University
• Asst. Prof. Dr. Apisom Intralawan, Lecturer, School of Management, Mae Fah Luang University
• Mr. Pattana Sittisombat, President, the Committee for the Economic Quadrangle 10 Chambers of Commerce, Northern Region
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tawatchai Apidechkul, Lecturer, School of Health Science, Mae Fah Luang University
The discussion was moderated by Acting Sub-Lieutenant Seksan Anantasirikiat, Senior Researcher, International Studies Center.
On this occasion, Prof. Dr. Sujitra Wongkasemjit, emphasised that the Greater Mekong Subregion holds strategic importance and reflects the deep interconnectedness of the region. She noted that effective subregional cooperation must be grounded in a thorough understanding of local contexts and supported by comprehensive, up-to-date knowledge that keeps pace with global change.
As a university located within the GMS, Mae Fah Luang University plays a direct and important role in advancing knowledge on border and subregional issues through research, education, and academic services to society. She expressed confidence that knowledge rooted in real-world contexts and a deep understanding of border dynamics can serve as a driving force for sustainable cooperation. The seminar, therefore, was not only an academic forum but also a space for connecting knowledge, experience, and perspectives from academia, government, and the private sector—particularly reflecting the strong partnership between Mae Fah Luang University and the International Studies Center in integrating academic insights with practical dimensions of foreign affairs.
