On 9 April 2026, H.E. Mrs. Ilse Lilián Ferrer Silva, Ambassador of the United Mexican States to Thailand, paid a courtesy visit to Mae Fah Luang University (MFU) executives, led by Asst. Prof. Dr.Romyen Kosaikanont, Vice President, and Ms. Wannapha Thippayasak, Head of the Global Relations Division. The purpose of this visit was to discuss potential cooperation between MFU and higher education institutions in Mexico.
Recognising that both Thailand and Mexico are agriculturally proficient nations facing comparable climate change challenges, the Ambassador of Mexico emphasised the importance of forging agricultural collaborations—particularly concerning food security—with Mae Fah Luang University. The Ambassador is highly committed to driving this initiative to success through international academic conferences, mutual experience sharing, and robust academic partnerships with Mexican universities.
The discussion also highlighted potential collaborations in organising online training programmes focused on Gender Equality, as well as empowering local weavers and preserving the rich cultural heritage of ethnic minority groups. A key strategy involves bridging Chiang Rai’s vibrant designer community with prominent cultural hubs in Mexico. This includes linking with Querétaro and Oaxaca, which are celebrated for their textile conservation efforts, as well as San Miguel de Allende, renowned for its prestigious galleries and fine arts. This proposed textile and design collaboration is envisioned as a pilot project capable of generating direct benefits to uplift local communities in Chiang Rai.
Furthermore, both parties explored the possibility of initiating visiting scholar programmes and best practice sharing sessions aimed at addressing regional issues, including transboundary haze pollution, climate change mitigation, and sustainable water management within Chiang Rai province.
This visit has not only strengthened ties between MFU and Mexico but also paved the way for future cooperation in education and research, aligning with the university’s mission to continuously strengthening international relations to drive a sustainable future and well-being.
