MFU Hosts the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs to Discuss Thailand-China Trade and Border Logistics

On 22 August 2026, Asst. Prof. Dr. Romyen Kosaikanont and Prof. Dr. Sujitra Wongkasemjit, Vice Presidents of Mae Fah Luang University (MFU), alongside executive administrators and faculty members, welcomed a delegation from the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs. Led by Mr. Chavaphon Wattanavekin, First Vice-Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, the committee visited Chiang Rai from 20 to 22 August 2026 to examine strategies for balancing Thailand-China trade and resolving border trade challenges.

Organised by the Subcommittee on Monitoring Global Situations Affecting Thailand and ASEAN, the visit included an MFU briefing across five key areas: 

• The university’s role in cross-border cooperation within the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS)
• Establishing Chiang Rai as a knowledge hub for Chinese language, culture, and economics while preparing skilled professionals for trade, investment, and tourism
• Closing knowledge and skills gaps for Thai entrepreneurs in language, business regulations, product standards, consumer behavior, and digital marketing
• Addressing supply chain and border logistics constraints, including the R3A route, transit through Laos to China, and Mekong River shipping
• Policy recommendations to transform Chiang Rai into a regional center for knowledge and workforce development, rather than a mere transit route

Located in Chiang Rai, a crucial link within the Greater Mekong Subregion, MFU leverages its specialised academic units, including the School of Sinology, the School of Law (with its Business Law and Chinese Communication Programme), and the Logistics and Supply Chain Management Programme. These units have been working closely with local public and private sector partners to develop research, prepare career-ready graduates, and provide academic support to businesses trading with China. Covering communications, business, and related laws, these efforts aim to position Chiang Rai as a long-term hub for Thailand-China cooperation.