Thailand’s Top University Launches First-Ever Central Asian Studies Department

Chulalongkorn University, Thailand’s oldest and most prestigious institution, has officially launched the country’s first-ever Department of Central Asian Studies, marking a significant milestone in fostering academic collaboration and cultural exchange between Thailand and the Central Asian region.

Chulalongkorn University, has recently hosted the country’s inaugural Central Asia Day in Bangkok, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

The event was organized through a partnership between the Embassy of Kazakhstan and Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Professor Suradech Chotiudompant, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, emphasized that the department will be a key platform for fostering academic collaboration, research, and cultural exchange between Thailand and Central Asian countries.

Thailand’s Ambassador-at-Large, Pongprach Makchang, also announced plans for an upcoming visit by a Thai delegation to Kazakhstan. The visit will include meetings with university officials and government representatives aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation.

The event featured national pavilions representing Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Kazakhstan showcased two exhibitions-one displaying its rich cultural heritage, traditional crafts, and everyday artifacts, and another highlighting its tourism potential and new travel opportunities.

Guests enjoyed an immersive cultural experience with authentic Kazakh cuisine and a concert program featuring traditional Kazakh dances such as “Akku” (Swan), “Arular” (Beauties), and “Koshbazar” (Nomadic Market), performed by a local folk ensemble.

Central Asia Day attracted around 300 participants, including diplomats, Thai government officials, academics, business leaders, and members of the public. Organizers highlighted the event’s importance as a platform for strengthening cultural ties, promoting academic and educational projects, expanding humanitarian and tourism cooperation, and enhancing the image of Kazakhstan and the wider Central Asian region in Thailand.

In a related development, the fourth group of Kazakh water industry specialists is currently undergoing advanced training programs in China.