- Khon Kaen University (KKU) in Thailand to establish a Vietnam Studies Centre, promoting cultural exchange and Vietnam-Thailand friendship.
- Centre will focus on Vietnamese language, culture, academic research, and community engagement, with support from VNU-Hanoi and Vietnam Education Publishing House.
- Launch planned for August 2026, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Thailand diplomatic relations, marking a milestone in educational and cultural cooperation.
A new Vietnam Studies Centre is set to be established at Khon Kaen University (KKU) in Thailand, creating a vibrant platform for cultural exchange and educational cooperation while strengthening Vietnam-Thailand friendship. The initiative was discussed in a recent meeting between Vietnamese Consul General in Khon Kaen Dinh Hoang Linh and Orathai Piayura, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at KKU, marking a key cooperation project for 2026.
The proposed centre aims to promote the Vietnamese language and cultural values in the region and globally. Leaders at KKU welcomed the plan and tasked the faculty with developing a detailed implementation strategy within the year. Support for the initiative is coming from prominent Vietnamese institutions, including the University of Social Sciences and Humanities under Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU-Hanoi), and the Vietnam Education Publishing House, which are prepared to contribute resources and expertise.
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Consul General Linh outlined a long-term vision for a comprehensive ecosystem that includes a Vietnamese-language library and a dedicated website showcasing Vietnamese culture, while KKU will provide the necessary facilities and technical infrastructure. Dean Piayura expressed strong support for creating a symbolic cultural space featuring elements such as the Vietnamese national flag, images of Ho Chi Minh, and bronze drums to enhance the centre’s identity. She also emphasized the importance of mobilizing domestic partners to supply Vietnamese-language books and cultural publications, helping build a rich learning environment for Vietnamese studies.
The centre is expected to function not only as a hub for language learning but also as a venue for academic research, cultural events, and community engagement. Planned activities include Vietnamese language training, Vietnam-related research, faculty and student exchanges, human resource development programs, and events connecting the local Vietnamese community. Both parties stressed the importance of communication and outreach to ensure active participation from Vietnamese expatriates, further promoting Vietnamese language and culture in Thailand.
The launch is slated for August 2026, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Thailand diplomatic relations, symbolizing a new chapter in the countries’ shared educational and cultural collaboration.
