From 1 – 5 September 2025, Mae Fah Luang University, led by the Global Relations Division, organised a series of sharing sessions and site visits to government organisations in Chiang Rai province for Chinese officials from Yunnan Province. The visit was a part of the online Thai Language Short Course for Chinese Foreign Affairs Officers.
The online course, organised by the Thai Language and Culture for Foreigners Programme of the School of Liberal Arts, in collaboration with the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Kunming, was conducted every Saturday from 19 April to 17 May 2025. It aimed to enhance Thai language proficiency and deepen cultural understanding among the participants. Notably, the course also commemorated the 50th anniversary of Thailand–China diplomatic relations and the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Kunming.
Following the online classes, six participants from various organisation in Yunnan Province including the Southeast Asian Affairs Division of the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Yunnan Province, the Foreign Affairs Office of Pu'er City, the Foreign Affairs Office of Lincang City, the Public Security Department of Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, and the Tengchong Immigration Bureau, were selected based on their post-test scores to travel to Chiang Rai.
During the programme, the delegation from Yunnan Province paid a courtesy visit to Mr. Norasak Suksomboon, Vice Governor of Chiang Rai Province and representatives from various organisations. Since 2000, Chiang Rai Province and Yunnan province have maintained a sister-city agreement to promote better understanding and closer friendship. The meeting also explored the possibility of Chinese language courses for Chiang Rai provincial officers.
Additionally, the delegation visited the Chiang Rai Provincial Police to learn about the operations of Thai tourist police, Chiang Rai’s Tourist Safety Operation Center (TSOC), the Thailand Emergency Call Center 191 Chiang Rai Province (TECC191), which works to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors.
During the programme, participants also visited the Golden Triangle Thailand – Laos Border Crossing Point of Chiangsaen Immigration, Chiangsaen Commercial Port, and Chiangkhong Customs House. They learned about and exchange experiences on immigration process, Thai-Chinese export/import, logistics routes via ports and the R3A highway, and custom procedures.
The delegates also met with Asst. Prof. Dr.Matchima Naradisorn, President of Mae Fah Luang University; Asst. Prof. Dr.Romyen Kosaikanont, Vice President; Assoc. Prof. Dr.Sorabud Rungrojsuwan, Dean of the School of Liberal Arts, and lecturers of the Thai Language and Culture for Foreigners Programme. Following this, they went on a campus tour to explore the university’s mission on teaching Chinese language and preserving cultures in the Greater Mekong Subregion.
Proficiency in Thai serves as a crucial tool for communication, particularly for Chinese foreign affairs officers responsible for coordinating between Thailand and China. Advanced language skills enable these officers to communicate effectively, understand relevant cultural contexts, and facilitate seamless collaboration with both Thai and Chinese public and private sector organisations, thereby promoting mutual understanding in areas such as trade, tourism, and people-to-people relations.
This short course and accompanying visit exemplify Mae Fah Luang University’s commitment to advancing global cooperation and diplomatic relations. By equipping key Chinese officials with essential language and cultural knowledge, MFU is not only fostering stronger ties between the two countries but also actively contributing to sustainable regional development. This initiative aligns with the university’s mission to cultivate high-quality human resources, and serves as a powerful model for cross-cultural collaboration, laying a foundation for a prosperous and collaborative future for both Chinese and Thai communities.
