20 March 2026 – A delegation from the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), led by General Boonsrang Niumpradit, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs, at the Ministry in Bangkok. The meeting reaffirmed the strong and longstanding partnership between AIT and the Royal Thai Government, and highlighted opportunities to further strengthen collaboration in support of Thailand’s regional and global engagement.
During the discussion, Dr. Anat Arbhabhirama provided a brief overview of AIT’s evolution from its establishment in 1959 as the SEATO Graduate School of Engineering to its current role as a leading international postgraduate institution hosted by Thailand. He underscored the critical support provided by the Royal Thai Government, which has enabled AIT to develop into a respected regional hub for education, research, and capacity building.
Prof. Pai-Chi Li, President of AIT, highlighted the Institute’s current priorities, including programs in artificial intelligence, disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, and sustainable infrastructure. He also emphasized AIT’s strong partnerships with international and multilateral organizations in areas such as energy transition, water and sanitation, digital public infrastructure, and sustainable agriculture, as well as its commitment to human capital development through scholarship programs, particularly for women and professionals from developing countries.
Both sides discussed expanding cooperation in areas aligned with Thailand’s development priorities, including capacity building for neighboring countries, regional training initiatives, and engagement with emerging regions such as Africa. The Minister welcomed AIT’s continued contributions and expressed support for closer collaboration, particularly in advancing Thailand’s outreach and development cooperation efforts.
The meeting also included an exchange of views on AIT’s future direction and institutional framework, with both sides emphasizing the importance of maintaining the Institute’s international character and long-term sustainability. The discussions reaffirmed a shared commitment to promoting education, innovation, and cooperation as drivers of regional peace and sustainable development.
From the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Chettaphan Maksamphan, Deputy Permanent Secretary; Mr. Phuchphop Mongkolnavin, Deputy Director-General, Department of International Organizations; and officials from the International Organizations team.
From AIT: General Dr. Boonsrang Niumpradit, Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Dr. Anat Arbhabhirama, Chairman of the Board Advisory Group; Dr. Jiraporn Sirikum, Chairperson of the Executive Committee; Prof. Pai-Chi Li, President; Mr. Pote Narittakurn, Member of the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee; Ambassador Pradap Pibulsonggram, former Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee and former Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thailand; Ms. Chalita Lertwinyu, Executive Director, Office of Thailand Affairs; and Mr. Karma Rana, Institute Secretary.
