สำนักงานวิเทศสัมพันธ์ สำนักงานอธิการบดี 2026/06/23 , ( 37 views)
On 6 June 2026, Assistant Professor Dr. Piyanat Soikham, Assistant to the President for Business Administration and Marketing and Director of the India Studies Center at Ubon Ratchathani University, represented Thailand at the inaugural Angkor Dialogue, held under the theme “Fostering Civilisational and Strategic Confluence between India and the Mekong Region” at Angkor Paradise Hotel in Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia.
The conference served as an important platform for strengthening cooperation between India and the Mekong countries—Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam—through the promotion of civilisational, historical, cultural, and contemporary strategic linkages. It highlighted the long-standing relationship between the Ganga and Mekong regions, reflecting centuries of interaction, shared heritage, and interconnected histories.
On this occasion, Assistant Professor Dr. Piyanat Soikham was honored to speak at Plenary I: “Civilisational Cartography — Indic Heritage Across the Mekong,” where he shared perspectives on the influence of Indian civilisation throughout the Mekong region. He joined ambassadors, policymakers, scholars, and distinguished experts from various countriesacross the regionin exchanging ideas on cultural diplomacyand strategic connectivity.
The conference commenced under the theme of the opening session titled“The Angkor Spirit: India and the Mekong Through the Ages.” Distinguished participants included Dr. Chheng Kimlong, President of the Asian Vision Institute, and Dr. Ram Madhav, President of the India Foundation, who delivered welcoming remarks. H.E. Vanlalvawna Bawitlung, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Cambodia, officially inaugurated the conference. The keynote address was delivered by H.E. Suos Yara, Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Information of the Cambodian Parliament and President of the Asian Cultural Council (ACC), while the closing remarks were delivered by H.E. Dr. Khy Sovanratana, Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia.
The forum brought together ambassadors, policymakers, leading scholars, and eminent experts from across the India–Mekong region to exchange views on geopolitics, civilisational heritage, and future directions for strategic cooperation.
Ubon Ratchathani University’s participation in the inaugural Angkor Dialogue reflects the University’s commitment to advancing international academic collaboration and fostering global engagement. It also highlights the University's growing role in strengthening knowledge networks in India Studies and Mekong regional studies, thereby supporting Thailand’s expanding role in subregional and broader Asian cooperation amid an increasingly dynamic geopolitical landscape.
English version by: Kanjana Sangasri
Thai version by: Therdphoom Thongin
English revised by: Kimberly Tangaro
Photos by: Therdphoom Thongin
