NRCT Participated in the "China and Neighboring Countries High-Level Think Tank Forum (2026)" in Beijing, Elevating Thai-Chinese Relations and Bridging Science, Research, Innovation, and Culture
On April 28, 2026, Dr. Wiparat De-ong, Executive Director of the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, assigned Ms. Sirinporn Deawtrakul, Deputy Executive Director of NRCT, along with NRCT executives and official, to attend the "China and Neighboring Countries High-Level Think Tank Forum (2026)." The forum took place at the Chinese Academy of History (CAH) in Beijing, People's Republic of China. Organized under the theme “Pursuing Extensive Development and Sharing Prosperous Future,” the event served as a high-level platform for exchanging ideas and fostering strategic cooperation among research institutes across Asia. Representatives from 20 countries attended the opening ceremony, which featured opening remarks delivered by Professor Gao Xiang, President of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS); Mr. Pinit Jarusombat, former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand and President of the Thai-Chinese Culture and Relationship Council; and Dr. Hyun Oh-Seok, former Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea and Chairman of the Plaza Project Advisory Committee.
Professor Gao Xiang highlighted the importance of this seminar, noting that it looks back at the past to build a shared future. He emphasized three key areas: 1) building trust and cooperation based on openness and mutual benefit; 2) strengthening regional security through clear policies and collective threat prevention; and 3) creating shared prosperity through both bilateral and multilateral cooperation. He also discussed the role of the Belt and Road Initiative in supporting high-speed rail projects, industrial supply chains, and cooperation in emerging fields, such as green economic development, technological advancements, and various innovations. For Thailand, this will include developing joint archaeological cooperation between NRCT and CASS.
Mr. Pinit Jarusombat reflected on the close bond between Thailand and China under the concept of "Zhong Tai Yi Jia Qin" (“China and Thailand are brothers, not far apart”). He emphasized the role of developing the digital economy, the green economy, and supply chains to improve quality of life, using research and innovation as key driving mechanisms. Meanwhile, Dr. Hyun Oh-Seok proposed three key approaches: 1) developing infrastructure to support the global economy; 2) addressing climate change; and 3) implementing transparent, fair policies that promote investment to maintain the stability of the global economic system.
The forum featured presentations and exchanges of ideas on three main themes:
On this occasion, Ms. Sirinporn Deawtrakul, Deputy Executive Director of the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), participated in the cultural exchange panel, presenting on the topic “Thailand-China Continuous Partnership to Elevate Cultural Exchanges.” Her presentation highlighted the role of cultural cooperation as a strategic mechanism connecting high-level policies between the two countries. Ms. Sirinporn stated, “Cultural exchange between Thailand and China is a strategic mechanism that links the high-level policies of both nations. Thai-Chinese cooperation has been continuously implemented through key initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the establishment of Confucius Institutes in Thailand—which form one of the largest networks in Southeast Asia—and student and scholar exchange programs. These initiatives help bridge social gaps, foster mutual understanding, and build trust between the peoples of Thailand and China. Furthermore, NRCT has played an active role in supporting research cooperation by establishing the China Research Center under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and the National Research Council of Thailand (CASS-NRCT CCS). This center promotes academic collaboration, knowledge exchange, and research networking between Thailand and China, while serving as a mechanism to strengthen bilateral relations, ultimately leading to shared security, prosperity, and sustainability.”
Participating in this forum marks a significant opportunity for NRCT, as a representative agency of Thailand, to deepen cooperation with high-level executives from China and regional nations—including South Korea, Laos, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Malaysia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Brunei, and Timor-Leste. This engagement spans the humanities, social sciences, strategic cooperation, economic development, and cultural exchanges, laying a vital foundation to collectively drive long-term regional stability, prosperity, and sustainable development.
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by: National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT)
