CASS and NRCT Strengthen Thailand–China Academic Cooperation through Science-Based Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Preservation
17 September 2026
Beijing, People’s Republic of China, September 17, 2026 — The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), led by Dr. Wiparat De-ong, Executive Director of NRCT, together with NRCT executives, distinguished experts, and Thai archaeological scholars, participated in the China–Thailand Seminar on Science-Based Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Preservation. The seminar was held at the Chinese Academy of History, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), in Beijing, People’s Republic of China.
Dr. Wiparat De-ong delivered the opening remarks alongside Mr. Liu Zuokui, Deputy Director of the Chinese Academy of History and Director of the Institute of World History, CASS.
In her remarks, Dr. Wiparat emphasized that academic cooperation between Thailand and China is an important pillar of the longstanding relationship between the two countries. She highlighted archaeology as an interdisciplinary field that brings together science, technology, and diverse areas of knowledge to deepen understanding of human development, settlement patterns, technological advancement, trade, and cultural exchanges across the region.
Mr. Liu Zuokui highlighted the historical and cultural ties between Thailand and China, as reflected in archaeological evidence and people-to-people exchanges. He underscored the value of applying scientific and technological approaches—including material analysis, bioarchaeology, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and artificial intelligence (AI)—to strengthen archaeological research and cultural heritage conservation. He also emphasized the importance of developing joint research projects, shared databases, and exchange programs for young researchers.
Keynote Presentations by Thai and Chinese Experts
Four experts from Thailand and China delivered keynote presentations, sharing perspectives on scientific archaeology, cultural heritage conservation, and opportunities for future collaboration.
- Mr. Dong Xinlin, Deputy Director of the Institute of Archaeology, Chinese Academy of History, CASS, and Director of the Key Laboratory of Scientific Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Conservation, discussed the development of scientific archaeology and cultural heritage conservation at CASS. He highlighted the integration of modern scientific and technological approaches, including ancient DNA analysis and AI, and expressed interest in expanding archaeological collaboration with Thailand.
- Ms. Zhang Jie, Senior Researcher and Head of the Asia-Pacific Security and Foreign Affairs Research Division at the National Institute of International Strategy (Institute of Asia-Pacific and Global Strategy), CASS, discussed the significance of people-to-people exchanges between Thailand and China. She highlighted how archaeological cooperation can illuminate historical and cultural connections and explored the use of remote sensing and AI to support cultural heritage conservation and knowledge dissemination.
- Dr. Naruphol Wangthongcharoen, Dean of the Faculty of Archaeology, Silpakorn University, presented an overview of Thai archaeology and Thailand–China relations. He emphasized the importance of science, technology, and multidisciplinary approaches, including material analysis, dating techniques, digital technologies, and 3D modeling, while highlighting opportunities for joint research initiatives.
- Asst. Prof. Dr. Chawalit Khaokhiew, a lecturer at the Faculty of Archaeology, Silpakorn University, presented the concept of Suvarnabhumi as a network of communities connected through cross-regional exchanges. He proposed applying science and technology to investigate the historical development of populations and landscapes and advocated collaboration in field research, laboratory studies, cultural heritage conservation, and the development of the next generation of researchers.
Advancing Thailand–China Research Networks
The seminar was organized by the Institute of Archaeology and the Institute of Asia-Pacific and Global Strategy, CASS. It provided a platform for interdisciplinary knowledge exchange, bringing together archaeology, the humanities, science, and technology to explore new approaches to research and cultural heritage preservation.
The CASS–NRCT Centre of China Studies serves as a key mechanism for connecting scholars and research networks in Thailand and China. Through this platform, both sides aim to strengthen academic cooperation, advance scientific archaeology and cultural heritage conservation, and expand opportunities for young researchers. These efforts are expected to foster the development of new knowledge and promote research collaboration at both regional and international levels.
