Thailand Delegation Holds Talks at Gauhati University on Education, Research Cooperation

A high level delegation from Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and representatives of Thai universities held discussions with Gauhati University on Tuesday on expanding cooperation in higher education, information technology , research, culture, training, internships and academic exchanges. The delegation, led by Urasa Mongkolnavin, Director-General of the Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs under Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visited Gauhati University as part of efforts to strengthen educational and institutional ties between India and Thailand. The interaction focused on areas where universities and academic institutions from both countries could develop joint programmes and strengthen existing institutional links. Discussions also covered student exchanges, collaboration between teachers and researchers, training opportunities, internships and potential cooperation in information technology and higher education. Welcoming the delegation, Gauhati University Vice-Chancellor Professor Nani Gopal Mahanta highlighted the longstanding historical, cultural and linguistic links between India and Thailand, with particular emphasis on the relationship between Thailand and Northeast India. Mahanta said these historical connections could provide a foundation for deeper academic and institutional cooperation between the two countries. “The historical, cultural and linguistic connections between Thailand, India and particularly the Northeast are a valuable asset for us. There is considerable potential to further strengthen these relations through academic and institutional cooperation,” he said. The Vice-Chancellor also referred to the historical and linguistic links between the Thai language and the ancient Tai-Ahom language. He said initiatives undertaken by Gauhati University to promote and expand the understanding of these connections could contribute to closer cooperation between India and Thailand. Mahanta also pointed to Thailand’s engagement with India through regional and multilateral platforms, including ASEAN, BIMSTEC, the East Asia Summit, Mekong-Ganga Cooperation and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). Addressing the gathering, Urasa Mongkolnavin highlighted the importance of the strategic partnership between India and Thailand and identified education, tourism, culture, training, internships and academic exchanges as areas with scope for greater cooperation. “There is considerable opportunity to further expand cooperation between India and Thailand in education, tourism, culture, training, internships and academic exchanges. There is also potential for greater future cooperation in information technology and higher education with Indian institutions, including Gauhati University,” she said. The discussions also explored possibilities for joint academic initiatives and stronger institutional partnerships between higher education institutions in India and Thailand. Participants emphasised greater exchange of students, faculty members and researchers as well as opportunities for collaborative training and research. The meeting was moderated by Dr Dhurjjati Sharma and attended by Gauhati University Registrar Professor Utpal Sharma, Academic Registrar Professor Rajiv Sandikai, representatives of universities from Thailand, deans of various faculties, Dr Ranjan Kumar Kakati, heads of departments, faculty members, research scholars, officials of the Centre for South East Asian Studies and other university representatives. The interaction is expected to provide a platform for developing further institutional partnerships between Indian and Thai universities, particularly in higher education, research, information technology and academic exchange. Also Read: Guwahati: ED Arrests Man in Money Laundering Case Linked to IPL Betting Syndicate