For the first time, Central Asia Day was held in the capital of Thailand, organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand at the country’s leading educational institution – Chulalongkorn University, DKNews.kz reports.
The main highlight of the event was the announcement by the university leadership of the opening of a new Centre of Central Asian Studies. According to Prof. Dr. Suradech Chotiudompant, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, the department will serve as a platform for academic cooperation, scientific research, and cultural exchange between Thailand and the Central Asian countries.
Ambassador-at-Large of the Thai MFA, Pongprach Makchang, announced the preparation of a business trip of a Thai delegation to Kazakhstan, which will include meetings with representatives of universities and government bodies.
National pavilions of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan were presented at the celebration. Kazakhstan introduced two pavilions: the first showcased cultural heritage, traditional souvenirs, and household items, while the second, jointly prepared with Air Astana and Pearl Vacation travel agency, presented the country’s tourism potential and new travel opportunities.
Guests of the event had a chance to experience the culture and traditions of the Kazakh people and taste national cuisine. The concert program featured Kazakh dances “Akku,” “Arular,” and “Koshbazar” performed by the local folk ensemble “Katyusha,” as well as the song “My Kazakhstan” by Serik Mussalimov, performed by university students.
Central Asia Day gathered about 300 participants, including diplomats, representatives of Thai government agencies, academic and business communities, as well as the general public.
Organizers noted that the event became an important platform for strengthening cultural ties, developing scientific and educational projects, expanding humanitarian and tourism cooperation, and promoting the positive image of Kazakhstan and the entire Central Asian region in Thailand.
Chulalongkorn University is the oldest and one of the leading universities in Thailand. It was founded in 1917 by King Rama VI in memory of his father, King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). Today, it is the country’s largest national research center, consistently ranking high in international rankings. The university offers a wide range of educational programs and actively promotes international cooperation, being recognized as a flagship of Thailand’s academic and scientific progress.
In 2024, trade turnover between Thailand and Kazakhstan amounted to USD 237 million, which represents about 70% of Thailand’s total trade turnover with Central Asian countries (around USD 340 million).
