On 4 August 2025, Mahidol University joined the opening ceremony of the “Thai–Chinese Youth Ambassador Camp: Embracing Roots and Building a Sustainable Shared Future” at Vithes Samosorn Hall, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China.
The ceremony featured a cultural performance by Mahidol University students and opening remarks from Assoc. Prof. Nopraenue Sajjarax Dhirathiti, Ph.D., Vice President for Global Partnerships and University Council, Mahidol University; Ms. Pensom Lertsithichai, Deputy Director-General, Department of East Asian Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Wu Zhiwu, Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Thailand; Dr. Luksmon Smanasin, Director of the International Affairs Division, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI); Asst. Prof. Dr. Matchima Naradisorn, President of Mae Fah Luang University; and Asst. Prof. Dr. Thakerng Wongsirichot, Vice President of Prince of Songkla University.
A keynote speech titled “A Prologue to the Thai–Chinese Youth Ambassador Camp and Opening Remarks” was delivered by Prof. Dr. Vanchai Sirichana, Chairman of the University Council and Founding President of Mae Fah Luang University, and Former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of University Affairs.
The panel discussion on “The Role of Youth in Thai–China Relations for the Shared Future” was moderated by Ms. Watcharin Setakudan, Vice President of the Foreign News Department, MCOT Public Co., Ltd. Panelists included H.E. Mrs. Jiraporn Sudanich, Ambassador attached to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and former Consul-General in Guangzhou; Mr. Zhao Mengtao, Counselor, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Thailand; Ms. Natvara Pichedpan, Thai youth representative (currently studying at Thammasat University and awardee of a Master’s–Ph.D. Scholarship at Tsinghua University); and Mr. Zijie Zhao, Chinese youth representative (Former President of the Chinese Students and Scholars Association in Thailand – CSSAT).
The program, running until 7 August 2025, includes academic exchanges, field visits, and cultural activities such as brush painting, guzheng music, Tai Chi, and traditional Thai–Chinese performances.
The camp is co-hosted by Mahidol University, Mae Fah Luang University, Prince of Songkla University, and six leading Chinese universities, with support from MHESI, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and both countries’ embassies. The initiative aims to nurture emerging leaders, promote SDG awareness, and build lasting Thai–Chinese youth networks.
