Connecting the Mekong Subregion and Thailand-Vietnam Relations

On the morning of October 6, 2010, Dr. Thanyathip Sripana, a research expert from the Institute of Asian Studies, Chulalongkorn University (Thailand), gave a presentation to faculty and students of the Department of International Studies on the topic: "Connecting the Mekong Subregion and Thailand-Vietnam Relations."On behalf of the University's leadership, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Kim warmly welcomed Dr. Thanyathip and thanked her for taking the time to give a presentation to the faculty and students of the Faculty of International Studies on the occasion of the Faculty's upcoming 15th anniversary. According to Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Kim, the Mekong sub-region is an important research topic with significant implications for the development and relations of countries in the region, including Vietnam and Thailand. In her presentation, Dr. Thanyathip focused on clarifying three basic points: firstly, connectivity in the Mekong sub-region; secondly, Vietnam-Thailand relations from a practical perspective; and thirdly, the impact of regional connectivity on Thailand-Vietnam relations. Using vivid images collected from her field research trips to Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, Dr. Thanyathip demonstrated the dynamic development of the Mekong sub-region in recent years. The "connectivity" of the Mekong Subregion is reflected in geographical, economic, cultural, and tourism aspects at both national and regional levels. Beginning in the 1990s, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) conceived the idea of ​​supporting countries in the Mekong region to build their economies based on interconnectedness. As a result, after nearly two decades of effort, a network of infrastructure projects such as highways, national roads, and bridges has been upgraded or newly constructed. Numerous border crossings, special economic zones, and economic corridors such as the North-South, East-West, and Southern Economic Corridors have been built, connecting the entire Mekong region. This has led to an increase in tourism, trade, and interaction between countries, contributing to poverty reduction and increased income for residents. Under the impact of regional connectivity, according to Dr. Thanyathip, Thai-Vietnamese relations have undergone positive changes. Interactions and exchanges between the people of the two countries through economic corridors are increasing. In particular, there is growing cooperation and exchange of teachers and students between universities in Northeast Thailand and Central Vietnam. Following the presentation, Dr. Thanyathip answered many questions from faculty and students. On behalf of the faculty and students attending the presentation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh, Head of the Faculty, thanked Dr. Thanyathip for her interesting presentation with its practical and lively approach, which inspired new research and learning ideas for the faculty and students. Dr. Thanyathip began researching Vietnam in 1992. Especially in the last seven years, Dr. Thanyathip has focused her research on the Mekong Subregion, Vietnam in general, and Vietnamese people in Thailand in particular. She has a special affection for the history, culture, and people of Vietnam. For Dr. Thanyathip, Vietnam has become her second home.