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 staff and students of the Faculty of International Studies on the topic: "Connecting the Mekong Subregion and Thailand-Vietnam Relations."On behalf of the school's leadership, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Kim warmly welcomed Dr. Thanyathip and thanked her for taking the time to present to the staff and students of the Faculty of International Studies on the occasion of the Faculty's 15th anniversary. According to Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Kim, the Mekong sub-region is an important research topic, of great significance to the development and relations of countries in the region, including Vietnam and Thailand. In his presentation, Dr. Thanyathip focused on clarifying three basic contents: one is the connectivity in the Mekong sub-region; two is the Vietnam-Thailand relationship from a practical perspective; and three is the impact of regional connectivity on the Thailand-Vietnam relationship. Through vivid images collected from field research trips in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, Dr. Thanyathip showed the dynamic development of the Mekong sub-region in recent years. The “connectivity” of the Mekong Subregion is reflected in the geographical, economic, cultural and tourism aspects at both the national and regional levels. Starting in the 1990s, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) had the idea of ​​supporting countries in the Mekong region to build their economies on the basis of interconnection. As a result, after nearly two decades of efforts, a network of infrastructure works such as highways, national roads, and bridges has been upgraded or newly built. A series of border gates, economic zones and economic corridors such as the North-South, East-West and Southern Economic Corridors have been built, connecting the entire Mekong region. Along with that is the increase in the flow of tourists, exchanges, trade and exchanges between countries, contributing to poverty reduction and increasing income for residents. Under the impact of regional connectivity, according to Dr. Thanyathip, Thai-Vietnamese relations have changed in a positive direction. The exchange and interaction between the people of the two countries through economic corridors is increasing. In particular, there are more and more cooperation and exchanges of teachers and students between universities in Northeastern Thailand and Central Vietnam. After the presentation, Dr. Thanyathip answered many questions from staff and students. On behalf of staff and students attending the presentation, Associate Professor Dr. Pham Quang Minh, Head of the Faculty, thanked Dr. Thanyathip for her interesting presentation with a practical and lively approach, opening up new research and learning ideas for staff and students. Dr. Thanyathip began researching Vietnam in 1992. In the past 7 years, Dr. Thanyathip has focused on researching 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.