THAILAND
THAILAND
From Left to Right: Ambassador Millicent Cruz Paredes and Dean Faculty of Liberal Arts Asst. Prof. Dr. Passapong Sripicharn.
The Philippines-Thailand Forum serves as a cornerstone for intellectual discovery and heritage preservation, championing a deep-dive into the Filipino narrative spanning its vibrant politics, rich traditions, and evolving social landscape. By embedding these studies within the Thai academic sphere, we are not just sharing information; we are cultivating a lasting kinship and a sophisticated network of institutional synergy between our two nations.
Conceived as a vibrant crossroads for dialogue, the Forum invites a diverse assembly of scholars, industry pioneers, and grassroots advocates to engage in a shared regional vision. It stands as a dedicated sanctuary for the next generation of leaders in both Manila and Bangkok, offering students the tools to master Philippine studies and navigate the complexities of our interconnected Southeast Asian identity.
This landmark program at Thammasat University is the realization of a visionary roadmap laid out by then-Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda. Orchestrated through the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) commitment to "Cultural Diplomacy," this $4 million investment transforms academic cooperation into a powerful instrument of soft power, ensuring that the essence of the Philippines resonates across the borders of Thailand.
To commemorate 75 years of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Thailand, the Philippine Studies Program at Thammasat University and the Philippine Embassy inaugurated the Filipiniana Collection on 16 September 2024. Initiated by Senator Loren Legarda, this landmark project at the Pridi Banomyong Library serves as one of Thailand’s largest repositories of Philippine literature, featuring a significant digitization effort to ensure global accessibility.
Ambassador Millicent Cruz Paredes highlighted the collection as a pivotal milestone for cultural diplomacy, offering students a unique window into the shared heritage of both nations. By curating diverse academic materials and rare resources, the program provides a dedicated space for researchers to explore the historical ties and traditions that bind the two Southeast Asian neighbors.
Beyond the library, the initiative fosters a "hands-on" approach to history through immersive activities like historical excursions to Ayutthaya and screenings of acclaimed films like GOMBURZA. These experiences allow participants to trace 18th-century diplomatic missions and compare regional architectural similarities, transforming the study of Philippine culture into a living, breathing experience for the Thai academic community.
The program’s vibrancy is further evidenced by the massive popularity of its Filipino Language and Gastronomy courses, which often reach capacity within days. Supported by partnerships with premier institutions like UP Diliman, UST, and DLSU, the program has become a cornerstone of regional friendship and a vital hub for scholarly exchange within the Kingdom.
Thammasat University is a leading academic institution in Thailand, inaugurated on 27 June 1934, as the University of Moral and Political Sciences. Founded by Professor Dr. Pridi Banomyong, its mission was to educate the Thai people on democracy, and it remains deeply rooted in the motto: “I love Thammasat because Thammasat teaches me to love the people”.
The university is renowned for its programs in law, political science, and economics, but it has expanded to include health sciences, engineering, and architecture across multiple campuses, including the historic Tha Prachan and the expansive Rangsit campus. Thammasat is recognized as a breeding ground for Thailand’s elite, producing numerous Prime ministers, legal experts, and social activists.