Thammasat University to Strengthen Philippine Studies Program in Thailand
Ambassador Millicent Cruz Paredes (4th from left) and Dean Asst. Prof. Dr. Sirirat Na Ranong (5th from left)) at the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok. Joining them are (left to right) Asst. Prof. Dr. Piemsak Hongjamrassilp, Vice Consul Susan Phoebe Sabado, Asst. Prof. Dr. Passapong Sripicharn, Asst. Prof. Pongpun Krainara, Asst. Prof. Dr. Suwannarat Meesomboonpoonsuk, and Ms. Kannika Meesak. (Bangkok PE photo)
BANGKOK 02 June 2025 – Thammasat University in Thailand is strengthening cultural and academic exchanges with the Philippines through the planned establishment of a formal Center for Philippine Studies in the University, along with a corresponding online knowledge management platform for resources on Philippine culture and history.
Assistant Professor Dr. Sirirat Na Ranong, the new Dean of the Faculty of Liberal Arts of Thammasat University, presented these initiatives to Ambassador Millicent Cruz Paredes at the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok. During her call on the Ambassador, Dr. Sirirat also announced the plans of Thammasat University to organize an International Conference on Philippine Studies in 2026 where experts from diverse disciplines can discuss and share their insights and knowledge on the Philippines.
Ambassador Paredes warmly welcomed the delegation and lauded their efforts to promote a deeper understanding of the Philippines among Thai students and scholars through the University’s existing Philippine Studies Program.
The Embassy and Thammasat University have been actively working together in implementing the Philippine Studies Program in Thailand. Dr. Piemsak, the Philippine Studies Program Coordinator, underscored the linkages with universities in the Philippines that have been instrumental in the implementation of the activities under the Program. The University also offers extensive Filipino language courses, and is recognized for having one of the largest Filipiniana collections in Thailand.
In 2022, the University received the Philippine Studies Grant, an initiative of Senator Loren Legarda to promote Philippine history, heritage, culture, and language on a global scale.
Ambassador Paredes reaffirmed her support for Thammasat University’s future initiatives and looked forward to continued collaboration in promoting mutual understanding and academic exchange between the Philippines and Thailand. END
Ambassador Paredes (leftmost) presented to Dean Sirirat (2nd from the left) a Philippine artwork as a token for the visit. (Bangkok PE photo)
For more information, visit https://www.bangkokpe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinThailand/.