Celebrating 170 Years of Thai-French Relations Through Higher Education and Innovation
Mahidol University participated in the Franco-Thai Symposium on Higher Education, Research and Innovation, held in Bangkok from 14–15 May 2026 to commemorate the 170th anniversary of Thai–French diplomatic relations. The event was jointly organized by Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) and the Embassy of France in Thailand, bringing together government leaders, academic institutions, research bodies, and industry partners from both countries.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Prof. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Ph.D., Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, alongside Mr. Jean-Claude Poimboeuf, Ambassador of France to Thailand. The symposium served as a platform to deepen long-standing academic and scientific cooperation between Thailand and France.
Representing Mahidol University, Prof. Nopraenue Sajjarax Dhirathiti, Ph.D., Vice President for Global Partnerships and University Council, participated in the event and joined the signing ceremony of collaborative agreements with partner universities and research institutions, including the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD). The agreements focus on strengthening cooperation in research, innovation, and industry engagement across fields such as health sciences, engineering, agriculture, sustainability, and advanced technologies.
The symposium also highlighted future initiatives, including academic exchanges, scholarships, joint and dual degree programmes, researcher mobility, and collaborative research projects, reinforcing sustainable international partnerships.
