On 6 March 2024, the International Studies Center (ISC) in collaboration with the Mekong Institute (MI) and ASEAN Studies Center, Khon Kaen University (KKU) organised the 3rd seminar on "Foreign Affairs through the People's Lens" at Mekong River Room, MI. The event was kicked off by the opening remarks from Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, Executive Director of MI. The remarks was followed by a keynote speech "A Big Change is Coming" by Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee, Chairperson of Khon Kaen University Council and Chairperson of MI Steering Committee and a special talk on "Thailand's Foreign Affairs: Continuity and Change" by Dr. Anuson Chinvanno, Director of ISC. 

The event was divided into two sessions. During the morning session, four speakers, namely Associate Professor Dr. Jittipat Poonkham, Associate Dean for Academic and International Affairs, Faculty of Political Science, Thammasat University, Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, Executive Director of MI, Mr. Khemchart Somjaiwong, Honorary President of Khon Kaen Chamber of Commerce and Assistant Professor Prasert Vijitnopparat, Associate Dean for Research, Innovation, Academic Services and Corporate Communication, Faculty of Economics, KKU discussed changing global landscape and emerging issues in foreign affairs that are pertinent to the Northeastern region of Thailand. The session was moderated by Dr. Krongkwan Traitongyoo, ISC Senior Analyst.

In the afternoon session, four speakers, namely Ms. Vannipa Pipupchaiyasit, Director of Regional Investment and Economic Center 3, Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI), Assistant Professor Dr. Atcharawan Topakngam, Assistant to the President on International Affairs, Khon Kaen University, Mr. Thawatchai Khotwong, Marketing Representative, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and Associate Professor Pattarapong Makarawate, M.D., Dean of Faculty of Medicine, KKU exchanged their views on "Future of Thailand's Foreign Affairs: A Strategic Role of the Northeast Region in relations with Neighbouring Countries". Mr. Seksan Anantasirikiat, ISC Senior Researcher, moderated the session.

The seminar was attended by approximately 120 participants from the government organisations, the private sector, educational and research institutions based in upper Northeastern region of Thailand.