Bangkok: The King Prajadhipok's Institute convened its 27th academic conference, intending to elucidate significant political developments in Thailand to diplomats from more than 50 nations while also addressing sustainable environmental solutions.
According to Thai News Agency, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Issara Seriwattanawut, Secretary-General of the King Prajadhipok's Institute, elaborated on the structure of the 27th NIDA Academic Conference, which is segmented into three distinct parts. The initial morning session included representatives from all committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate, amounting to over 50 committees, alongside ambassadors or diplomatic representatives from over 50 countries maintaining diplomatic relations with Thailand. This closed-door session offered diplomatic representatives the chance to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation in Thailand, facilitated by representatives from the House of Representatives, the Chairman of the Advisory Board to the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, and the Ambassador and former Vice President of the Senate. These representatives ensured that the information shared was politically neutral and devoid of bias, given the legislature's ability to observe changes over the year a nd offer insights from both legislative and national perspectives.
Topics presented to the diplomatic representatives encompassed the number of laws Thailand has reformed, international treaties ratified, and critical issues like last year's Constitutional Court rulings. Discussions included the court's rulings, adjudication processes, and the National Anti-Corruption Commission's impeachment process. The legislative perspective on the situation between Thailand and Cambodia was also addressed, along with legislative developments. The International Inter-Parliamentary Union (IIPU) meeting in Geneva, where the Speaker of the House of Representatives and representatives proposed measures against electronic crimes and scammers, was also a focal point. This information was presented to ensure that diplomatic representatives could report accurately without relying on unverified external sources.
Additionally, the conference reported on NIDA's performance this year and outlined operational plans for the following year. If any agenda aligned with the interests of a country's diplomatic representative, it could link with the work of the parliament and committees.
The afternoon meeting concentrated on democracy and environmental diplomacy, reflecting the institute's emphasis on global issues. The conference aimed to serve as a platform for Thailand's environmental solutions, adapting to changes annually. Notably, Thailand was invited to the "2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference" (COP 30) in Brazil, where Thai representatives are expected to announce the outcomes of the current meeting.
The final evening session marked the first formal diplomatic reception by a Thai government agency, the Annual Ambassadors Ball. This event included diplomatic representatives, morning session participants, permanent secretaries from all ministries, and representatives from independent constitutional organizations. The gathering provided an opportunity to exchange facts, queries, and information from external sources and brainstorm collaborative initiatives for the upcoming year.
Despite budgetary considerations, the banquet was deemed beneficial in shaping Thailand's future direction. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seriwattanawut noted adjustments in the meeting format, shifting from online to on-site and relocating to the Parliament building to save costs. The institute aimed to cut expenses by at least 20% below the allocated budget.