Details
The program aims to foster continuous learning, facilitate the exchange of perspectives, and strengthen the scholar network under the theme “Navigating Thailand’s Social Protection in Times of Economic Uncertainties. “The activity will commence with an alumni talk featuring four distinguished KASSID alumni, who will share their experiences and reflect on the opportunities for social contribution that arose from being KASSID scholarship recipients.
In light of one of the major global developments of 2025, the escalating trade war and the United States’ imposition of tariffs on its global trade partners, economic repercussions have been felt not only by the industrial, import–export, and entrepreneurial sectors, but also by ordinary citizens. In particular, economically fragile and vulnerable groups have been directly affected by increased uncertainty and instability. Strengthening the economy has long been a national priority for Thailand. In response, the government has launched a number of economic subsidy programs to stimulate domestic growth. However, many of these initiatives have been short-term in nature, and their long-term effectiveness remains uncertain. To ensure a more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable approach, the concept of Social Protection has been introduced as a potential framework for addressing these pressing challenges, not just in economic dimension. Asst. Prof. Dr. Ajirapa Pienkhuntod, Faculty of Political Science, Thammasat University will present and elaborate on this concept and its mechanisms to the scholars.
Following the lecture, KAS Thailand will lead participants on a study visit to the Bank of Thailand Learning Center. This visit will provide scholars with insights into the role and significance of the Bank of Thailand in managing national economic challenges amid both domestic and international crises over time, as well as its vision for building a sustainable and resilient economy for the country’s future. The program will conclude with a networking dinner designed to encourage interaction among scholars from all four cohorts, fostering connections and potential synergies for future social or academic collaboration.
Agenda
08:30 Arrival and Registration
09:00-09:15 Welcoming Remark and Introduction of Current KASSID Scholars and Alumni
09:15-10:15 Alumni’s Talk: “From Scholarship to Social Impact: Learning, Growth, and Giving Back”
With:
- Watcharapol Siri - Lecturer, Faculty of Law, Chiang Mai University,
- Purimprat Songsri - Lecturer, Faculty of Multidisciplinary Sciences and Entrepreneurship, Thaksin University
- Attapon Liwan - Assistant Dean for Organizational Data Analysis, Faculty of Education, Prince of Songkla University
- Nuttapon Tonsod - Legal officer, Legal Aid and Advocacy for Statelessness Project, Faculty of Law, Chiang Mai University
10:15-10:30 Snack Break
10:30-12:30 Lecture on Social Protection for Economic Fragile Groups amidst National and Global Economic Uncertainties
12:30-13:45 Lunch Break
14:00-14:45 Travel to Bank of Thailand Learning Center
15:00-16:30 Study Visit at the Bank of Thailand Learning Center and Exhibitions
17:00-19:00 Networking Dinner and Closing Remark
by Dr. Angelika Klein, Representative of KAS Thailand
