An inaugural symposium commemorating the opening of the NAIST Thailand Office, held in Bangkok, Thailand on September 5, 2017, was enjoyed by many researchers, academics, students, and members of the public.

"NAIST and Thai Universities for Research and Education Collaboration Symposium 2017" took place not only as part of the MEXT's Top Global University Project, but also as one of the events for the 130^th Anniversary of Japan-Thailand Diplomatic Relations.

First, Vice President Kiyomi Kakiuchi opened the symposium with an introduction of the history and ties between Thai universities and NAIST. Then, Dr. Chongrak Wachrinrat, President of Kasetsart University, delivered remarks to welcome all the guests and attendees. Following this, Dr. Chularat Tanprasert, Vice President of National Science and Technology Development Agency in Thailand, and Mr. Hideo Fukushima, Deputy Chief of Mission and Minister of the Embassy of Japan in Thailand, offered congratulatory remarks for the NAIST Thailand Office that will play a significant role in bridging the two countries in education and research.

At each session of the symposium, NAIST's faculty, staff, students and alumni, as well as collaborators from Thai universities including Kasetsart University, Chulalongkorn University, Mahidol University, and Chiang Mai University, presented past and ongoing collaborative educational and research activities.

The symposium served as a catalyst for further academic collaboration among institutions in the two countries.

For more information, check the following websites:

"130^th Anniversary of Japan-Thai Diplomatic Relations" (Embassy of Japan in Thailand)
http://www.th.emb-japan.go.jp/jt130/index-jp.htm

"NAIST and Thai Universities for Research and Education Symposium" Official Website
https://sites.google.com/view/nature-2017