On 18 March 2025, Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), in collaboration with Mekong Institute (MI), organized MI Thailand’s National Consultation 2025 for the Development of the MI Strategic Plan 2026-2030. The meeting was co-chaired by Ms. Arunee Hiam, Deputy Director-General of TICA, along with Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, Executive Director of MI.

Participants, including representatives from Thai government agencies, private sector, and academic institutions, were briefed on the implementation of the current MI Strategic Plan 2021-2025, particularly its progress and achievement. A brainstorming session later took place when participants were encouraged to contribute their ideas and suggestion on needs and priorities regarding Thailand’s economic and social development. This will lead to the formulation of a new MI Strategic Plan 2026-2030, in which emerging transboundary challenges, e.g. transnational crime, air pollution, and climate change, will be addressed.

On this occasion, the Deputy Director-General of TICA delivered her opening remarks and underlined the importance of engaging with various Thai stakeholders in shaping MI’s new Strategic Plan, which will define the development direction of Thailand and the Mekong Sub-region for the next 5 years. Furthermore, the meeting reaffirms Thailand’s constructive role, as one among six member countries also including Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Vietnam, and China (Yunnan), in promoting sustainable development in the Sub-region through MI.