The Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) showcased the achievements of Thailand–Japan cooperation through human resource development initiatives and the Friends from Thailand (FFT) volunteer programme, highlighting the role of people-to-people engagement in fostering intercultural understanding and promoting sustainable development.

On 17–18 October 2026, Ms. Pimwadee Sovaratanapong, Deputy Director-General of TICA, led a delegation to participate in an exhibition at Global Festa Japan 2026, held under the theme “Connected to the World, My Everyday Life, Creating the Future Together” at Shinjuku Sumitomo Triangle Plaza in Tokyo, Japan.

The event was organised by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Japan NGO Center for International Cooperation (JANIC). It aimed to promote public awareness and understanding of international development cooperation and Official Development Assistance (ODA). These efforts reflect a collaborative approach among countries to strengthen development capacities and advance sustainable development that responds to the needs of people and communities. Government agencies, the private sector, civil society organisations, international organisations, and embassies from various countries were invited to participate, with a total of 180 exhibition booths: (1) government agencies and event co-organisers (23 booths); (2) civil society organisations, including NGOs, NPOs, and independent organisations (75 booths); (3) private companies and associations (29 booths); (4) universities, student groups, and student organisations (14 booths); and (5) embassies, including TICA, international organisations, and other entities (39 booths).

At the event, TICA presented its human resource development cooperation initiatives, including the Third Country Training Programme (TCTP) under the Thailand–Japan Technical Cooperation framework, as well as the Friends from Thailand (FFT) volunteer programme in Japan. These initiatives promote the exchange of knowledge, skills, and experiences between the peoples of Thailand and Japan.

Three Friends from Thailand volunteers serving in Kumamoto, Gunma, and Kanagawa Prefectures shared their experiences of working and living alongside local Japanese communities. They also presented the outcomes of their assignments and highlighted ways to contribute to community development through mutual learning and collaboration.

The dispatch of FFT volunteers to Japan reflects a broader approach to development cooperation that goes beyond knowledge transfer and resource support to fostering relationships, trust, and mutual understanding at the people-to-people and community levels. FFT volunteers serve as a bridge connecting the people of the two countries, exchanging knowledge and perspectives with Japanese communities while learning about local contexts and experiences that can be applied to further development in Thailand.

TICA’s exhibition attracted considerable interest from JICA officials, former Japanese volunteers, Japanese school and university students, and members of the public. The event welcomed more than 1,000 visitors per day, while TICA’s booth received over 400 visitors. Participation in Global Festa Japan 2026 provided an important opportunity to raise awareness of Thailand’s development cooperation achievements and strengthen Thailand’s role as a cooperation partner committed to sharing knowledge, learning together, and working collaboratively to advance sustainable development—from local communities to society at large.