The Mekong Institute (MI) supported the convening of the “New Zealand – Thailand Strengthening Partnerships in Khon Kaen” event on March 22, 2026, at its premises in Khon Kaen Province. The event was organized in celebration of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Thailand. The event was co-hosted by H.E. Mr. Jonathan Kings, Ambassador of New Zealand to Thailand, and Dr. Tere McGonagle-Daly, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students and Global Engagement) of Massey University, who led a delegation of senior administrators from Massey University. The event brought together key stakeholders to further deepen collaboration between New Zealand and Thailand.

As an intergovernmental organization established with the support of the Government of New Zealand, MI contributed to this dialogue by providing a platform for engagement among distinguished participants.

The event was attended by a number of distinguished guests, including the Deputy Governor of Khon Kaen Province, the Chair of the Khon Kaen Chamber of Commerce, MI’s Program Director, and senior administrators from Khon Kaen University. The gathering also welcomed a diverse group of participants, including Massey University alumni, lecturers from Khon Kaen University, and representatives from Mahasarakham University, reflecting the strong academic and institutional linkages between the two countries.

The program featured remarks by the New Zealand Ambassador and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Massey University, followed by a presentation by Dr. Suwit Laohasiriwong, a leading member of the Massey University alumni community in Khon Kaen, highlighting over six decades of engagement between Massey University and Thailand. The session concluded with a networking exchange, providing an opportunity for participants to strengthen connections and explore future avenues for collaboration.