September 12, 2025 – Khon Kaen, Thailand –Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, Executive Director of the Mekong Institute (MI), underscored the vital role of Northeast Thailand as a strategic hub for connectivity and integration in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) during a forum on “Subregional Cooperation and Integration in the Mekong: Northeast Thailand as the Hub of Connectivity.”

Co-hosted by the College of Local Administration, Khon Kaen University, and MI, the forum convened local administrators, logistics scholars, and regional leaders to exchange knowledge, share lessons, and inspire joint action. The discussions aimed at advancing model local administrations of excellence and linking local development with wider economic growth across Northeast Thailand and the Mekong region.

In his remarks, Mr. Suriyan highlighted MI’s pivotal work in fostering cross-border cooperation, logistics integration, and people-to-people connectivity. He emphasized that Northeast Thailand’s unique geographic position, especially under the emerging China–Laos–Thailand High-Speed Railway Network, places the region at the forefront of driving inclusive growth and regional integration.

The event was honored by the presence of H.E. Somsavat Lengsavad, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR, who delivered the keynote address on “Regional Link Local Connectivity via Speed Train China–Laos–Thailand.” His intervention reinforced the importance of infrastructure connectivity in deepening subregional cooperation.

The forum reaffirmed the shared commitment of stakeholders to build a connected, resilient, and prosperous Mekong region—anchored in strong partnerships between local administrations, academic institutions, and development organizations.