In a tribute ceremony, past and present officials of the Mekong Institute (MI) and Khon Kaen University (KKU) honored the legacy of the Right Honorable James Brendan Bolger ONZ, former Prime Minister of New Zealand and one of MI’s founding fathers. Held on November 4, 2025, the program highlighted Mr. Bolger’s enduring contribution to regional cooperation and integration in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).
“As a visionary leader, Rt. Hon. Bolger dedicated his public life to fostering dialogue, cooperation, and development across nations. His contribution to partnership and people-centered growth inspired many, including the founding of MI in the mid-1990s. This stands as a lasting symbol of his commitment to strengthening regional collaboration and human resource development in the GMS. His legacy lives on in every course taught, every partnership built for regional cooperation, and every life changed through MI’s mission,” said MI Executive Director Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn.
“Khun James,” as Mr. Suriyan fondly called him, passed away at the age of 90 on October 15, 2025. He was the 35th Prime Minister of New Zealand, serving from 1990 to 1997. During his premiership, MI was established in 1996 and began offering short-term executive training courses for GMS professionals. In August 2026, MI will mark its 30th anniversary.
Present during the tribute was Dr. Vanchai Vatanasapt, former KKU president and the inaugural director of MI (1996–2000). In his remarks, Dr. Vanchai recalled the long and close partnership between KKU and the New Zealand government, which led to the establishment of MI. He noted Rt. Hon. Bolger’s commitment to supporting development in the GMS by championing MI’s creation, then New Zealand’s largest regional development initiative.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suwit Laohasiriwong, former KKU Vice President for International Relations, noted that MI stands as a living monument to Rt. Hon. Bolger’s vision of a beacon for cooperation, learning, and hope for generations in the GMS. “Through his support, Mr. Bolger helped create a platform where knowledge is shared, leadership is nurtured, and enduring friendships are built across borders. This visionary act was more than an investment in infrastructure. It was an investment in people, in the belief that the nations of the GMS could learn, grow, and prosper together,” he said.
The tribute ceremony was attended by MI staff members and held at MI’s James B. Bolger Room, a conference facility on the ground floor of the MI main building named in honor of Rt. Hon. Bolger.
