On September 11, 2014, Dr. Watcharas Leelawath, MI Director warmly welcomed H.E. Mr. Philip Calvert, the Canadian Ambassador to Thailand at Mekong Institute, Khon Kaen. 

The Ambassador was not only eager to be back in Khon Kaen for the second time, but was very keen on learning more about MI. Together they sat down and discussed the possibilities of collaborating on capacity building programs and research on the development of the Greater Mekong Sub-region. Furthermore, they also discussed the opportunity for MI to present proposals to the Government of Canada as MI can be a good implementer of development assistance in the region. 

The Ambassador was accompanied by Mr. Matthew Robertson, Second Secretary, of the Political Section of the Canadian Embassy in Bangkok. MI delegates including Mr. Aryuwath Pratumsa, Mr. Madhurjya Kuman Dutta, and Ms. Pornwilai Pumira also attended the meeting.