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International College

Udon Thani Rajabhat University
Vietnamese Studies Center Background
Unit & Center

Vietnamese Studies Center

Vietnamese Studies Center, International College, Udon Thani Rajabhat University

Executive Profiles

Songpon Baolopet, M.A.

Songpon Baolopet, M.A.

Director

Asadang Suwanpakdee, M.A.

Asadang Suwanpakdee, M.A.

Deputy Director

The leadership team sets policy, develops strategic plans and advances academic and innovation partnerships between Thailand and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The team brings experience in managing international cooperation projects and developing exchange programs and curricula.

Contact Information

  • Unit Name Vietnamese Studies Center, International College
    Udon Thani Rajabhat University
  • Location 3rd Floor, International Cooperation Building
    Udon Thani Rajabhat University, 64 Thaharn Road
    Mueang District, Udon Thani 41000, Thailand
  • Phone +66 64 352 9588

Background

The Vietnamese Studies Center at the International College, Udon Thani Rajabhat University, was established on 1 November 2023 to mark the 47th anniversary of Thailand–Vietnam diplomatic relations, the 10th anniversary of the Thailand–Vietnam strategic partnership and the university’s centenary.

The official opening ceremony was attended by Mr. Nguyen Chi Thanh, Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand, and Mr. Chu Duc Dung, Vietnamese Consul General in Khon Kaen.

The center serves as a learning resource for Vietnamese language, culture, history, economy, society, tourism and education. It also plays an important role in strengthening cooperation between Thailand and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Objectives

  • 1
    Serve as an academic hub that promotes understanding of Vietnam and provides information on its economy, society, history, culture, tourism and education.
  • 2
    Provide Vietnamese language training and connect academic networks with public and private organizations in Vietnam.
  • 3
    Promote and strengthen cooperation between public and private organizations in Thailand and Vietnam.
  • 4
    Support academic and cultural activities and exchanges of knowledge among students, staff and communities.
  • 5
    Develop Vietnamese studies cooperation networks at local, national and international levels.

Activities

Vietnamese Language Teaching and Skills Development

The center develops Vietnamese language skills and cultural understanding through a range of courses and activities, including:

  • Introductory Vietnamese for the general public
  • Vietnamese for tour guides in Udon Thani and the upper northeastern region
  • Vietnamese for communication
  • Business Vietnamese
  • Intensive Vietnamese courses in cooperation with the Thailand–Vietnam Friendship Association

The center also promotes blended learning through online training and short courses at universities in Vietnam, giving students practical experience of the language and culture.

Academic Activities and Student Exchanges

The center strengthens educational ties between Thailand and Vietnam through ongoing academic and exchange activities, including:

  • Providing speakers for Vietnamese language and culture camps at secondary schools that teach Vietnamese across Thailand
  • Organizing student exchanges with partner universities in Vietnam
  • Supporting students in national Vietnamese speaking competitions
  • Developing academic partnerships through memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with leading Vietnamese educational institutions

Partner institutions include the University of Foreign Language Studies and the University of Science and Education at the University of Danang, Nghe An University of Economics, Thai Nguyen University, Phenikaa University and other educational institutions in Vietnam.

Cultural Activities and Community Engagement

Alongside language learning, the center shares Vietnamese culture with communities and the wider public through activities such as:

  • Organizing Vietnamese Culture Day
  • Celebrating Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year
  • Hosting cultural exhibitions and arts activities
  • Contributing to books and other publications on the history of Thailand–Vietnam relations
  • Bringing Thai and Vietnamese students to cultural performances at national and international events

These activities foster mutual understanding between Thai and Vietnamese people and strengthen Udon Thani Rajabhat University’s role in advancing ASEAN cooperation.

Diplomatic Relations and International Cooperation

The center serves as a cultural ambassador, strengthening Thailand–Vietnam relations by helping welcome national and international dignitaries and delegations from Vietnamese public and private organizations. Key activities include:

  • Welcoming senior representatives of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
  • Supporting the Xuan Que Huong (Homeland Spring) Tet celebration
  • Participating in events marking anniversaries of Thailand–Vietnam diplomatic relations
  • Supporting staff and students serving as emcees, interpreters and coordinators at international events
  • Co-organizing the first Vietnamese Language Honoring Day in northeastern Thailand

Future Guidelines

1
Offer short Vietnamese language courses at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.
2
Develop a Vietnamese language certificate program.
3
Maintain and expand academic exchange programs with educational institutions in Vietnam.
4
Expand annual cultural activities celebrating important Vietnamese occasions.
5
Develop a Vietnamese studies information center as a learning resource and database.
6
Produce and publish bilingual academic materials.
7
Work towards becoming a model center for Vietnamese studies in Thailand and the ASEAN region.