The Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs (DVIFA), in cooperation with Victoria University of Wellington (VUW), have worked together in conducting the Advanced Oral Communication Course (AOCC). This collaborative initiative aimed to equip participants with the ability to improve advanced English communication capability, strengthen confidence in communication skills , and create a strong network of executives from diverse government organizations to jointly drive Thailand's integrated progress.

          This year, the DVIFA organized AOCC Intake 17, which included 16 participants at the executive level from various government agencies. The training program took place from September 9th to 24th, 2023. The first two weeks of training were held at the DVIFA focusing on advanced public speaking, academic presentations, and media training skills including handling challenging questions. Subsequently, from September 9th to 24th, 2023, the group traveled to Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, for an additional two weeks of training.

          On September 11, 2023, the AOCC group received an honor from the Royal Thai Embassy in Wellington. Ambassador Warawut Phuapinya hosted a friendly dinner and provided a brief overview of Thai-New Zealand relations, New Zealand’s international roles, as well as relations between Thailand and the Pacific island countries under the jurisdiction of the Royal Thai Embassy. The briefing included topics on the implementation of various Embassy projects

          The second module of training was held at Victoria University of Wellington. The AOCC participants learned additional communication skills techniques through participating in more challenging simulations, including giving public speaking and panel presentations, practicing impromptu speaking, participating in international meetings, and negotiations.

          Additionally, the AOCC participants had a study visit at the Government House of New Zealand, which serves as the official residence of the Governor-General, who is the representative of His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom in New Zealand. On this occasion, the representative of the Government House provided a brief overview on the architecture and history of the Government House.

          The participants of the AOCC Intake 17 have gained useful experience and knowledge from the training and technical visits in Wellington, New Zealand that can be applied to help drive their government organizations to be more efficient and effective. Engagements in various social activities during the course also help strengthen relations and networking between civil servants, Thai state enterprise and officials at senior levels from both the government and private sectors upon their return to Thailand.