The Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Confucius Institute of Chulalongkorn University, has designed and developed the Basic Chinese Language Course Fiscal Year 2026 for officers and other staff across all divisions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The programme aims to enhance participants’ basic knowledge of and communication skills in Mandarin Chinese through wide-ranging practical content applicable to both professional and everyday contexts, as well as conveying relevant aspects of Chinese culture.

               On 11 June 2026, Mr. Chuchart Jirojkul, Director of the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs, presided over the opening ceremony of this course. He highlighted the significance of enhancing the Chinese language proficiency of personnel across all levels and divisions, recognising Mandarin Chinese as one of the most important global languages. Following the opening remarks, Associate Professor Dr. Han Shenglong, Director of the Confucius Institute at Chulalongkorn University, delivered a welcoming speech in which he expressed appreciation for the academic collaboration between the Confucius Institute at Chulalongkorn University and the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs. He highlighted the commitment shared by both institutions to promoting Chinese language and Culture and supporting the Ministry personnel in applying their knowledge in their professional duties. Both institutions also recognize the importance of language and culture as essential instruments for fostering mutual understanding and further strengthening the close bilateral relationship between Thailand and China.

               This course runs from 9 June to 24 September 2026 (every Tuesday and Thursday), conducted online outside official working hours from 16:00 – 19:30 hrs, with 30 participants from 13 departments within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The programme is led and overseen by Mr. Aekkawat Ratjirot, Lecturer and Head of Academic Affairs at the Confucius Institute at Chulalongkorn University.

               This course marks the beginning of academic and practical cooperation between the two institutions in developing Chinese language competencies, inspiring continuing progress in language acquisition, and promoting a stronger learning network among officers and personnel across all departments within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.