Mrs. Thitiporn Chirasawadi, Director of the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs (DVIFA), paid a visit to Spain during 18 - 22 June 2024 to attend and gave the welcome remarks at the 2nd Spain – Thailand Forum held on 20 June 2024 in Madrid. The forum was co-hosted by the DVIFA and International Studies Center (ISC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, and Casa Asia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Spain. It is a venue for dialogue to strengthen collaboration in academic sectors, especially in the fields related to public diplomacy and foreign affairs between Thailand and Spain. This year’s forum comprised three sessions namely 1) Maritime Security and Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, 2) Innovation in the Field of Renewable Energies, and 3) Promotion of Country’s Branding: Best Practices from Spain and Thailand.

               Director Thitiporn also visited the Diplomatic School of Spain to exchange information and views on diplomatic training and explore the possible areas of cooperation. The School offered a Master’s degree in Diplomacy and International Affairs and short courses in Spanish which provided great opportunities for Thai diplomats to gain knowledge, especially on Spain’s and EU’s foreign affairs and create a network among participants. In addition, the director joined the meeting between the ISC and the Elcano Royal Institute, the leading think tank in Spain. Both sides networked and exchanged views on international and regional issues as well as the opportunity for collaboration.