On 16 March 2026, Mr. Chuchart Jirojkul, Director of the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs (DVIFA), presided over the opening of “The 2026 Knowledge of Diplomacy (KOD) for Versatile Diplomats.” The programme, held from 16 to 21 March 2026, brought together 20 diplomats from 20 countries across seven regions: Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, Europe, South America, and Oceania. That evening, Mrs. Arunee Hiam, Deputy Director-General of the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), hosted a welcome dinner in honour of the participants. The Director of the DVIFA, together with representatives from TICA, the International Studies Centre (ISC), the Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs, the Department of American and South Pacific Affairs, and the Department of Consular Affairs, also joined the dinner to welcome participants.

               The KOD programme aims to promote understanding of Thailand and to equip diplomats with the skills to address contemporary challenges. Through a series of briefings and discussions, participants receive focused training on global dynamics, Thai foreign policy, ASEAN affairs, economic diplomacy and technology, international security, public diplomacy, and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI). These efforts contribute to strengthening Thailand’s strategic role and international partnerships on the global stage.

               The 2026 KOD participants also engaged in interactive group activities, presenting policy recommendations on important topics, such as digital diplomacy and regional initiatives to build resilience in a fragmented world. Notably, for the first time, international KOD participants had one and half days of joint training sessions with Thai diplomats from this year’s Executive Skills Enhancement Programme for Counsellors. In addition, participants attended a briefing on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) and sustainable development at the Golden Jubilee Museum of Agriculture. They also visited the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), and the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles to deepen their understanding of Thailand’s cultural heritage.

               With the continued support of the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), DVIFA has continuously organised the KOD programme, now in its 11th iteration, to promote international cooperation and strengthen diplomatic ties, with the participation of a total of 192 foreign diplomats from 74 countries thus far.