On 29 June 2026, the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs (DVIFA) welcomed H.E. Dato’ Zainol Rahim Zainuddin, Director General of the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR), together with participants of the Diploma in Diplomacy (DiD) programme conducted by IDFR under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.

                On this occasion, H.E. Dato’ Zainol Rahim Zainuddin paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Thanop Panyapattanakul, Ambassador attached to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Dean of DVIFA. They exchanged views on the training of Thai and Malaysian diplomats and civil servants, the development of diplomatic training curricula in today’s rapidly evolving global environment, particularly the application of artificial intelligence to diplomatic work, as well as cooperation among diplomatic training institutions within multilateral frameworks.

                The delegation also attended a briefing on Thailand’s foreign policy delivered by Ms. Chonvipat Changtrakul, Minister-Counsellor from the Office of Policy and Planning, and participated in a networking session with Thai diplomats. During the discussion, participants exchanged views on political, economic, and social issues of mutual interest. This included views on how to maintain balanced relations with major powers, how to preserve and strengthen multilateralism, developments and challenges in ASEAN economic integration, and how to promote innovation to enhance trade and manufacturing in both countries. The discussions also covered the concept of people-centred diplomacy, the implementation of public diplomacy, and Thailand’s preparations for its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2028.

                DVIFA and IDFR have continuously encouraged Thai and Malaysian diplomats to participate in each other’s training programmes. In 2026, a Malaysian diplomat attended the “Knowledge of Diplomacy (KOD) for Versatile Diplomats” programme organised by DVIFA, while a Thai diplomat participated in the “Science Diplomacy for the Global South” programme organised by IDFR.