1. Principles and Rationale

                In accordance with Thailand’s national and foreign policy objectives, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs aims to strengthen relations, advance development cooperation and elevate the country’s profile within the international community. The ability to maintain an amicable atmosphere provides a solid foundation for expanding Thailand’s multi-faceted cooperation and promoting the interests of the country and its people.  

                The DVIFA’s Scholarship and International Cooperation Division has made available courses and programmes for both foreign diplomats and others engaged in foreign service.  Its first programme on Knowledge of Diplomacy, which had a special focus on promoting diplomacy and knowledge on Thailand and ASEAN, was launched in 2016. In 2017, the name for the programme was changed to “Knowledge of Diplomacy: Sustainable Development and Sufficiency Economy” to reflect a reorientation towards sustainable development.  The programme introduces Thailand’s strategy for achieving the UN sustainable development goals by 2030 and encourages the exchange of experiences and best practices among countries to promote development partnerships and foster positive attitudes among participants towards Thailand.     

2. Objectives

                  2.1 To drive the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ missions, especially its cooperation with foreign countries to enhance the country’s competitiveness and profile in the international arena.

                  2.2 To disseminate knowledge and information on Thailand’s strategy for achieving sustainable development, promote international cooperation and partnerships, demonstrate the country’s readiness to cope with challenges, exchange experiences on promoting cooperation through partnerships with other countries in a drive to achieve the sustainable development goals.      

                   2.3 To foster positive attitudes among participating countries from various regions in such a way as to benefit our future cooperation and network building.

                   2.4 To highlight the country’s potentials and strengths, allowing the global community to gain insights into Thailand’s social, economic and cultural development. 

3. Target Groups

         The programme targets 15 to 20 diplomats with 2 to 5 years of experience from countries with which Thailand has development cooperation or close bilateral relations.

4. Composition

   KOD programme comprises 6 subjects:

                 4.1 Knowledge about Thailand

                 4.2 Knowledge about ASEAN

                 4.3 Knowledge about sustainable development

                 4.4 Skills for diplomats

                 4.5 Visits to historical, cultural and sustainable development project sites, such as the Royal Projects initiatives.

                 4.6 Paper presentation entitled, “What is the model of sustainable development in your country?”.

5. Knowledge to be gained

        The participants will be provided with skills and knowledge, in particular sufficiency economy philosophy (SEP) and its application in various localities across the globe. Through country presentations, the participants will have an opportunity to learn more from each country’s experience, especially its focus and efforts to achieve the sustainable development goals.

6. Skills to be gained

        The programme will enhance the participants’ skills as diplomats through sessions on public speaking, international meetings, impromptu speech and presentation skills.  All these skills are necessary and beneficial for the execution of their duties.

7. Attitude

       In addition to skills and knowledge, the programme provides an opportunity for social interaction among participants, allowing Thai diplomats to mingle and learn more from their peers.  This will help foster future cooperation and collaboration.  In addition, the course familiarises participants with the Thai way of life and fosters positive attitudes towards Thailand through an introduction to Thai culture, Thai identity and foreign policy in its all dimensions.