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Walailak University (WU), through its School of Political Science and Public Administration and the Center of Geosocial and Cultural Research for Sustainable Development (GSCR), in collaboration with the Inter-Asia Cultural Studies Society organized the 15^th Inter-Asia Cultural Studies Conference 2025 to exchange knowledge, share research experiences, foster international academic cooperation, and promote research and innovation development.

The event was co-hosted by the Social Research Institute and the Institute of Asian Studies at Chulalongkorn University, the Association of Researchers of Thailand, and the Department of Pacific and Asian Studies at the University of Victoria, Canada, with the support of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau and the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Held at the Twin Lotus Hotel and WU, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, from 23 to 25 July 2025, the conference welcomed over 450 researchers, artists, and students from more than 15 countries across Asia, Australia, Europe, and the United States. This year’s theme, “Geo-Social Connection: The Continuing Journey of Critical Inquiry,” highlights the interconnectedness of geography and society as crucial arenas for knowledge production across Asia.

It also marks the first time that Thailand has hosted the conference since its inception in 1998. The event has since been held biennially in various countries across Asia.

Distinguished attendees included Mr. Ekachai Sunthon, Deputy Governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat, Associate Professor Dr. Surin Maisrikrod, Vice President of WU, and Dr. Andy Chih-ming Wang, Chair of Inter-Asia Cultural Studies Society.

Deputy Governor Ekachai Sunthon noted that Nakhon Si Thammarat is one of Thailand's oldest and most culturally significant provinces, providing an ideal setting for discussions about identity, society, and connection. The province fully supports initiatives that bring together global scholars and ideas.

“Events like these strengthen academic communities, enhance cultural exchange, and raise our province’s visibility on the global stage,” he said.

Over the course of three days, participants will take part in keynote lectures, plenary sessions, parallel sessions, and roundtable discussions, covering topics such as migration, memory, identity, public space, media, activism, and decolonial thinking. More than 400 research articles will be presented. The event also features art exhibitions, photography showcases, and screenings of two international films - “Ghost Fleet” and “Paper Plane.”



Associate Professor Dr. Surin Maisrikrod, Vice President of WU, said that the conference theme invites reflection on the complex ways in which histories, movements, and cultural exchanges shape identity.

“We are very delighted to see activities like this taking place here in our province,” he said. “It helps promote different ways of thinking, talking about issues, and understanding the problematization of the challenges that confront us.”

Just as the Inter-Asia network challenges dominant narratives and opens space for alternative perspectives, Dr. Surin emphasized that WU strives to empower students and scholars to think critically, act ethically, and lead with purpose in an ever-changing world.



Dr. Andy Chih-ming Wang, Chair of the Inter-Asia Cultural Studies Society, said that this conference marks the second gathering since the COVID-19 pandemic - an important moment for the Society as it transitions to a younger generation of scholars. He emphasized that the event offers an opportunity for young people to meet, engage in meaningful dialogue, and build a framework of friendship and mutual respect - one that acknowledges both connections and conflicts.

“Asia is not all peaceful and harmonious, and there are a lot of issues to be addressed. And so a conference is meant to address these conflicts in a harmonious way, so as to find a way to solve the problem. And I think we need to do it from the early on - to get the students involved. We believe that friendship is the foundation towards the future.”

He further explained that friendship does not mean the absence of disagreement. Rather, it involves embracing differences as essential to building genuine relationships.

“Not to say friendship excludes disagreement, but rather to understand disagreement as part of the rock for building a relationship. And that’s, I think, how we move towards the future. It's not a win-win, it's not a win-or-lose situation, but a lot of the process of negotiation, which requires a deeper understanding - culturally, socially, politically, economically.”



Assistant Professor Dr. Siriporn Somboonboorana, Chair of the Conference, Head of GSCR, and a lecturer at the School of Political Science at WU, emphasized that the primary goal of the conference is to bring together scholars, intellectuals, and artists across Asia - particularly those engaged in cultural studies, media studies, and regional knowledge production.

The conference promotes the concept of Inter-Asia Referencing, which encourages Asian scholars to reference one another and form regionally grounded perspectives, rather than relying solely on Western academic frameworks.

“Across Asia, we share cultural similarities and common ways of life. These shared experiences contribute to a unique body of knowledge and wisdom,” said Dr. Siriporn. “We believe that by engaging with these interconnected knowledge systems, we can better understand and strengthen cultural knowledge within Asia, and present it in ways that resonate with Asian audiences.”

Dr. Siriporn further noted that faculty members participating in the event are expected to benefit from network-building and academic exchange, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals. These networks will help further develop knowledge in the fields of cultural studies and Inter-Asia Cultural Studies.

“At the same time, students will also benefit greatly,” she added. “They not only receive new knowledge but also participate directly in the event as hosts and facilitators, gaining practical experience, building relationships, and enhancing important social and cultural skills - particularly in etiquette, communication, and hospitality.”

In addition to the academic program, participants will enjoy city night tours of Nakhon Si Thammarat; campus tours of WU, which has the largest land area among Thai universities; and a heritage trail tour in Sichon District. This includes visits to the Khao Ka Ancient Remains, the Wat Chedi Community, Nora artists, and the Khao Sai Community Enterprise - a local group that transforms firecracker remnants into reusable bags, promoting the principles of a circular economy.