The 11th Annual Academic Conference: “Driving Thailand Forward through Strong Human Capital and Regional Economic Resilience”

On 25 February 2026, the Faculty of Economics, Chiang Mai University, in collaboration with the Bank of Thailand, Northern Region Office, and the World Bank Thailand Office, organized the 11th Annual Academic Conferenceunder the theme “Driving Thailand Forward through Strong Human Capital and Regional Economic Resilience.”The conference was held at the Lifelong Learning Hall, Faculty of Economics, Chiang Mai University, with the objective of disseminating knowledge and examining economic trends affecting economic and social development at the global, regional, national, and Northern Thailand levels.

The opening ceremony was presided over by Assistant Professor Dr. Pitipong Yodmongkol, Vice President of Chiang Mai University. The event attracted a large audience comprising representatives from government agencies, private-sector organizations, academics, students, and members of the public, reflecting growing interest in economic developments amid an increasingly dynamic global environment.

The morning session, entitled “Transforming the Future of the Thai and Northern Economies,” commenced with a keynote presentation on “Thailand’s Economic Growth amid Global Economic Uncertainty” by Dr. Kiatipong Ariyapruchya, Senior Economist at the World Bank, who provided an overview of global economic conditions and the key risks facing Thailand. This was followed by a presentation on “Challenges Facing the Northern Economy” by Mr. Nut Lumpikanont, Director of the Bank of Thailand, Northern Region Office, who discussed both the potential and structural constraints of Northern Thailand’s economy.

The session continued with a presentation by Associate Professor Dr. Rossarin Osathanunkul, Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Chiang Mai University, on “The New Role of Higher Education Institutions in Advancing Local and National Economies in a Changing World.” Her presentation emphasized the integration of knowledge, research, and cross-sector collaboration to create meaningful impacts on regional economic development.

The morning concluded with the topic “Building Thailand’s Future Today: Opportunities for Thai Industry in Advancing Green Manufacturing,” presented by Ms. Waranthorn Phuthong, Economist at the World Bank Thailand Office, who highlighted pathways for Thailand’s industrial sector to transition toward environmentally sustainable production.

The afternoon session, “Advancing the Northern Economy toward Sustainable Development,” began with a presentation on “Driving the Future Potential of the Tourism Sector” by Dr. Thanaporn Tangtrakul and Ms. Pimchanok Yamsong, Senior Analysts at the Bank of Thailand, Northern Region Office. Their presentation explored strategies for enhancing tourism value creation, improving service quality, and adapting to evolving competitive landscapes.

Another highlight of the session was the presentation “Developing Biomass Management Innovation from Agricultural Residues through Open Technology Processes for Sustainable Economic Development,” delivered by Associate Professor Dr. Parawee Maneejak, a faculty member of the Faculty of Economics, Chiang Mai University. The presentation showcased how research and innovation can create added value for the agricultural sector while supporting grassroots economic development.

The conference served as an important platform for stakeholders from diverse sectors to exchange perspectives on the future direction of Thailand’s economy and regional development amid global economic challenges. It also fostered collaborative dialogue on strengthening human capital and regional economies, which are essential foundations for achieving sustainable and resilient national development in the years ahead.