Faculty and senior leadership from the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies traveled to Thailand in July to participate in the Senior Security Studies Program hosted by the Royal Thai Armed Forces’ Strategic Studies Center of the National Defence Studies Institute.  The intensive one-week course for senior Thai security sector leaders, held in Bangsaen, Chonburi, emphasized the impact of change in the region as well as the capacity to manage change for both leaders and institutions.

Thirty participants from a variety of government organizations attended the course.  They represented various offices within Parliament; the Ministries of Defense, Justice, Interior; the Royal Thai Police; and academia.

During the course, these senior leaders reviewed a comprehensive array of emergent and over-the-horizon security issues.  Dr. Virginia Bacay Watson spoke about Future Trend in Technology.  Dr. Alexander Vuving led a session on Strategic Thinking and Mary Markovinovic led a session on Strategic Communication.  Other topics covered included Economics, ASEAN Security Challenges and Paradigm Shifts in International Relations.

The opening and closing ceremonies were led by Lt. Gen. Tanongsak Rongtim, Deputy Commanding General, of the National Defence Studies Institute; Maj. General Pratuang Piyakapho, Director of the Strategic Studies Center; retired Rear Admiral Pete Gumataotao, Director of the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies; and Col. Kurtis A. Leffler, Chief of Joint US Military Advisory Group Thailand (JUSMAGTHAI).

During the opening ceremony, Lt. Gen. Tanongsak Rongtim cited the SSC as an important human resource asset for the Thai Ministry of Defence as a center for collaboration and capacity building.

Dr. Anuson Chivanno discussed complex issues facing Thailand including Climate Change, Human Security, Energy Security, Food Security and Health Security.  Col. Leffler also shared the US perspective on the Global Security situation.

In his closing ceremony remarks, DKI APCSS Director Pete Gumataotao reminded the participants that what got them here will not get them “there.”  “There” being the future that the Thai people hope to achieve.  That can only be achieved by working together multilaterally, bringing together ideas to develop solutions to complex issues which the world is facing today.

The United States and Thailand enjoy a long committed alliance. This Senior Security Studies Course is an excellent example of how our countries can work together to build cooperation throughout the Indo-Pacific Region.  DKI APCSS proudly counts more than 450 Thai security sector professionals as part of its alumni network.

For more information on the Royal Thai Armed Forces Security Studies Center go to sscthailand.org