The Royal Thai Armed Forces’ Strategic Studies Center of the National Defense Studies Institute (NDSI) recently hosted the fifth Senior Security Studies Program (SSSP). The intensive, one-week course for senior Thai security sector leaders was held in Bangsaen, Chonburi, and focused on the impact of regional changes and the capacity of leaders and institutions to manage those changes. Two faculty members from the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS) once again participated in the course.

Thirty participants from various government organizations and academia attended the course, representing offices within the Ministries of Defense, Foreign Affairs, Commerce, Justice, Interior, Education, and others. During the course, these senior leaders reviewed a comprehensive array of emergent and over-the-horizon security issues:

Dr. Alexander Vuving led a session on critical thinking, strategic thinking, and strategic communication.

Dr. Al Oehlers discussed space security and economics and security.

Other topics covered in the course included global security perspectives, geopolitical competition vs. cooperation, climate change and environmental security, emerging technology, and crisis management.

The opening and closing ceremonies were led by Maj. Gen. Nirut Duanpanya, Director of the Strategic Studies Center (SSC) at NDSI; Air Chief Marshal Poomjai Leksuntarakon, Commanding General of NDSI; and Col. Kurt Leffler, Chief of the Joint U.S. Military Advisory Group Thailand (JUSMAGTHAI).

The United States and Thailand have a long-standing alliance, and this Senior Security Studies Program is an excellent example of how the two countries collaborate to strengthen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. DKI APCSS proudly counts more than 480 Thai security sector professionals as part of its alumni network.

“DKI APCSS’s support for the SSSP and NDSI is a testament to our Thai partners’ trust in the expertise of DKI APCSS and our commitment to helping our regional partners,” said Dr. Alex Vuving.

In addition to participating in the SSSP, Dr. Oehlers and Dr. Vuving also delivered lectures on similar topics at the Joint War College of the Royal Thai Armed Forces during their time in Thailand.

Thai Alumni Event

More than 30 Thai alumni participated in a DKI APCSS Thailand Alumni Association event in August. This successful event, hosted by the Thai Alumni Association at NDSI facilities, was made possible through a partnership with the Royal Thai Armed Forces’ Strategic Studies Center.

The event included presentations on the completion of two Fellows Projects. At the invitation of the Alumni Association, the event also featured a guest lecture by Dr. Miemie Byrd on current developments in Myanmar.