On 26 May 2025, Mr. Paisan Rupanichkij, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs with H.E. Mr. Pitchayaphant Charnbhumidol, Former Ambassador of Thailand to Brazil, who currently serves as Vice Rector for International Affairs at Rangsit University; H.E. Ms. Patcharee Poompachati, former Ambassador of Thailand to Argentina; and distinguished lecturers, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pasuree Luesakul, lecturer and Director of the Latin American Studies Centre at the Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University; Assoc. Prof. Nutida Rasrivisuth and Prof. Pichada Chotiphan from the Spanish and Latin American Studies Programme, Faculty of Liberal Arts, Thammasat University, with Mr. Chakraphan Yuwaree, Director of Latin America Division, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Latin America Division of the Department of American and South Pacific Affairs, organised a seminar “Heart-to-Heart, Cultural Ties Between Thailand and Latin America” on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The event also featured a private sector representative: Ms. Jidapa Woracharoen from Kidluek Co., Ltd., one of the pioneers driving Thai BL/GL series content into the Latin American market, along with popular artists amongst Latin American fans such as 4MIX and M Flow Entertainment. Prof. Thitipong Duangkhong from Pridi Banomyong International College, Thammasat University, as moderators.

The participants gained knowledge about Thailand-Latin America relations through various fascinating topics, including the history of Latin America over the past five centuries, Thailand-Latin America relations during the Rattanakosin era through silver coins, Latin American plants that have integrated into Thai cuisine, food diplomacy through the Thailand-Peru case study, experiences in promoting Thai Soft Power in Latin America, and the phenomenon of Thai BL (Boys' Love) and GL (Girls' Love) content that is gaining overwhelming popularity in the Latin American region.

The seminar received an excellent response, with 130 registered participants, including ambassadors from Latin American countries to Thailand, honorary consuls of Latin American countries in Thailand, students, and the public. Many participants also took the opportunity to visit the 150th anniversary exhibition of the establishment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Vites Samosorn Room. Additionally, there were over 8,100 views of the MFA Thai Facebook Live broadcast.

This seminar holds special significance as it coincides with important diplomatic relationship anniversaries between Thailand and three key countries: the 70th anniversary of Thailand-Argentina relations, the 60th anniversary of Thailand-Peru relations, and the 50th anniversary of Thailand-Mexico relations. This provides a great opportunity to review history and move forward together into the future. The seminar thus served as a platform for exchanging knowledge, experiences, and perspectives that will inspire the continuation and strengthening of Thailand-Latin America relations to be even stronger and deeper in the future.

The recorded seminar “Heart-to-Heart, Cultural Ties Between Thailand and Latin America” is available for viewing at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_NcUxRNMFw