Asst. Prof. Dr. Piyanat Soikham Represents Thailand in Elite Global Policy Fellowship in New Delhi
Asst. Prof. Dr. Piyanat Soikham, Assistant to the President and Director of India Studies at Ubon Ratchathani University, has been selected as Thailand’s sole representative in the prestigious Kautilya Fellows Program 2025, held from May 4–11, 2025, in New Delhi, India. He joins a distinguished group of 38 emerging leaders from 19 countries across six continents for this high-level policy immersion program.
Organized by the India Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs of India, the Kautilya Fellows Program is designed to offer a deep dive into India’s foreign policy, governance, and strategic thought. Participants engage directly with India’s top policymakers, diplomats, and intellectual leaders.
This year’s cohort featured keynote sessions with India’s Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister of Power and Housing Shri Manohar Lal Khattar, and India Foundation President Dr. Ram Madhav.
Over the course of the week, fellows explored critical global issues including constitutional law, diplomacy, media, strategic affairs, cultural exchange, and education policy. The immersive curriculum included simulation exercises, innovation challenges, diplomatic briefings, and an exclusive visit to the Indian Parliament.
Named after Kautilya—the ancient Indian statesman and author of the Arthashastra—the program draws on India’s rich tradition of political philosophy to inspire future global leaders. As Vice President Dhankhar stated, “The wisdom of Kautilya stands out not as an ancient relic but as living guidance.”
Dr. Piyanat brings a wealth of academic and regional experience to the fellowship. A graduate of Chulalongkorn University, he earned a master’s degree from Osmania University, India under a Government of India scholarship and completed his Ph.D. at the University of St Andrews, UK. He currently serves as Assistant Professor in Politics and International Relations and Founding Director of the India Studies Center at Ubon Ratchathani University.
His contributions have earned him accolades including the ASEAN–India Youth Award, the Bharat Mitra Samman Distinguished Alumni Award from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, and recognition as a Young Leader by the Pacific Forum. He has actively contributed to regional dialogues through platforms such as BIMSTEC, the ASEAN–India Network of Think Tanks, and various Indo-Pacific policy forums.
As a Kautilya Fellow, Dr. Piyanat continues to foster academic, diplomatic, and cultural bridges between Thailand and India, strengthening cooperation across Southeast Asia in education, foreign policy, and people-to-people ties.