On Saturday, June 1, 2024, the Royal Thai Embassy in Berlin, the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Munich, and the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Frankfurt, in collaboration with the Asia-Africa Institute of the University of Hamburg, hosted the annual Thai academic and cultural seminar, Thai Tag 2024. This year's event, themed "Sustainable Development in Thailand: Social and Cultural Paths," was held at the Asia-Africa Institute of the University of Hamburg.

Distinguished attendees included H.E. Dr. Nadhavathna Krisnamara, Ambassador of Thailand to Germany, Ms. Prapenpim Prachonpachanuk, Consul-General in Munich, Mr. Nattapong Lathapipat, Consul-General in Frankfurt, and Mr. Stefan Krohn, Honorary Consul of Thailand in Hamburg. They were joined by over 100 academics and students specializing in Thai studies, Thai language, and East Asian studies in Germany.

In his opening address, Ambassador Nadhavathna highlighted Thailand's political development, emphasizing the impetus given by the formulation of the government following the 2023 general elections, the implementation of governmental policies, and the dynamic relationship between Thailand and Germany over the past year, marked by high-level visits and increased trade relations. He stressed the importance given to the sustainable development goals by Thailand and expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, including the T(h)ai Studies Network Germany (TSNG), for their contributions to strengthening Thai studies, Thai language, and Southeast Asian studies in Germany. He reaffirmed ongoing support for these academic disciplines in Germany.

The academic discussion featured renowned experts. Professor Dr. Hermann Waibel from Leibniz Universität Hannover shared his research experiences on development work in Thailand from a German researcher's perspective. Dr. Nicolas Revire from the Art Institute of Chicago discussed the influenced of Buddhism on civilization and in Suvarnabhumi (prior to the Siamese and Thai Kingdoms). Dr. Tony Walters from Leuphana Universität Lüneburg provided insights into the changing demographics of Thailand over the years, particularly entering into an aging society. Ms. Sirion Aromdee, a justice expert from the Ministry of Justice, lectured on the promotion and protection of human rights as well as legal aid mechanisms in Thailand.

Following the morning's academic discussions, Ambassador Nadhavathna, Consul-General Prapenpim, Consul-General Nattapong, Honorary Consul Stefan Krohn, and Professor Volker Grabowsky presided over a ceremonial handover of 146 books on Thailand and Thai culture to the library of the Asia-Africa Institute at the University of Hamburg. These books will form the foundation for a "Thailand Corner," a dedicated resource for those interested in exploring Thailand's social and cultural dimensions. This initiative, supported by the Thailand Foundation, facilitated the acquisition of the books based on the university's requests.

In the afternoon, the Royal Thai Embassy in Berlin and the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Munich organized the event "Career Opportunities and Scholarships in Thailand," aimed at providing information on studying in Thailand and career and living opportunities for students specializing in Thai studies in Germany. Speakers included Mr. Martin Jandke, founder and CEO of The Board Factory in Thailand (participating online), Mr. David Schlensak, a German student and YouTuber residing in Thailand, and Ms. Ulrike Moser, head of pricing and sales planning at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited (subsidiary of BMW). The session was moderated by Assistant Professor Dr. Benjamin Baumann from Heidelberg University. Mr. Saran Vacharaphai, Director of the Human Capital Development Division, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, also presented the Thailand Scholarship program, which offers educational opportunities for international students in higher education in Thailand.

The afternoon further featured a Thai reading competition with the participation of seven German university students from various institutions. Ms. Sarah Thouard from Humboldt University won the competition. Other activities included a book launch, showcasing Thai arts and culture, the award ceremony of the T(h)ai Studies Network Germany (TSNG) logo design competition. The winner of the logo design competition was Mr. Kritphat Bunpraserth, whose design was inspired by basket weaving patterns symbolizing the network's development. The first runner-up was Ms. Korrakorn Khet Nong Bua, and the second runner-up was Ms. Diana Ulbrich. Established in 2021, TSNG aims to create a network and promote Thai studies in higher education in Germany. Attendees also had the opportunity to win souvenirs from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Frankfurt Office, through a lucky draw.