On 26^th April 2023, SSEA-Junction and the Institute for Population and Social Research at Thailand’s Mahidol University, jointly organised a book discussion titled “African Migration to Thailand: Race, Mobility and Integration”. The event attracted a diverse audience interested in learning about the complex issue of African migration to Thailand.

The event was graced by a panel of highly experienced guest speakers who shared their insights on the challenges faced by African migrants in Thailand, including issues related to race, mobility and integration.

The panel included Supang Chantavanich and Naruemon Thabchumpon, faculty members from the Faculty of Political Science at Chulalongkorn University, Kasit Piromya, the former Foreign Minister of Thailand, and Anthony Ukam Unor, a Ph.D. Candidate.

They also discussed the ways in which African communities in Thailand are adapting to the cultural and social norms of the country.

Kasit Piromya spoke about the trade aspect of Thai-African relations, noting that Africa has been a significant importer of Thai goods for many decades, with Thailand supplying more than one billion tons of goods per year. He also mentioned that Thailand has been sourcing some of its raw materials, such as hardwood timber, from the eastern side of Africa. Kasit expressed optimism over the possibility of importing more raw materials from Africa. He expects Thailand to become a donor country and share its success in economic and social development with African nations.