On 23 - 28 June 2013, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand invited 20 young and promising foreign leaders from public and private sectors as well as academia from ASEAN+3 countries to participate in the second phase of the Thailand Visitors’ Programme 2013 in order to learn about the country’s political development, economic potential, social conditions and culture.

During their stay in Thailand, the participants paid a courtesy call on Mr. Jakkrit Srivali, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Information and were briefed by the Department of East Asian Affairs on Thailand’s foreign policies towards ASEAN and East Asia. They met with representatives from the National Economic and Social Development (NESDB) and the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) to discuss Thailand’s policies and strategies towards ASEAN Economic Community in 2015. 

Furthermore, the delegation visited the Nakorn Luang Rice Factory in Ayutthaya to witness Thailand’s advanced development and innovation in agro-industry. They also went to Thai PBS to study the roles of public media in Thai society. Before returning to their countries, the participants flew to Chiang Mai to visit the Royal Agricultural Station Inthanon to learn about Thailand’s successful approach to alternative sustainable livelihood development.