During 18 - 22 September 2018, the Department of American and South Pacific Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, the Ban Chiang National Museum of the Department of Fine Arts, and the Department of Archaeology, Silpakorn University, in cooperation with the Institute for Southeast Asian Archaeology (ISEAA), the United States of America, organised activities in Bangkok and Udon Thani provinces to further promote Thai - US cooperation on the archaeology of Ban Chiang and to commemorate 185 years of  diplomatic relations between Thailand and the United States of America in 2018.

            The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Fine Arts invited Dr. Joyce White, ISEAA Executive Director and world-renown expert on Ban Chiang, and Dr. Marie-Claude Boileau, expert on ceramics from the University of Pennsylvania Museum, as distinguished speakers at the Special Talk on “Ban Chiang’s Lessons for Global Problems” by Dr. White on 19 September 2018 at the Bangkok National Museum and the Seminars related to the latest research and findings on Ban Chiang during 20 - 21 September 2018 at the Bangkok National Museum, and the Ban Chiang National Museum, Udon Thani province.

            The activities were well-attended by representatives from relevant government agencies, academics, students, professionals in tourism industry, the media, and the general public. 

             Participants not only gained insights on new findings and innovation related to Ban Chiang, in particular the multi-disciplinary approach such as archaeometallurgy and ethnobotany in broadening and deepening the understanding of those who lived in Ban Chiang and nearby areas over 5,000 years ago, but also the importance of the longstanding and close relations between Thais and Americans in promoting Thai - US cooperation. The joint excavations during 1974-75 were the beginning of the study of modern archaeology in Thailand and Southeast Asia, and related research results have led to the recognition of Ban Chiang as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. 

             The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also presented an exhibition on the Royal Visit to Ban Chiang excavation site of His Majesty the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1972 whereby His Majesty emphasised the importance of joint scientific research between Thai and foreign agencies to present the findings of Ban Chiang excavations in the spirit of conservation to villagers and visitors alike.