His Excellency Phrommes Bhaholpolbhayuhasena, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Budapest, paid a visit to the Ludovika University of Public Service (LUPS) on January 30, where he was received by the university's rector, Gergely Deli, in his office. The primary goal of the ambassador's visit was to explore LUPS' diplomatic and defense training programs and to establish a framework for international scientific cooperation.
The ambassador was accompanied to the university by Konglarp Tinakorn Na Ayudhya, Counselor of the Royal Thai Embassy in Budapest, and Panna Pécsi, Political Assistant at the Royal Thai Embassy in Budapest. Representing LUPS at the meeting were, in addition to the rector, Liliana Śmiech, Director General for International Affairs, and Bátor Tietze, Senior Advisor of the Director General for International Affairs.
As the ambassador mentioned during the networking discussion, he himself was a student at the prestigious National Defence College of Thailand three years ago. In their country, this institution provides the most outstanding defense training: it was originally established for the highest-ranking military officers. Later, police officers and administrative officials were also admitted to the one-year program, and eventually, private sector leaders could join as well—with a total of three hundred participants annually. Each year, every ministry and agency must submit its personnel recommendations to the government, which decides who is eligible for the training. The certificate confirming the qualification is personally handed over to the students by the King.
Therefore, the ambassador, who has been accredited to Hungary for a year, was curious to find out which Hungarian university could be the appropriate training partner for the high-ranking delegation expected to arrive from this Thai institution in May. During their studies, the institution's students also visit foreign countries for short periods, with destinations including Scandinavia, Western Europe, as well as Austria and Hungary. According to the ambassador's colleagues, LUPS is the most suitable Hungarian partner, with whom a Thai-Hungarian defense professional cooperation framework can easily be established. He also mentioned that in the future, delegations focusing on justice and financial affairs will also visit Hungary. These delegations will also seek opportunities to connect with various Hungarian institutions.
At the meeting, Gergely Deli emphasized that LUPS is the only university in Hungary that can train professionals for all areas of the defense sector. Thus, it is naturally always open to international cooperation and dialogue. He added that LUPS is also unique in that police officers, military officers, officials, and other professionals interested in defense study together on its campus. The rector stressed that the ambassador's request is a great honor, and there is naturally no obstacle to the students of the renowned Thai institution participating in a training program in Budapest, where they can gain a concise overview of Hungary, its geopolitical situation, and the professional issues of national defense. The details of this should be further discussed at an expert level.
During the meeting, Liliana Śmiech also drew attention to the fact that the Thai partner might be interested in LUPS’ special program, which organizes university training for foreign public service workers. For this purpose, sixteen high-ranking officials from Uzbekistan will arrive at the university in February as the first group. The ambassador, who was previously responsible for the Thai diplomatic training institute, also welcomed this proposal with enthusiasm.
Text: Tibor Sarnyai
Photo:Dénes Szilágyi