On Monday 29 March 2010 from 4.00 to 5.30 p.m., Former Thai Ambassador to Singapore, Dr. Somkiati Ariyapruchya, who is now Dean of Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies (IDIS) of Rangsit University, led a party of 12 lecturers and staff of IDIS to call on Ambassador Nopadol Gunavibool at the Royal Thai Embassy. Ms. Sutthathip Vathitphund and Mrs. Chitrachawee Aroonrunglert, First Secretary, were also present.

The IDIS group discussed with the Ambassador and his staff the duties and responsibilities of the Royal Thai Embassy in Singapore, which are similar to other Thai embassies all over the world. They also exchanged views with the Ambassador and staff of the Embassy about experiences in diplomatic career and about current regional and international issues.

Rangsit University was founded in 1986. It is a full-fledged university with 61 programmes at the Bachelor's degree level, 16 at the master's degree level, and 3 at the doctorate's degree level. Many of these programs are taught in English. The number of students currently enrolled at the university totals approximately 16,000. The main campus is situated at Rangsit, Pathumthani, 3 kilometres from Donmuang Airport and has a land area of 161 Rai, or approximately 65 acres. The University also boasts two downtown campuses located in the heart of Bangkok's business district: Sathorn Thani Center and Viphavadee Center.

To meet the challenges of globalization and the increasing demand for world-class professionals in international affairs in Thailand and the Asian region, Dr Arthit Ourairat, President of the University, decided at the beginning of 2006 to establish the Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies (IDIS). The University Council formally approved its establishment on 22 March 2006 and thus IDIS, with its multi-disciplinary approach ,became the first institute of its kind in Southeast Asia. Dr Somkiati Ariyapruchya , a veteran diplomat and former Thai ambassador to the United Nations in Vienna, the European Union, Poland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Singapore, Austria, Slovakia and Slovenia,
has been appointed founding Dean of the Institute. Dr. Somkiati Ariyapruchya holds a BA from the University of Lancaster, England, and MA, MAL.D. and Ph.D. degrees from the renowned Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University. The establishment of IDIS is an important step in the implementation of Rangsit University's Road Map to Excellence strategy.

The world today is characterized by rapid change and growing interdependence among nations in all areas of human endeavors. The political stability and economic prosperity of nations have become more complex and increasingly dependent upon events beyond national borders. Hence, nations need professionals in foreign affairs who can serve in governments, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and international
business. In South-east Asia, there is no specialized institution which caters to this specific need. The Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies (IDIS) is designed to fill this need.

The Institute provides professional education in international studies covering the entire spectrum of international relations from international security, international law, international politics, diplomatic history, international economics and business to culture with a focus on the Asian region. Wherever possible, there will be case studies drawn from the experiences of Asia. Since political, economic, cultural and legal issues at the international level are becoming increasingly intertwined, a multi-disciplinary approach will be employed in the teaching and learning of these subjects. The Institute will also emphasize the importance of connecting theory with practice. Hence, there will be intensive training on practical skills (e.g. negotiation techniques, diplomatic practices, media skills, rhetoric and languages).

With regard to its objectives, the IDIS aspires to produce professionals for positions of leadership and influence in foreign affairs and international business; promote international cooperation, in particular among Asian countries; foster networking among its alumni, professionals and scholars in international affairs; pursue deep understanding of international issues and concerns through advanced learning and scholarly research; promote foreign language learning; provide both academic and practical skills (e.g. negotiation techniques, diplomatic practices, rhetoric, media skills) for established diplomats and officials at the early to mid-career level in particular those from the Greater Mekong Subregion; provide academic and practical skills to business executives (e.g. negotiation techniques, international practices and norms in communicating with foreign business, rhetoric, media skills) to help bring Thai businesses into international markets. Finally, it also aims to promote Thailand as a hub of diplomatic and international studies in the Southeast Asian region.