Thailand
Hubs Partner: Chulalongkorn University
Chulalongkorn University (Chula), founded in 1917, is Thailand’s first and most prestigious university, known for advancing research and promoting social sustainability. With 24 schools, colleges, and institutes, Chula offers a wide range of academic programs in both English and Thai. Its commitment to innovation, public service, and cultural preservation has made it a leading institution in Thailand and a key partner for international collaboration.
Research Highlights
Reframing the Cold War in Thailand
Tamara Loos and Wasana Wongsurawat used their 2024 seed grant to examine the writings of key Thai intellectuals whose ideas shaped international, regional, and domestic agendas during the Cold War. By focusing on figures like Kukrit Pramoj, Prince Wan, Buddhadasa Bhikku, and Phraya Anuman Rajadhon, the project highlights how superpower influence was challenged and redirected.
Cornell-Chula Joint Research Seed Grant Awards 2024
“Cold War Intellectuals: Thailand’s Anti-American Alliance with the U.S.” | Tamara Loos (Cornell) and Wasana Wongsurawat (Chula)
“Permanent Sequestration of CO2 in Cement Composite by Replacing Cement with Biochar and Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) from Sustainable Material Sources: Enhancing Carbon Capture and Strength”
Ramya Nair (Cornell) and Shanya Orasutthikul (Chula)
Student Experiences
Hub partnerships have enriched students' academic and pre-professional experiences and expanded their opportunities to engage inside and outside the classroom.
Studio Class Travels to Thailand
A spring 2024 architecture studio class taught by Leslie Lok focused on the use of bamboo materials in rural and rural-urban areas. The Bamboo Tactics class traveled to Thailand to study bamboo species and methods from local experts and scholars. The studio was supported by a Global Cornell ICC grant, with logistical support from Chula. The next collaborative workshop will be held with Chula's Faculty of Architecture.
Postcards from Thailand on Instagram
Student Spotlight: Ella Rimland '26
As a junior studying human development, Ella blogged her way through Thailand during the spring 2025 semester! Explore Instagram @3lla_abroad, where she shared her experience at Chula.
Faculty Forward
Cornell Delegation Visits Chula
Chula welcomed a Cornell delegation led by Vice Provost Wendy Wolford in March 2025. Faculty shared research priorities in small-group sessions, exploring expanded partnerships in research and student exchange. The visit concluded with a luncheon attended by Chula faculty who are Cornell alumni and the Cornell Club of Thailand. Read more about the visit.
Cornell Faculty Lead: Leslie Lok
Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, AAP
Leslie Lok is an architectural researcher and designer whose work investigates the intersection of material innovation, computational methods, and rural-urban transitions. As director of the Rural-Urban Building Innovation Lab, she explores new housing strategies using mixed reality and non-standard materials. She is cofounder of HANNAH, a design practice pioneering novel construction methods such as 3D printing and robotic fabrication.
Global Cornell welcomed almost 100 representatives from 18 international Global Hubs partner institutions to London for the second network meeting, co-hosted by King's College London. Participants came together to exchange ideas and pave the way for collaborations and engagement to build a better world.
Source
Global Cornell has awarded five International Cornell Curriculum (ICC) grants totaling $114,000 to support faculty developing courses that feature international experiences for students.