To celebrate Pride Month, the Social Science Division of Mahidol University International College (MUIC) held a day-long series of events entitled, “Gender Festival 2025” on June 10, 2025 at Aditayathorn Building.

The celebration led off with a panel discussion, “The Path to Marriage Equality” that featured the following guest speakers: H.E. Remco van Wijngaarden, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Thailand; Mr. Jerry Chou, Director of the Political Division, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office; and MP Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat, Member of the Thai Parliament and LGBTQ+ activist.

With Mr. Christian Oesterheld, Social Science Division Chair, moderating the discussion, the three panelists updated the audience on the history and progress of same-sex marriage in their respective countries and shared highlights of the struggle of the LGBTQ communities for recognition in each of their societies. Students from the Social Science Division’s major, International Relations and Global Affairs, thronged the venue, Charinyarasami Hall in Aditayathorn Building’s 3^rd Floor and several of them interacted with the guest speakers during the open forum.

This panel discussion was followed by a “Student Debate on Marriage Equality” in collaboration with the MUIC Debate Club.

Afterwards, a panel discussion and workshop with representatives from ITU, UNESCO and ILO entitled, “Gender and Digital Development: A Dialogue Between UN Organizations and University Students in Thailand” was held.

The day-long event culminated with a workshop on “Sex Education and Queer Embodiment”
facilitated by Adrian Beyer of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Throughout the day, there was an exhibition on Pride history in Thailand and worldwide at the Dice Hall on the 2^nd Floor while at the ground floor near the 7-11 store, IRGA students organized games and activities that drew in fellow students who then learned more about gender equality. Another group of IRGA students nearby held a fundraising activity to benefit an orphanage in Salaya.

***Are you interested in international relations and social issues? You may want to browse what MUIC’s International Relations and Global Affairs program offers. Find out more by clicking this link:https://muic.mahidol.ac.th/eng/programs/undergraduate-programs/social-science/