Clingendael Academy returns to Bangkok for training with Thai diplomats

In March, Clingendael Academy returned to Bangkok to contribute to the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ mid‑career diplomatic training programme. The module focused on two competencies essential for diplomats stepping into more strategic roles: effective policy reporting and negotiation.

Mid‑career diplomats face the challenge of turning increasingly fast-paced information streams into clear policy advice. To support this, the programme combined Clingendael’s hands-on methodology with scenarios tailored to Thailand’s diplomatic context. The training opened with a session on strategic communication and presentation skills, followed by a policy‑reporting assignment anchored in current regional developments. Participants presented their recommendations and received peer and trainer feedback in a simulation that mirrored real-world decision-making pressures

Next to this, diplomats must be able to represent national interests in complex regional and multilateral settings. The negotiation component featured bilateral and multilateral exercises adapted to challenges Thai diplomats encounter in ASEAN and beyond, allowing them to practice interest‑based preparation, coalition building, and navigating complex dynamics.

The cohort proved energetic and highly engaged, making for a productive three days. The Clingendael Academy looks forward to continuing its close partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in strengthening Thailand’s diplomatic capacity.