The Royal Thai Embassy paid an official visit to Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) to discuss potential areas of cooperation. The meeting took place in the VIP Room at the campus on Jalan Muchtar Basri No. 3, Medan, on Wednesday (March 11).
The delegation from the Royal Thai Embassy was warmly received by UMSU Vice Rector III, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rudianto, M.Si.
The Chargé d’Affaires of the Royal Thai Embassy, Hathaichanok Riddhagni Frumau, expressed appreciation for UMSU’s support for Thai students.
“We greatly appreciate UMSU for supporting Thai students during their studies here. Currently, there are 48 Thai students enrolled at UMSU, and we see this campus as a second home for them,” she said.
She also noted that the embassy actively assists Thai students in Indonesia, including those in Medan.
“We help Thai students establish a student coordinator network in Medan so they can stay connected and organize activities together,” she explained.
The embassy also regularly facilitates gatherings for Thai students from various cities across Indonesia.
“We connect Thai students from different cities to organize joint activities. Last year the event was held in Jakarta, and this year it will take place in Surabaya,” she added, expressing hope that Thai students at UMSU would take part in these programs.
In addition, the Royal Thai Embassy in Jakarta expressed its readiness to support UMSU in establishing collaborations and academic discussions with universities in Thailand.
Previously, UMSU Vice Rector III Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rudianto welcomed the visit and briefly introduced the university’s development under the Muhammadiyah organization.
“Welcome to UMSU, a university under Muhammadiyah. We also have Campus IV in Deli Serdang, which we aim to develop into an integrated campus. Currently, a sport hall and an auditorium are under construction,” he said.
He further explained that UMSU continues to strengthen its international reputation through global rankings.
“UMSU is currently ranked 455 in the QS World University Rankings Asia 2026. We are also focusing on impact rankings by aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he added.
UMSU has become a destination for international students, including those from Thailand. Islamic Studies is among the most popular programs for Thai students, although they are also enrolled across various other disciplines.
“More than 40 Thai students are currently studying at UMSU across different programs. We also actively participate in annual education fairs in Yala, Thailand,” he noted.
UMSU hopes that the strong relationship established so far can grow into broader collaboration in the future.
“We look forward to further collaboration with Thailand. Hopefully, this meeting will lead to stronger partnerships moving forward,” he said.
The discussion also explored potential academic cooperation with several Thai universities, such as Songkla and Rajamangala. Planned programs include student exchanges, short-term inbound programs, and various joint academic activities.
Also in attendance were representatives from the Thai Consulate in Medan, Dr. Ir. Martono Anggusti, S.H., M.M., M.Hum.; Office of the Royal Thai Military Attaché in Jakarta, Col. Supakarn Jindawat; Minister Counsellor of the Royal Thai Embassy in Jakarta, Mrs. Arisa Kiatchaiisara; Embassy Secretary Samita Noonpakdee; Education Assistant Rian Juwita; Thai Consulate staff Ricky; Head of OIC Rafieqah Nalar Rizky, M.A.; Head of Student Affairs Bureau Abdurrahman Zuhdi, S.I.Kom., M.I.Kom.; Vice Dean III of the Faculty of Engineering Affandi, S.T., M.T.; and Vice Dean III of FIKTI Mhd. Basri, S.Si., M.Kom.
