From July 22 to 26, President Yan Xuedong led a delegation to visit Thailand for the promotion of international exchange and cooperation.

At Khon Kaen University (KKU), Yan and his delegation discussed cooperation projects with President Charnchai and other university leaders and signed a letter of intent. They discussed plans to co-build the Tianyou Railway Institute, aiming to increase opportunities for Thai students to study at SWJTU and build up engineering faculty resources for KKU.

As a senior expert appointed by China Engineering Education Accreditation Association (CEEAA), Yan attended on behalf of the Association the International Conference on Upfront Engineering Education and Professional Mobility 2024 organized by the Council of Engineers of Thailand (COET), and delivered a keynote speech entitled "Innovation in Interdisciplinary Engineering Education: Towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)". He elaborated on the relationship between engineering education and sustainable development, as well as the essence of interdisciplinary education, highlighting CEEAA and SWJTU's practices. Yan’s attendance advanced the Sino-Thai cooperation in engineering education, contributing to the opening-up of high-quality education and the implementation of the BRI.

During the visit, the delegation met with Wang Yunlin, General Manager of the Thailand Branch of China Railway International Co., Ltd., to discuss the progress and plans for railway projects in Thailand. The two sides reached a preliminary understanding on future cooperation, particularly in the development and training of local railway engineering talents.