Conference Program
The 4th One Belt · One Road · One Tourism (OBOROT 2026) conference program
11 December 2026 (Friday)
14:00 - 19:00
MFU Campus Tour
MFU Campus
12 December 2026 (Saturday)
09:00 - 09:30
Opening Ceremony
MFU Campus, M-Square, 5th floor
10:30 - 11:00
Refreshment Break
11:00 - 12:30
Breakout Research Paper Sessions 1
MFU Campus, M-Square, 4th floor
12:30 - 14:00
Lunch
MFU Campus, M-Square, 4th floor
14:00 - 15:30
Breakout Research Paper Sessions 2
MFU Campus, M-Square, 4th floor
15:30 - 16:00
Refreshment Break
MFU Campus, M-Square, 5th floor
16:00 - 18:00
UASR Tourism-Sub Alliance Session (by invitation)
T-Rex Studio, M-Square, 3rd floor
13 December 2026 (Sunday)
Plenary Session on "GMS Connectivity to the Silk Road"
08:30
MFU Campus, M-Square, 5th floor
10:15 - 11:00
Book Launch: Tourism Transitions in the Greater Mekong & Refreshment Break
MFU Campus, M-Square, 5th floor
11:00 - 12:30
Breakout Research Paper Sessions 3
MFU Campus, M-Square, 4th floor
12:30 - 14:00
Lunch
MFU Campus, M-Square, 4th floor
14:00 - 15:30
Breakout Research Paper Sessions 4
MFU Campus, M-Square, 4th floor
15:30 - 16:00
Refreshment Break
MFU Campus, M-Square, 5th floor
16:00 - 16:30
Concluding Session
MFU Campus, M-Square, 5th floor
18:00 - 21:00
OBOROT 2026 Gala Dinner
MFU Campus, Wanasom Resort
14 December 2026 (Monday)
08:00 - 17:00
Chiang Rai Tour Program: 3-color 3-emotion (optional, not included in the conference price)
Chiang Rai
17:00 - 19:00
Open Air Welcome Reception
MFU Campus, M-Square Roof-top Area
MC: Mr. Aung Myo Oo
Opening Speech:
Dr. Piyatida Pianluprasidh, Dean of SoM, MFU
08:00
Registration Desk Opens
MFU Campus, M-Square, 5th floor
Welcome Speeches:
Asst. Prof. Dr. Matchima Naradisorn, President, MFU
Keynote Speech One:
Mr. Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO, PATA (TBC)
Special Networking Session for UASR Tourism Sub-Alliance Members: Promoting Inter-University Cooperation among Silk Road Countries in Education, Research, and Innovation in Tourism and Hospitality.
evening
Free evening for conference delegates
MC: Mr. Aung Myo Oo, Mr. Sa Kaung Khant Zaw
Panel Chairs:
Dr. Jiang Chun, MFU (TBC)
Panel Chair:
Panel Speakers:
15:00 - 17:00
Early Registration for the Conference
MFU Campus, M-Square Roof-top Area
A student-guided tour exploring Mae Fah Luang University’s campus and iconic cultural landmarks
A cultural welcome reception celebrating Lanna heritage, Yi Peng traditions, vibrant local markets, and Chiang Rai’s ethnic diversity through a journey of cultural harmony and shared celebration
Opening Plenary Session
MC: Miss Youn Shwe Yie Moe, Mr. Linn Thant
09:30 - 10:30
MFU Campus, M-Square, 5th floor
Under the theme “Tourism Connectivity in a Changing Asia: From Regional Cooperation to Shared Opportunities,” the opening plenary will explore how tourism can foster connectivity and cooperation across the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) and the wider Belt and Road region
Prof. Dr. Kaye Chon, Dean of SHTM, PolyU
Prof. Dr. Kaye Chon, Dean of SHTM, PolyU
Event Group Photo
"Who Will Win the Next Asian Traveller? The Greater Mekong at a Crossroads”
Keynote Speech Two:
Chinese Consulate, Chiang Mai (TBC)
Topic (TBC)
Parallel sessions featuring research presentations on tourism, hospitality, events, regional connectivity, and sustainable development across the Greater Mekong subregion and the wider Belt and Road region
Parallel sessions featuring research presentations on tourism, hospitality, events, regional connectivity, and sustainable development across the Greater Mekong subregion and the wider Belt and Road region
Sponsored by MFU Tourism, Hospitality and Events (THE) Research Group
Parallel sessions featuring research presentations on tourism, hospitality, events, regional connectivity, and sustainable development across the Greater Mekong subregion and the wider Belt and Road region
Parallel sessions featuring research presentations on tourism, hospitality, events, regional connectivity, and sustainable development across the Greater Mekong subregion and the wider Belt and Road region
MFU Campus, M-Square, 4th floor
09:00 - 10:10
Registration Desk Opens
MFU Campus, M-Square, 5th floor
High-level panel discussion exploring tourism connectivity and cooperation between GMS countries and the broader Silk Road region.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Athitaya Pathan, MFU (TBC)
Ms. Suvimol Thanasarakij, Executive Director, Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO)
Ms. Witchanee Vuthipongse, Expert on Tourism Attraction Development, Department of Tourism of Thailand (DoT)
Vietnam (TBC)
Panel Speakers:
Laos (TBC)
Mr. Peter Caprez, GM, JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok
Powered by MFU Tourism, Hospitality and Events (THE) Research Group
The book launch of "Tourism Transitions in the Greater Mekong" will take place during the refreshment break. The book explores tourism transformations across the Greater Mekong Subregion: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Southwest China, highlighting post-COVID recovery, technological innovation, shifting tourist demand, and expanding cross-border connectivity.
Dr. Matej Balen, MFU
Prof. Lee Jolliffe, MFU
Asst. Prof. Dr. Athitaya Pathan, MFU
Dr. Siripen Yiamjanya, MFU
Asst. Prof. Dr. Nattapan Kongbuamai, MFU
Dr. Pornpimol Chaisanit, MFU
Dr. Jiang Chun, MFU
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amnaj Khaokhrueamuang, University of Shizuoka
Speakers:
Prof. Dr. Tony Tse, HK PolyU (TBC)
Dr. Matej Balen, MFU (TBC)
A memorable evening celebrating the theme 'Silk Threads of Connection', bringing together international delegates through an elegant gala dinner and vibrant cultural performances that honour the shared heritage, diversity, and enduring connections of Silk Road countries.
MC: TBC
Performers:
TBC
TBC
LINKS
CONTACT
PHONE | +66 (0)82 883 7708
ADDRESS | Thasud, Mueang, Chiang Rai, 57100
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MAIL | oborot@oborot2026.com