Retired Brig. Gen. Joel Paloma, SSSP seminar leader
Maj. Gen. Nirut Duanpanya – Director of SSC at NDSI
Gen. Pongtep Gaewchaiyo – Commanding General of NDSI
BANGSAEN, Thailand — The Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS) recently participated in Thailand’s sixth Senior Security Studies Program (SSSP), an intensive, one-week course for senior security sector leaders. Hosted by the Royal Thai Armed Forces’ Strategic Studies Center (SSC) of the National Defense Studies Institute (NDSI), the course took place July 28–Aug. 2 in Bangsaen, Chonburi.
The program focused on the impacts of regional shifts in the Indo-Pacific and the capacity of institutions and leaders to adapt to emerging challenges. A total of 29 senior officials from across the Thai government took part, representing a wide range of agencies including the Royal Thai Armed Forces, Prime Minister’s Secretariat, Senate, and several ministries, such as Energy, Public Health, Justice, and Foreign Affairs.
Four faculty members from DKI APCSS contributed to the program:
- Alexander Vuving led a session on critical and strategic thinking.
- Al Oehlers addressed space security.
- Lucas Filler examined artificial intelligence as a disruptive technology.
- Mary Markovinovic discussed narrative warfare and strategic messaging.
Other key topics included geopolitics, geoeconomics, and environmental security. The course also benefited from the insights of regional experts, including DKI APCSS alumni Ahmad Tajuddin “Taj” bin Mohd Said of the Malaysian Institute of Defense and Security (MIDAS), and retired Brig. Gen. Joel Paloma, a fellow with the Institute for Solidarity in Asia in the Philippines.
Opening and closing ceremonies were led by Maj. Gen. Nirut Duanpanya, Director of SSC at NDSI; Gen. Pongtep Gaewchaiyo, Commanding General of NDSI; DKI APCSS Director Suzanne Vares-Lum, and Col. Josh Rodriguez, U.S. Army Attaché, U.S. Embassy Bangkok.
At the opening ceremony, DKI APCSS Director Suzanne Vares-Lum expressed appreciation for the long-standing partnership with Thailand. “It is an honor to support the development of Thailand’s rising military and civilian leaders, as we work together to strengthen deterrence, defend our homelands, and share responsibilities in a rules-based international order,” she said.
Gen. Gaewchaiyo described the program as more than a training opportunity. “This is a platform for strategic dialogue, informed reflection, and building trust networks that can respond to crises and shape the future security landscape,” he said. “Let us envision a peaceful, rules-based, and stable region, one that reflects our shared values and commitment to collective security.”
At the closing ceremony, he praised participants for their engagement. “The diversity of perspectives shared here has expanded our collective understanding,” he said. “Regional and global security are shared responsibilities that demand collaboration, trust, and sustained commitment.”
The SSSP highlights the enduring alliance between the United States and Thailand and the shared goal of preserving peace, security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. DKI APCSS counts more than 500 Thai officers, government officials, and retirees among its alumni network.
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