Материалы чтений памяти Б. Н. Мельниченко и С. Е. Трифонова

111 CULTURAL AND HUMANITARIAN COOPERATION BETWEEN THAILAND AND RUSSIA: AS A FRIENDSHIP SUPPORT FACTOR K. Poungchingngam School of International Relations, Saint-Petersburg State University, Saint-Petersburg katima.p@arts.tu.ac.th Abstract This article explores cooperation between Thailand and Russia in the spheres of cultural and humanitarian cooperation from the late Cold War era until the present, analyzing this cooperation as a factor in friendship-building. Neoliberalism, transnationalism, and the concept of soft power are used as analytical frameworks. The findings suggest that although Thailand and Russia have a long- term relationship, considerable potential remains for further inter- national relations development. Challenges for Thailand and Rus- sia include mutual understanding. The lack of knowledge about the Russian language and culture among Thai people presents certain difficulties. However, Russia remains a key player in the interna- tional arena for Thailand. In Thailand, Russian language courses and Russian studies researches are prominent, while in Russia, the Thai language is taught at leading universities. In addition, both coun- tries try to establish people-to-people contact through cultural ac- tivities, education, and tourism. The article concludes that cultur- al and humanitarian cooperation is a significant factor in promoting the Thai-Russian cooperation, especially in the fields of political and economic cooperation.