A Conference with Cultural Significance

This year’s SIETAR Southeast Asia Conference offers attendees a unique opportunity to experience one of Thailand’s most beautiful cultural celebrations. On November 8, the final day of the conference, Bangkok will transform as thousands of people float krathongs (decorative baskets with flowers and candles) on the water during Loy Krathong festival. This breathtaking tradition celebrates gratitude, renewal, and letting go of the past to embrace new beginnings.

“The timing couldn’t be more perfect,” said Dr.Nattavut Kulnides. “We’re gathering to discuss intercultural understanding and coaching across cultures during one of Thailand’s most meaningful cultural moments. It’s a living example of what we’ll be exploring in our sessions.”

Bridging Coaching and Culture

Dr.Nattavut Kulnides will co-present “The Coaching Culture Combo: How Using Coaching Skills Across Cultures and Intercultural Skills in Coaching is the Perfect Pairing” alongside Joyce Jenkins on Friday, November 7, from 5:30-7:00 PM. The session is part of the conference’s “Coaching Across Cultures” track and will explore the powerful intersection of cross-cultural competence and coaching methodologies in today’s globalized workplace.

“The ability to coach effectively across cultures is no longer optional—it’s essential,” said Kulnides. “Our session will demonstrate how intercultural skills enhance coaching effectiveness and how coaching techniques can bridge cultural divides in organizational settings.”

About the Conference

Hosted by SIETAR Southeast Asia in partnership with KIMBA Kasetsart University, this hybrid conference brings together intercultural professionals, researchers, educators, and practitioners from across the region and beyond. The two-day event features keynote speakers, workshops, and panel discussions covering topics including:

• AI and the future of intercultural work
• Cross-cultural leadership in ASEAN
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Third culture kids and transnational families
• Digital innovation and cultural transformation
• Coaching across cultures

The conference offers both in-person attendance in Bangkok and online participation, making it accessible to a global audience.

Why November in Bangkok?

Beyond the professional development opportunities, attendees choosing to attend in person will experience Bangkok at its finest:

Perfect Weather ☀️
November brings cooler, more comfortable temperatures to Bangkok – ideal for exploring the city’s temples, river cruises along the Chao Phraya, and vibrant night markets.

Cultural Immersion 🏛️
From the grandeur of the Grand Palace to the bustling energy of Yaowarat (Chinatown), Bangkok offers an unparalleled blend of tradition and modernity – a living lesson in diversity and adaptability.

Loy Krathong Festival 🕯️
Experience thousands of flickering lights drifting on water as the city celebrates this beautiful tradition of gratitude and renewal on November 8.

The conference concludes with a boat trip and closing dinner on November 8, offering participants a chance to experience the Loy Krathong celebrations firsthand.

Registration Information

Professionals interested in attending can register at the SIETAR Southeast Asia Conference website. Early registration is encouraged as spaces for the in-person experience are limited.

“This is more than just a conference – it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the very concepts we’ll be discussing,” added Dr.Nattavut Kulnides. “I encourage anyone working in cross-cultural environments, coaching, or leadership development to join us in Bangkok or online.”

For more information about ADGES’s intercultural and coaching services, please contact us.