Recognizing the importance of the countries in the East Asian region such as Japan, China, Taiwan, North and South Korea, Thammasat University deems necessary to set up an institution to promote research on countries in East Asia as well as their relationships with Thailand.
The Institute of East Asian Studies was officially established in April 1, 1984. From a modest beginning, the Institute has now developed into a medium-sized organization which provides wide-ranging academic services.
The Japanese Government also generously provided a 115 million baht grant for the construction of the Japanese Studies Center complex within the Institute at the Rangsit Campus in Patumthani province, about 25 km. north of Don Muang Airport. Her Royal Highness Princess Mahachakri Sirindhorn graciously laid the foundation stone of the Japanese Studies Building on March 17, 1984 and graciously presided over the opening ceremony of building on June 17, 1985. Since then several visitors have visited the compound including Prince Hitachi of Japan and Former Prime Minister Takeo Fukuda. In 1989 the Keidanren Mission also visited the Institute and toured the Japanese Studies Center.