Abstract: Against the backdrop of global governance restructuring and the rising international influence of China, foreign language disciplines in Chinese universities are undergoing a transformation from being instrument-oriented to strategy-oriented. From the perspective of Area Studies, a new theoretical support and methodological guidance for the development of Thai language programs in universities in Yunnan is provided. The research argues that interdisciplinary integration can drive the transformation of Thai language programs from language-skill-oriented to language-region-discipline integrated models are provided to enhance students' strategic awareness and innovative capacity. Universities in Yunnan should deepen reforms based on national needs and regional realities, develop distinctive talent cultivation models, and contribute intellectual and human resources to the Belt and Road Initiative and Lancang-Mekong Cooperation.

Key words: Area Studies, Thai language major, interdisciplinary integration, cultivation of interdisciplinary talents.