Tag: Chulalongkorn University

Thailand’s globally renowned festivals, Songkran and Loy Krathong, possess immense cultural and tourism potential—yet remain underleveraged in driving international travel. Despite high levels of global awareness, participation remains low due to concerns over safety, festival management, and infrastructure. A recent study by Sasin Management Consulting (SMC) reveals that only a fraction of international tourists visit Thailand specifically for these celebrations. To transform Songkran and Loy Krathong into world-class attractions, Thailand must enhance safety, improve infrastructure, and integrate deeper cultural storytelling with engaging experiences—positioning its festivals not just as spectacles, but as meaningful, must-see global events.

This article summarizes a partial finding from a Strategy Development to Promote Thai Festivals to Global Level for Enhancing Thailand’s Soft Power, led by Associate Professor Chaipong Pongpanich, Ph.D. and conducted by the team namely Mr. Thana Siriwallop (SMC Project Director), Associate Professor Krittinee Nuttavuthisit, Ph.D., and Mr. Grasic Samitasiri (SMC Consultant). We would like to offer a special thanks to Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC) for sponsoring this project.

Thailand’s world-renowned cultural festivals—Songkran and Loy Krathong—are celebrated for their unique charm, spiritual depth, and vibrant traditions. Whether it’s the exhilarating water fights of Songkran or the serene beauty of floating krathongs under the moonlight, these iconic events captivate global attention. Yet, despite their popularity, these festivals remain an underutilized asset in driving international tourism.

High Awareness, Low Participation

According to recent research conducted by Sasin Management Consulting (SMC), there’s a significant gap between awareness and actual visitation. The survey of 2,200 potential international tourists showed that while 75% were aware of Songkran, only 20% had traveled to Thailand to experience it firsthand. A similar trend appeared for Loy Krathong, with over 50% aware of the festival, yet only 16% had visited during the celebration.

Tourism data from 2018, 2019, and 2024 (excluding pandemic-impacted years) further supports this trend, showing no significant spike in arrivals during the festival months of April (Songkran) or November (Loy Krathong). Among tourists who did visit during these times, only one-third came specifically for the festivals; the majority were motivated by general interest in Thailand as a destination.

What’s Holding Tourists Back?

The study highlights several key deterrents affecting international participation in Thai cultural events:

Safety and Security: Cited by 24% of respondents as a concern, particularly regarding large public gatherings.
Lack of Festival Awareness: Nearly a quarter of respondents simply didn’t know enough about the festivals to prioritize them.
Poor Festival Management: Tourists expressed dissatisfaction with the organization, crowd control, and accessibility of festival events.
Inadequate Infrastructure: 13% pointed to subpar facilities not meeting international expectations.

These issues create a disconnect between what tourists’ value—safety, convenience, cultural authenticity—and what Thai festivals currently offer.

Bridging the Gap: Culture & Entertainment

Thailand’s cultural festivals are undeniably entertaining, but their deeper meaning and traditions often remain underrepresented in the global tourism narrative. While Songkran’s joyful water fights are widely recognized, its Buddhist origins and cultural symbolism are rarely emphasized abroad.

Yet the appetite for cultural experiences is strong. In fact, 70% of respondents praised Thailand’s rich cultural value. This suggests an opportunity to reposition Thai festivals by integrating both entertainment and cultural depth, making them more meaningful for a broader spectrum of tourists.

Turning Festivals into World-Class Attractions

To fully capitalize on the tourism potential of Songkran and Loy Krathong, Thailand must:

Improve Festival Infrastructure– Ensure facilities, transportation, and public amenities meet global standards.
Enhance Safety and Security – Increase visible safety measures and provide clear guidelines for tourists.
Strengthen Festival Management – Develop more organized, accessible, and tourist-friendly festival experiences.
Promote Cultural Storytelling – Highlight the historical and spiritual roots of each festival through international campaigns.
Blend Culture with Experience – Create immersive cultural programs that enrich the entertainment value of the festivals.

The Road Ahead

Songkran and Loy Krathong have the potential to be more than just beautiful cultural snapshots—they can become flagship events that draw millions of visitors, similar to Brazil’s Carnival or Japan’s Cherry Blossom season. By addressing current gaps and reimagining the festival experience, Thailand can transform its beloved traditions into world-class tourism magnets.

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/231879/

Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, together with the university’s executives, welcomed a delegation from Cornell University led by Prof. Wendy Wolford, Vice Provost for International Affairs at the reception room on the 2nd floor of Chamchuri 4 Building. The purpose of this visit was to explore opportunities for expanding research collaboration and academic exchange between the two institutions.

Before the main discussion between the President of Chulalongkorn University and the Vice Provost of Cornell University took place, representatives from both sides participated in a small-group session held in Room 202 of the Chamchuri 4 Building. Deans and faculty members from Chula’s Faculties of Psychology, Political Science, Economics, Engineering, Arts, Science, and Commerce and Accountancy, presented their research strengths and international programs to the Cornell delegation. The session included knowledge sharing, mutual exchange of information, and discussions on future research partnerships. The two sides also addressed student exchange initiatives, with the goal of increasing the number of exchange students between the universities.

Following the discussions, executives from both universities attended a luncheon at Chula Naruemit House, joined by Chulalongkorn faculty members who are Cornell alumni, as well as members of the Cornell Club of Thailand.

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/231438/

The Development Education Section, Department of Educational Policy, Management, and Leadership, Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University, organized an International Education & Development Fieldwork for 14 undergraduate and graduate students from Tohoku University, Japan, and Tsinghua University, China. The students were supervised by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jing Liu from Tohoku University. Both institutions are ranked 107th and 20th in the world according to QS World University Rankings 2025.

This project aims to help students understand Thailand’s formal, non-formal, and informal education systems, reflecting the relationship between education and development and sustainability. This understanding will then guide students on their research related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The activities in this project include lectures, classes with students from Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Education, and visits to various educational institutions of different types and affiliations, e.g., Chulalongkorn University Demonstration Elementary School, the Loose Parts Play Labs under Early Childhood Section, Suankularb Wittayalai School, Bangkok Christian College, Wat Pho Thai Traditional Medical and Massage School, Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan, Setsatian School for the Deaf, and the Amphawa Chai Pattananurak Project. The activities culminated in the presentations of their future research topics.

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/228906/

Chulalongkorn University and DTGO Corporation Limited have signed an MOU for the development of equipment to be used with the company’s Large Language Model DTLM to improve human resource development both within the university and in Thai society. The signing ceremony took place on January 27, 2025, at DTGO CampUs, Bangkaew, Bang Phli, Samut Prakan, and was presided over by Prof. Dr. Kanaphon Chanhom, Vice President of Chulalongkorn University, and Mr. Kittikun Potivanakul, Director of Technology, DTGO Corporation, with a report given by Mr. Pokai Sriratanobhas, Assistant to Chulalongkorn President.

The MOU signing between Chulalongkorn University and DTGO Corporation focuses on developing and implementing advanced technology to support internal management and create positive experiences for Chulalongkorn University personnel and students. The objectives of this collaboration, besides developing tools that make organizational communication more convenient, faster, and more efficient—whether in administrative inquiries, educational services, or organizational capacity development—also support the development of large language models using the university’s digital resources and data to enhance operational capabilities. This includes developing AI innovations such as the Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) system to address the needs of both Thai and international students, particularly the Chinese students.

This collaboration project also emphasizes working on the foundation of security and privacy by using standardized Private Cloud infrastructure to support operations involving large-scale data, high complexity, and special security requirements. The cooperation between the two organizations serves as a good model for integration between educational institutions and the private sector in applying technology to achieve maximum benefits for a sustainable future.

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/221382/

A Thai research team, part of the Royal Polar Research Project, has arrived at the Great Wall Station in Antarctica, uncovering significant ice melt compared to previous years—a stark indicator of climate change’s accelerating effects.

This expedition, conducted under the royal initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and supported by the Information Technology Foundation under the Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, aims to study the impact of climate change on the Antarctic ecosystem. Upon arrival, the team immediately began collecting sediment samples, revealing a surprising increase in ice melt compared to past expeditions.

This year, three researchers from Chulalongkorn University and Burapha University, along with a photographer, joined the 41st Chinese Antarctic Research Expedition (CHINARE 41), organized by the Polar Research Institute of China (PRIC). They reached Antarctica in late January and began studying the effects of marine debris, microplastics, and climate change on marine life and ecosystems. Over the past two days, the team has collected soil samples, seal and penguin droppings, and conducted air pollution measurements in the region.

Preliminary findings show that ice in many parts of Antarctica has melted significantly compared to 11 years ago when the Thai team last conducted research in the area. However, air quality measurements indicate that the Antarctic atmosphere remains much purer than in other parts of the world.

Professor Dr. Suchana Chavanich, from the Department of Marine Science at Chulalongkorn University and Deputy Director of the Aquatic Resources Research Institute, shared her insights on the findings. “We anticipated that global warming would have a significant impact on the ice and snow here, but witnessing the extent of ice loss firsthand was still shocking. Even when it snowed during our stay, the snow melted almost immediately upon reaching the ground, indicating that temperatures in Antarctica are higher than usual.”

She further explained that the team would continue collecting penguin and seal droppings to measure pollution levels and analyze microorganisms present in the waste, aiming to determine how these animals are being affected by global warming.

Joining Professor Dr. Suchana on this research mission are Assistant Professor Dr. Sujaree Bureekul from Chulalongkorn University, Mr. Nipat Pinpradab from Burapha University, and Mr. Pakinai Yimcharoen, a photographer from Siam Sopa. In addition to conducting scientific research, the team is also documenting their findings through photos and videos, which will contribute to a book and documentary about Thailand’s polar research efforts.

This expedition holds special significance as it coincides with the 70th birthday of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in 2025 and also marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and the People’s Republic of China.

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/217629/

Chulalongkorn University has now opened a Center for Health and Well-being Promotion for Older People at the Faculty of Nursing to offer complete support for an aged society. Applying new knowledge from research findings and multidisciplinary collaboration, providing comprehensive care for frail older people, helping them maintain their functional abilities and become more self-care, ultimately improving their quality of life.

Having to go to work every day and leave his 72-year-old mother home alone was a big worry for Mr. Kriangsak Kunwiramkul. “Will my mother have a fall? Will she feel lonely? I wanted her to engage in some outdoor activities and meet other senior citizens,” said the 47-year-old businessman.

He then heard the news that there is now a ‘Center for Health and Well-being Promotion for Older People’ had been established on the 10th floor of the Boromarajonani Srisataporn Building, Faculty of Nursing, Chulalongkorn University. Without hesitation, Khun Kriangsak took his mother to apply for the service and went to work with a greater peace of mind. On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings, he would drop his mother off at the center, and in the evening, after work, he would pick her up so they could go home together.

“During the 2 months that my mother came to enjoy the services here, I could detect a clear change in her: she seemed more lively and joyful. Her favorite activities were dancing and singing. They also offer classes that provide knowledge about preventing falls in older people.”

Khun Kritayapat Ananwirakun is another person who brought her 86-year-old mother over to the Chulalongkorn University Center for Health and Well-being Promotion for Older People.

“As her children, we are now relieved to have a center to take care of our mother who is now engaged in many activities, such as exercising and singing. It makes us happy to see her smile and laughter when doing those activities. The center would send pictures to us via the LINE group. Mother has been able to meet old friends from university who she hadn’t seen since graduation, but who met again at the center and joined in doing activities together. This has made her very happy.”

The Center for Health and Well-being Promotion for Older People has succeeded in not only bringing smiles to older people, but also joy to many working-age children. They can rest assured that they can now leave their loved and cared-for older people relatives in the care of professional nurses, students, and occupational therapists who will help make their days happy, instead of spending their time in loneliness at home.

How it all started

Since 2023 Thailand has entered the stage of a complete aging society, with more than 20 percent or 1 in 5 of the total population aged 60 years and over. The number of older people aged 80 years and over is increasing rapidly by an average of 7 percent per year. This rapid increase in the number of older people, along with a smaller family structure and current economic conditions that force working-age people to work outside the home – these factors have made it necessary for the children to find help. Many older people care businesses have therefore emerged in recent years.

However, the current care facilities for older people focus on two groups of people:

The older people who are still strong (active aging) and able to help themselves
The group who are dependent, have little ability to help themselves or are bedridden.
“There is a need for a center that focuses on the frail older people who can take care of themselves but are starting to encounter more health problems and are becoming more homebound. Older people with underlying or chronic diseases must rely on their children and family members to take care of them closely. Those who are home alone while their children go to work are at risk of health problems such as falling, tripping, or depression, which can cause older people who are healthy for their age to become bedridden later on,” said Associate Professor Lt. Col. Dr. Siriphan Satsat, Faculty of Nursing, Chulalongkorn University, Director of the Center for Health and Well-being Promotion for Older People (CHWPOP), Faculty of Nursing, Chulalongkorn University, regarding the origin and goal of opening the center, which is in line with the policy of the faculty’s management team that emphasizes providing services to support the aging society.

“We want to provide needed care and develop the potential of this group of older persons to return to being a healthy older person. If they are unable to do so, we will help slow down the deterioration of their bodies so that they can take care of themselves for as long as possible and not become dependent and bedridden.”

Business Model for Day Care for Older People

“Currently, daycare services for older people have gained more attention. More and more such service centers have been established by private and government agencies, each offering different service rates and a range of services. The increasing number of day care services may reflect a lack of caregivers’ knowledge and skills in providing proper care for older people,” said Assoc. Prof. Capt. Dr. Siriphan.

“We are the only full-service day care for older people operated by the Faculty of Nursing in a university in Thailand. We are well-equipped in terms of knowledge in Gerontological nursing from research studies, a curriculum for teaching nurse in adult and gerontology, and personnel with knowledge, expertise, and skills in caring for older people,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siriphan enumerated the strengths of the Center for Health and Well-being Promotion for Older People, Faculty of Nursing, Chulalongkorn University.

“The services at the center encompass physical, psychosocial, spiritual, and environmental health care. We use research-based approaches and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams at Chulalongkorn University to apply research findings to experiments and develop sustainable innovations in senior care. In addition, we aim to create a business model for caring for frail older people in urban areas, with a strong focus on their needs.”

The center provides academic services and conducts research on older people while also organizing various training courses on caring for older people for healthcare personnel and other interested groups in society. Most importantly, the center serves as a model for providing care for older people through a day care facility aimed at enhancing the quality of life of older people and their families.

Since the center opened in January 2024, many agencies from both Thailand and abroad have visited to study and learn from the center.

Caring for Older People: Building Immunity to Vulnerability

Currently, the center provides services for 15 older people per day and provides services 3 days a week, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Older people who are interested in receiving services at the center must first undergo a health assessment.

“We will assess whether an older person is beginning to experience frailty, such as decreased muscle strength, slower walking, unintentional weight loss, feelings of weakness and exhaustion, and an increased likelihood of becoming homebound or bedridden. We will also evaluate their health conditions, including multiple underlying diseases, dementia, depression, fall risk, nutritional status, urinary or fecal incontinence, and their level of care ability,“ explained Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siriphan.

The center will then process the data to propose appropriate care for older people and provide advice, such as improving health behaviors, increasing muscle strength, stimulating the brain, and providing knowledge, consultation, and skill training in caring for older people for caregivers.

A second home for older people, complete with fun activities that promote good health
Asst. Prof. Dr. Siriphan described how, at the Center for Health and Well-being Promotion for Older People, many activities will help develop the skills and capabilities of older people in all aspects, such as providing knowledge for health, introducing new friends, stimulating the brain and memories each day, with music therapy every Wednesday afternoon, cooking activities every Thursday, and Qigong physical and mental training activities on Fridays.

“These activities help improve the quality of life of older people,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siriphan, who also provide examples of health-promoting activities. These include music therapy, which stimulates body movement, brain and sensory function, and enhancing concentration and relaxation. Art therapy and games, such as handicrafts and creative activities, provide enjoyment and relaxation, promote imagination and creativity, improve concentration and hand-eye coordination, strengthen fine motor skills, encourage social interaction, and build self-esteem. For those experiencing memory decline, these activities can help enhance memory, improve cognitive and perceptual efficiency, reinforce a sense of identity, create a meaningful life, reduce depression, and help promote social skills. In addition to offering various activities, the center also designs spaces and creates an internal atmosphere for older people to feel like they are in a “second home.”

The center is equipped with bathrooms, a kitchen, a fitness room designed for older people, and a multi-sensory stimulation room that engages vision, hearing, smell, and touch. This environment promotes relaxation, enhances emotional well-being, and encourages positive behaviors, contributing to more restful sleep. Additionally, there is a “Coffee Room” a welcoming space where older people can converse and reminisce about past experiences, stimulating memories and emotions. Frequent engagement in these activities helps reinforce recollections, improving memory and cognitive function. The center also features a green area where older people can enjoy gardening, promoting physical activity and relaxation.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siriphan explained that all activities and the design of the space in the center are a product of the collaboration of Chulalongkorn University lecturers, experts in various fields at Chulalongkorn University, such as designing for the safety of older people by

Music therapy for older people is provided by the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, while appropriate nutrition and exercise guidance are developed in collaboration with dietitians from the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences and experts from the Faculty of Sports Science. To facilitate travel for older people, the center will work with transportation companies to ensure convention and safe transportation to and from the center.

The personnel providing services at the center include faculty members specializing in gerontological nursing, professional nurses, and master’s degree students specifically trained in this field. Guest speakers are also invited to provide knowledge to older people on various topics, such as dementia prevention, safe use of technology, herbal medicine, and overall health. Each month, health assessments are conducted, and advice is provided to relatives and caregivers to help them care for older people at home.

Chula Day Care addresses the needs of older people and their children

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siriphan, the target group of the Chulalongkorn University Center for Health and Well-being for Older People focuses on retired Chulalongkorn University lecturers and staff, relatives of Chulalongkorn University lecturers and staff, senior citizens living around the university, and senior citizens who are travel to the center by themselves or can be dropped off by relatives, such as Khun Sompong, 82 years old, who travels by public transport. Sometimes, the grandchildren would pick her up and drop her off at the center.

“The time I spent participating in various activities at the center was filled with happiness and warmth. I made friends and had fun, so I never felt lonely. I enjoyed all the activities that were organized and also gained knowledge about exercise and how to take care of my physical and mental health. Commuting was convenient – I traveled by BTS Skytrain, but sometimes my grandchildren would pick me up and drop me off.”

Khun Poonsin, 82, said that her son encouraged her to use the services at the center, and she was impressed by the variety of activities organized for older people. “Coming here, I get to meet friends my age, so I don’t feel lonely. I enjoy all the activities, especially the cooking session every Thursday. I get to cook and taste the food I prepare myself. Experts also come to give lectures and provide valuable health care knowledge. I am truly impressed by the lecturers and staff who take such good care of me.”

Center for Health and Well-being Promotion for Older People, Faculty of Nursing, Chulalongkorn University, has received a license to operate a health establishment under the Health Establishment Act B.E. 2559, a business in the category of caring for older people or dependent people from the Ministry of Public Health. The feedback from older people who have used the services has been very good. The evaluation results gave a high score of 4.98 out of 5.

If an older person is starting to feel lonely, doesn’t want to go out, and you want them to stay active, make new friends, and maintain their independence for as long as possible, please visit the Center for Health and Well-being Promotion for Older People at the Faculty of Nursing, Chulalongkorn University. It is open three days a week – Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday – from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The cost is 500 baht per visit, including lunch and snacks.

Reservations can be made in advance at telephone number 06-1238-2322

For further information, follow us on Facebook at Chulalongkorn University, Center for Health and Well-being Promotion for Older People.

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/220239/

Professor Narongrit Dhamabutra, a National Artist in the field of Performing Arts (Western Music – Classical Composition) and faculty member of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts at Chulalongkorn University, recently performed the Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra at the Moscow International House of Music on January 23, 2025. The performance was presented with Theodore Kerkezos as the soloist on saxophone, accompanied by the Moscow Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Jeremy Walker. Approximately 1,700 people attended the concert.

On this occasion, Mr. Sasiwat Wongsinsawat, the Ambassador of Thailand to Moscow, along with the Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to the Russian Federation and senior representatives from the Moscow government, delivered opening remarks. This piece has already been performed in several cities, including Bangkok and Athens.

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/216210/

Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, has been elected as the new Chairperson of the Council of University Presidents of Thailand (CUPT), effective January 1, 2025, for a two-year term.

As the newly elected Chairperson of CUPT, Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat has outlined strategic plans to unite university presidents across Thailand to strengthen the country’s education system. His initiatives aim to elevate Thai education standards to an international level and attract more international students, contributing to the overall benefit of the nation.

The Council of University Presidents of Thailand (CUPT) was established as a collaborative effort among the presidents of state universities and higher education institutions in Thailand. Its objectives include coordinating inter-university cooperation to enhance educational quality, provide academic services, and oversee the centralized admission system for higher education institutions.