Thai Research Team Reaches Antarctica, Finds Alarming Increase in Ice Melt Levels Due to Global Warming

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 opens day care centre for older people

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 from Chulalongkorn University performs “Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra” in Moscow

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/

Chula President elected as the new Chairperson of the Council of University Presidents of Thailand

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.

Chula President leads vision for an AI-driven future in education

On December 20, 2024, Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, delivered a keynote speech at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation titled “Revolutionizing Learning: The AI-Powered Future of Education”. The event, organized by Chulalongkorn University’s Risk Management Center in collaboration with the National Higher Education Strategic Center and the Digital University Network, aimed at exchanging experiences and best practices as well as to deepen technological understanding and foster cooperation while promoting a risk-aware culture in universities. The goal is to prepare Thai universities to become leaders in AI innovation in the region.

In his speech, Professor Dr. Wilert emphasized that the AI-driven future of education presents both challenges and opportunities for higher education. With artificial intelligence (AI) and big data reshaping the landscape of knowledge, universities must go beyond simply transferring information to students. Instead, they must reimagine themselves as dynamic learning hubs focused on “creating learning experiences” that address the needs of the future. This transformation involves prioritizing experiential learning, interdisciplinary integration, and developing diverse, future-ready skills.

Key Insights from the Speech
1. Personalized Learning Pathways: Curiosity as a Starting Point

AI enables institutions to assess individual student potential with greater depth, paving the way for Personalized Learning Pathways. By tapping into each student’s curiosity and unique interests, universities can unlock hidden talents and foster meaningful growth. To achieve this, learning environments must encourage exploration, experimentation, and inquiry, creating experiences that go beyond traditional classroom settings.

2. The New Role of Faculty: From Teachers to Intellectual Facilitators

Faculty members must shift their role from being mere dispensers of knowledge to Intellectual Facilitators. This involves inspiring critical thinking, posing challenging questions, and guiding students toward the practical application of their learning. By focusing on individual strengths and interests, educators can nurture deeper, more impactful learning.

3. Integrating Life Skills with Technology

In an AI-driven world, technical expertise in fields like AI and Big Data is essential—but not enough. Graduates must also possess critical Life Skills, such as analytical thinking, creativity, adaptability, problem-solving, and a strong ethical foundation. Universities have the responsibility to integrate these skills alongside technological education to prepare students for an unpredictable and rapidly evolving future.

4. The Evolving Value of Higher Education in the AI Era

While the relevance of degrees in today’s world is often debated, universities remain vital in shaping well-rounded individuals. By integrating diverse disciplines—science, technology, social sciences, and humanities—universities equip students to tackle the complex challenges of the modern world. These institutions serve as critical spaces for self-discovery, talent development, and interdisciplinary problem-solving.

Chulalongkorn University: Leading the AI Transformation

Transitioning into the AI era is more than adopting new technology—it’s about reimagining education. Chulalongkorn University is committed to creating an environment where students’ curiosity is sparked, their identities are explored, and their skills are honed to adapt to the digital age.

With the vision to become “Chulalongkorn: The University of AI,” the university seeks to develop graduates with diverse competencies, a strong ethical foundation, and the ability to lead themselves and society toward sustainable success.

“Curiosity and self-discovery are the cornerstones of lifelong learning. They form the bridge to a future where risks are transformed into opportunities for success.”

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/209112/

Chulalongkorn University and Philippine Embassy come together for academic and cultural collaboration

Chulalongkorn University and the Philippine Embassy in Thailand are charting a new course for international collaboration following a high-level courtesy visit earlier today.

Led by Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, the university delegation met with Her Excellency Mrs. Millicent Cruz-Paredes, Ambassador Extraordinary to Thailand, and her diplomatic team. Discussions centered on groundbreaking initiatives in academic partnerships, cultural exchange, and research collaboration.

Highlighting the shared vision, Prof. Wilert stated, “This partnership symbolizes a bridge between our nations, offering transformative opportunities for students, researchers, and cultural understanding.”

Key takeaways from the meeting included:

  • Student Exchange Programs: Enhanced opportunities for cross-cultural learning.
    Joint Research Projects: Focused on global challenges like sustainability, agriculture and public health.
  • Cultural Initiatives: Language immersion programs and guest lectures to deepen mutual understanding.

Both parties underscored the importance of leveraging academic diplomacy to address global challenges while enriching cultural and educational ties.

This partnership marks a pivotal step in fostering stronger diplomatic and educational bridges between Thailand and the Philippines, promising tangible benefits for both societies.

Chulalongkorn University presents ‘Mud Sang’ documentary to globally revive the spirit of Muay Thai

Muay Thai, Thailand’s iconic martial art, has been gaining international recognition and generating significant income as a form of “soft power.” Foreign tourists are flocking to boxing stadiums and training camps to experience this cultural gem. However, the globalization of Muay Thai has introduced standardized rules and regulations that may make traditional techniques and unique identities disappear.

Professor Dr. Sunait Chutintaranond, Director of the Center for Multicultural Studies and Social Innovation, Institute of Asian Studies, Chulalongkorn University (MSSIC), warns that Muay Thai’s deep-rooted cultural essence may be lost if not carefully preserved. To address this, Mud Sang (“Knockout Punch”), an in-depth 45-minute documentary exploring Muay Thai’s “Power & Spirit,” was produced based on the research “Muay Sang: Revitalizing the History of Muay Thai on the World Stage”. The film, with subtitles in seven languages, has received international interest and is set to be screened in several countries and at film festivals.

Mud Sang delves beyond boxing, exploring Muay Thai’s history, cultural values, and traditional rituals and practices that enhance Muay Thai’s cultural appeal, for example, the Wai Khru ceremony that honors teachers, accompanied by Thai music and symbolic items like the Mongkhon (headband) and Pha Pra Chian (armband).  According to Dr. Sunait, while adapting Muay Thai for modern audiences, it’s essential to retain its core identity, especially unique regional styles like Muay Chaiya, Muay Thung Yang, Muay Korat, and Muay Lopburi, which have distinct styles and techniques.

Dr. Sunait’s team is also working on Becoming Buakaw, a documentary inspired by famed Muay Thai fighter Buakaw Banchamek, aimed at decoding his success. This project will serve as a guide for cultivating top-level fighters while preserving Muay Thai’s heritage.

Dr. Sunait stresses that understanding and conserving Muay Thai’s roots involves cooperation from educational institutions, the government, and the Ministry of Culture to support research and public knowledge. He envisions Muay Thai not only as a sport but also as a means of cultural pride and self-defense, emphasizing that accurate, culturally respectful knowledge is crucial for future generations. Through such initiatives, Thailand aims to protect and elevate Muay Thai’s status globally, ensuring that its spirit endures.

Chulalongkorn University and Department of Industrial Promotion announce success in boosting cocoa value with technology and innovation

Chulalongkorn University, in collaboration with the Innovative Agriculture-Industry, Department of Industrial Promotion, held a closing ceremony for the development of targeted processed agricultural products “Cocoa” and a press conference to announce the success of this activity on September 20, 2024, at the 1st-floor hall of Mahamakut Building, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University.

The event included a ceremony to present certificates to 17 businesses that participated in the project, and a ceremony to award outstanding product plaques to 3 businesses. Additionally, there were booths displaying beverages, food, and cosmetic products from 17 participating SMEs and community enterprises that took part in this project.

The efficient reform of Thailand’s agricultural sector is a crucial issue requiring collaboration from all sectors to elevate agricultural business operations. The key strategy relies on creating and developing agriculture towards a new era of agro-industry with business concepts, knowledge in product processing, product standards, financial and cost management, and efficient crop planning. “Cocoa” is one of the crops of the future, capable of being processed into various products such as Super Food and cosmetic products. As a result, cocoa cultivation areas have been continuously increasing. Thailand has a geographical advantage in that cacao can be grown in every region. Currently, the government has implemented a policy to rapidly enhance the potential of the cocoa industry nationwide towards becoming the ASEAN Cocoa Hub (THAI COCOA HUB) in the future.

The Innovative Agriculture-Industry, Department of Industrial Promotion, has conducted the “Target Processed Agricultural Product Development Activity (Cocoa)” under the project to elevate agricultural products to agro-industry. Faculty members from the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, provide consultation on technology and innovation, safe and standardized packaging, marketing, and finance. This is to enhance and create added value for cocoa products, promote the development and processing of agricultural products to have high value, meet standards, and align with market demands that can lead to commercial production.

In this event, Prof. Dr. Voravee Hoven, Acting Deputy Dean for Research Affairs and Head of the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, delivered a welcome speech which was followed by a report by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jirarat Anuntagool from the Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Science, and Head of the Elevation of Agricultural Products to Agro-Industry Project, and a remark on the success of the project and a closing remark by Dr. Kittichote Supakumnerd, Director of Innovative Agriculture-Industry.

Chulalongkorn’s CSII enhances AI literacy for senior executives to drive organizational growth with AI

The Chulalongkorn School of Integrated Innovation (CSII) recently hosted an executive training program titled “AI Literacy for C-Suite Executives” on August 22, 2024, at the Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai, Bangkok. The program was inaugurated by Prof. Pharm. Lt. Col. Dr. Suchada Sukrong, Director of the Chulalongkorn School of Integrated Innovation. The closing ceremony was presided over by Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, Acting President of Chulalongkorn University, who also awarded certificates to the participants.

In his remarks, Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat emphasized that this training course was specifically designed for senior executives, providing them with strategic knowledge and tools that can be applied within their organizations. The course aims to foster innovation, drive sustainable growth, and lead organizations confidently through the digital transformation era by harnessing the potential of AI to revolutionize industries and create new opportunities.

The “AI Literacy for C-Suite Executives” course was organized to elevate the strategic understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) among senior executives and to prepare organizations to navigate technological changes. The program was developed with the support of international experts, offering a comprehensive curriculum that covers both fundamental theories and practical applications of AI to help organizations thrive in the face of technological disruption.

Additionally, a “Post-Course Clinic” was held on August 23, 2024, providing participants with the opportunity for one-on-one consultations with AI experts to strategize and implement AI within their organizations.

The Second Health Care Service for the Elderly in Nursing Homes in Samut Prakan

Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, in collaboration with Wai Watthana Niwat Foundation and Thai Ban Sub-district Health Promoting Hospital, Samut Prakan, organized the 2nd Health Care Services Project for Elderlies in Nursing Homes between March 8-29, 2024, at Wai Watthana Niwat Foundation Nursing Home, Samut Prakan, and Thai Ban Sub-district Health Promoting Hospital, Samut Prakan. The project was organized in continuation to the project in the previous year.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wanida Laiwattanapaisal, Deputy Dean for Research, Innovation, International Affairs and Corporate Communications, Head of the 2nd Health Care Services Project for Elderlies in Nursing Homes, explained that this elderly health care project focuses on providing comprehensive and inclusive health check-ups for the elderly in care facilities. The project expands its services by adding blood tests alongside more detailed urine tests, emphasizing the examination of microalbumin in urine. This approach applies research findings from the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences at Chulalongkorn University to enhance the efficiency of elderly health care.

The 2nd Health Care Services Project for Elderlies in Nursing Homes at Wai Watthana Niwat Foundation Nursing Home, Samut Prakan, and Thai Ban Sub-district Health Promoting Hospital, Samut Prakan, receives cooperation from various organizations, such as Wai Watthana Niwat Foundation and Thai Ban Sub-district Health Promoting Hospital. 20 students from the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, participated in the project, performing health checkups and collecting data for research. 52 elderly people received a blood test, and 40 received a urine test. After conducting urine and blood tests on the elderly, the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences at Chulalongkorn University ran an analysis on the urine and blood samples in the faculty’s laboratory using advanced equipment. The test results will then be reported back to the elderly care facilities.

This project is an ongoing academic service activity for society and the community, which is an important mission of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences at Chulalongkorn University. In nursing homes and elderly care facilities, the elderly may not always receive comprehensive health care. Having blood and urine tests for the elderly can help diagnose potential diseases that may occur in older adults, allowing for the prevention and treatment of these conditions. Furthermore, this project is beneficial for the students who participate, as it provides the opportunity for them to gain real-world experience in their profession.

This project has received positive feedback from the elderly participants. The satisfaction survey results show that the level of satisfaction is in the good to very good range, with a score of 97.8%. The participation rate in the project was 89.5%. This project aligns with the vision of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, in being a leader in health and innovation development for sustainable social development. It also corresponds to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being.

“This project not only helps screen the health of the elderly for preventive care before treatment is needed but also integrates teaching and research. It allows students to learn about community problems firsthand, fostering a sense of social responsibility and promoting sustainable development in health and well-being for Thai society,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wanida.

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/183798/