Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Students Host 10th ‘HUSO Camp,’ Exploring Community Life in Ban Dung and the Songkhram River Basin

20 February 2026
13:27

The Student Union of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences organised the 10th Annual Humanities-Social Camp, providing a platform for students to engage in community service and learn about the local culture of the Songkhram River in Ban Dung District, Udon Thani.

From 29 January to 1 February 2026, the Student Union of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Khon Kaen University, organised its 10th annual Humanities-Social Camp for the 2025 academic year at Ban Nong Ka Non Simma School in Ban Chan Sub-district, Ban Dung District, Udon Thani Province. Mr. Thayakorn Niwaranusit, the School Director, presided over the opening ceremony. Ban Nong Ka Non Simma School is an extended opportunity school under the Udon Thani Primary Educational Service Area Office 3, offering education from kindergarten to Grade 9.

Assistant Professor Dr. Marasri Sortip, Associate Dean for Student Development and Corporate Communications, explained that the 10th Humanities-Social Camp, held under the theme “Do Dung Don HUSO Talorn Udon Thani,” was designed to develop students’ potential and promote a spirit of sharing and service through volunteer and community development activities. The camp also aimed to provide students with knowledge and experience through community-based learning, enhance their teamwork skills, promote holistic analytical thinking, and develop their ability to solve immediate problems systematically.

he camp featured a range of activities, including:

Community service and school development: Creating a Brain-Based Learning (BBL) playground and improving the school landscape.
Welfare support: Preparing meals for all campers.
Academic and recreational sessions with pupils: Students applied their communication knowledge to recreational games, helping younger pupils build confidence, self-expression, and creative thinking in a rapidly changing society.
Community-based learning: A highlight of this year’s HUSO Camp, this activity allowed campers to interact with and learn from community members by making “Pla Ra Bong” (fermented fish chili paste) and “Phrom Chet Thao” (doormats). The Pla Ra Bong from Ban Dung is renowned for its unique flavour, as it is made from fish caught in the Songkhram River.
The ‘Phor Huk Mae Huk’ (Host Parent) activity: This out-of-classroom learning process offered students a profound, firsthand experience of the local lifestyle and wisdom, forging strong relationships. This hands-on learning not only refined students’ attitudes and adaptability to different social contexts but also served as a platform for them to cultivate knowledge from living with others—a vital foundation for future sustainable community development.

Ban Dung is a land of rich diversity where geography and lifestyle are intrinsically linked. Its identity is shaped by the Songkhram River Basin ecosystem and vast subterranean rock salt layers, which have given rise to rock salt farming and traditional fishing as primary sources of income. Simultaneously, the mystique of Kham Chanot Forest, a unique floating island wetland, has become a centre of faith related to the Naga, attracting cultural tourism. The local way of life represents a harmonious blend of a rich natural environment and sacred beliefs, creating a distinct and resilient identity for the people of the Songkhram River Basin.

Phanuphong Somdee (Fourth), a third-year Sociology and Anthropology major and the Camp President, stated, “This camp’s success was not the achievement of one person but the result of our collective dedication. I would like to thank Ban Nong Ka Non Simma School and all the host parents for their trust and for allowing the children to broaden their horizons and share this invaluable experience with us. My thanks also go to the Student Union and all team members for their selfless hard work. Most importantly, I thank every camper, whose enthusiasm and laughter brought this camp to life. I hope the friendships and bonds we have formed will remain cherished memories and inspire everyone for years to come.”

Naphat Piwita (Got), a first-year Sociology and Anthropology student, shared his impressions as a camper: “This school development camp was a truly memorable first experience of university life. The warm welcome from the teachers, villagers, and children was incredible. I was deeply inspired by the dedication of my fellow students and the seniors from the Student Union, who worked tirelessly together. I feel proud to have had the opportunity to contribute to society, and this experience will surely motivate me to participate in such meaningful activities again.”

Supatchaya Suwannachairop (Babie), a first-year Chinese major, also spoke as a camper: “The HUSO Camp was an amazing experience. I learned so much about life and social interaction. All four activity stations were both fun and educational. We also had the chance to talk with community members, make new friends, and create special memories with our host parents. Over the four days and three nights, I felt a strong connection with everyone. Thank you to all who shared in creating these memories, and thank you to the Student Union for their incredible effort in organising this event. If I have the chance, I’ll definitely be back next year.”