On June 25, 2025, Khon Kaen University, through its Division of Human Resources, organized the annual Capacity Building and Quality of Life Development Program for Retirees, aimed at supporting those retiring in the 2025 fiscal year. The opening ceremony was presided over by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, President of Khon Kaen University, and welcomed a total of 265 participants at the Institute for Research and Development in Teaching Profession for ASEAN.
The program was designed to equip retiring personnel with knowledge and practical advice on rights, post-retirement conduct, and life planning. It covered a range of topics, from financial planning and healthcare to emotional well-being, with the goal of preparing retirees to lead fulfilling and confident lives after their formal service ends. In addition, the initiative sought to strengthen connections among retirees and encourage future contributions to both the university and surrounding communities.
Three key activities were held under the program. The first was a seminar on financial planning and tax responsibilities after retirement, delivered by Prof. Dr. Surasak Wongrattanachiwin, held in March 2025 at the College of Local Administration. The second involved a study visit to Phuket and Phang Nga provinces, where participants engaged in various cultural and lifestyle activities, fostering strong ties between retirees and the university. The third session included a health lecture focused on osteoarthritis prevention for the elderly and a presentation on the benefits and entitlements available after retirement. Among the 265 retirees in attendance, 60 were from academic positions and 205 were support staff.
In his remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul expressed his deep appreciation to the retirees for their dedication and contributions to Khon Kaen University’s development and mission over the years. He highlighted the importance of providing support in three essential dimensions—financial wellness, physical health, and emotional well-being. Financial literacy empowers retirees to manage their assets wisely, while physical health support encourages practices to maintain vitality. Meanwhile, the study trip component fosters camaraderie, bonding former colleagues across departments and creating shared memories. Together, these dimensions reflect a holistic approach to retirement, contributing to a meaningful and well-rounded post-retirement life.
He added that all activities were thoughtfully planned to ensure participants gain useful knowledge and leave feeling better prepared for the next chapter of their lives. He also emphasized the importance of retirees as role models for current staff, inspiring younger generations to work with efficiency, dignity, and care for the university’s mission.
Ms. Krisana Sunthornchaiya, a general staff member from the Faculty of Economics, shared her reflections on retiring after 36 years of service. She noted that Khon Kaen University had given her everything—from benefits that supported her children’s education through to postgraduate studies and a stable, warm family life. Her husband also worked at the university, making it not only a workplace but an extended family. She expressed hope that the university would consider expanding advancement opportunities for support staff, as many still aspire to grow. She concluded by urging younger staff to protect the university’s reputation and help ensure that KKU continues to shine as a vital institution for Isaan and Thailand’s broader social development.
This year’s retirement program, centered on three dimensions of well-being, represents a progressive model for human resource management in higher education. It sets a new standard for supporting retirees in a meaningful, structured, and compassionate way—serving as a blueprint for institutions seeking to foster quality aging and long-term social sustainability.
