On 7 March 2026, the International Affairs Division (IAD) of Khon Kaen University organised the “Cultural Trip 2026: Part 1,” an exchange and learning programme for international students. A total of 30 master’s and doctoral degree students, as well as exchange students from various faculties, participated in the event. The students represented seven countries: Indonesia, Cambodia, Myanmar, China, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Nigeria. The programme aimed to provide international students with an opportunity to learn about and exchange experiences regarding the multicultural heritage of Northeastern Thailand, while also fostering positive relationships among them.
In the morning, the international students and staff from the International Affairs Division visited the Chaloem Phrakiat 7th Cycle Birthday Anniversary Observatory in Ubolratana District, Khon Kaen Province. This facility serves as a regional astronomy learning centre for the public and local educational institutions, offering access to astronomical knowledge and promoting academic services to popularise astronomy within the community.
In the afternoon, the group proceeded to Nam Phong National Park in Khon Kaen Province. The park headquarters is situated near the Ubolratana Dam reservoir, a crucial water source for the Chi and Phong rivers. The area is renowned for its rich natural resources and medicinal herbs, with a landscape dominated by mountains, deciduous dipterocarp forests, and dry evergreen forests. Notable attractions within the park include Hin Chang Si (Elephant-Coloured Rocks) and scenic viewpoints offering breathtaking panoramic views of the vast Ubolratana Dam reservoir.
The international students who participated expressed their deep appreciation for the trip. They remarked that the activity provided a valuable opportunity to learn about academic subjects, nature, and diverse ecosystems. Furthermore, it helped build friendships among international students and created a space for them to share perspectives on living and studying in Thailand.
In closing, the students extended their gratitude to the International Affairs Division of Khon Kaen University and all involved parties for organising such an enjoyable and beneficial event. They also expressed their hope that similar Cultural Trips will be arranged in the future.
News: Miss Sirinya Sitthimongkhon, International Relations Officer, International Affairs Division Photography: Ms. Islamiyah Dikayanti, Intern, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences
