Khon Kaen University (KKU), serving as the nodal institution for the Northeastern region, hosted the “Northeastern Regional Project Steering Committee Knowledge-Sharing Conference”. The event formed part of the project to develop student and staff health-support systems aligned with the ASEAN University Network-Health Promotion Network (AUN-HPN) framework. The project is funded by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) and led by Chiang Mai University, the primary recipient institution. Representatives, including executives and faculty members from the network’s eight institutions, gathered at Seenualual Cafe Kangsadan and the Bayasita Hotel, both on the Khon Kaen University campus, from 30 to 31 August 2026.
The conference opened on 30 August 2026. Associate Professor Pensri Jaroenwanit, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialization at Khon Kaen University, presided over its opening ceremony and delivered welcoming remarks. Associate Professor Prapansak Chaveerach, D.V.M., Ph.D., Assistant to the President for Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialization at Khon Kaen University, joined her in welcoming the delegations from the eight participating institutions. The network’s eight member institutions are Khon Kaen University, Mahasarakham University, Ubon Ratchathani University, Udon Thani Rajabhat University, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, College of Asian Scholars, North-Eastern University, and Boromarajonani College of Nursing Khon Kaen.
Associate Professor Jaroenwanit emphasised KKU’s readiness to act as a regional coordinator, integrating the collective strengths of member institutions. She stated that the collaboration’s core objective is to synthesise the unique strengths and best practices of each institution into a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for mental health. This framework will act as a master template for streamlining procedures, enable institutions to adapt strategies to their specific contexts, and facilitate future nationwide implementation.
Ms. Suttinee Chatyalack, Director of the Student Affairs Division at Chiang Mai University and a key architect of the national initiative, served as the principal speaker. She outlined the operational framework designed to ensure a unified standard across all network members. Ms. Chatyalack also led a workshop on two operational dimensions. The first was developing a digital platform for mental health screening, using tools such as the Thai General Health Questionnaire (Thai GHQ), resilience assessments, and risk behaviour evaluations. The second was establishing standard operating procedures across seven critical areas of student care: screening, counselling, referral, crisis intervention, mental health emergency management, risk factor assessment, and secondary trauma support for personnel.
Furthermore, the conference established guidelines for gap analysis, allowing network institutions to evaluate their existing capacities and design targeted wellness interventions. Participating universities must submit their gap analysis reports and strategic action plans by 31 December 2026. Guided by the principle “Mental Health is Everyone’s Responsibility,” the initiative aims to build a safe university ecosystem that sustainably supports the well-being of Thai students.
