On January 26, 2020. Khon Kaen province and Khon Kaen University held 17th Khon Kaen International Marathon 2020. This event was honored by several ambassadors, including Mr. Staffan Herrström, the ambassador of Sweden, Bangkok, Thailand, Mrs. Kjersti Rødsmoen the ambassador of Norway, Bangkok, Thailand, and Mr. Michael Heath Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., U.S. Embassy Bangkok, Thailand.
Mr. Staffan Herrström, the ambassador of Sweden, Bangkok, Thailand said “I chose Half Marathon, and I am satisfied with my running time and this event. This year, Khon Kaen International Marathon was organized beyond my expectation. Currently, I have been an ambassador in Thailand for 4–5 years, and I am planning to go back to Sweden this coming summer. I will absolutely recommend this running event to my people. Moreover, I personally think that Khon Kaen International Marathon is benefit for the country, Khon Kaen University, Khon Keen province, and the students who are motivated to join this competition.”
Mrs. Kjersti Rødsmoen, the ambassador of Norway, Bangkok, Thailand said “This is my first running that I have an opportunity to participate in Mini Marathon which is a very good experience for me. Also there is no problem for organizing, I love the atmosphere, and the fun activity. I gained a very good experience. For the running time, I am not quite sure that how well it was, but I was trying hard to achieve the goal, and I feel great when I did it. Moreover, I will absolutely join Khon Kaen International Marathon next year and I will invite my husband my people to join next year as well.”
Mr. Michael Heath, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., U.S Embassy Bangkok, Thailand said “This is my first running (4.5 KM.) . I feel a little bit exhausted. I have been to Khon Kaen 10 years ago, so that’s was amazing. Now, I see a huge development in the city. And 17th Khon Kaen International Marathon is very wonderful, there are over 10,000 people and Khon Kaen University deserves the compliment. For the running time, I am not sure exactly but I think I did my best. Once I go back to USA, I will invite my colleague from the embassy and the US tourists to join the event. Moreover, this year,it is also our 70th anniversary of Fulbright. So the Fulbright is a scholarship which provides for Thai students to study master degrees and doctoral degrees in the US. Now, there are over 7,000 Thai students who studying there and that shows a strong relationship in education and so on in the future.”
Asst. Prof. Dr.Acharawan Topark-ngarm, Assistant to the President for International Affairs, Khon Kaen University, briefly said that “It is very great honored for Khon Kaen University to have many ambassadors at this Marathon. This visit will definitely strengthen the international relations and promote Khon Kaen University international visibility. I did notice that the ambassador of Norway posted Twitter communicating with her people and her partnerships about joining Khon Kaen International Marathon 2020. Khon Kaen University also arranges KKU accompanying runner, Mr. Somchai Boonsawatkuichai, to provide any convenience to the ambassador while running. As a result, these can build up our relations and also publicize KKU into International level.
[ Thai ]
News: Chutinan Panjarung, Wanida Banyen
Photography: Sarayuth Kidnongjok
Interview/ Translator: Prowsaeng Poosinghar , International Affairs Division
