January 15, 2021 at Non Kham Sub-district Municipality, Phuphaman District, Khon Kaen – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maitree Inprasitha, Vice President for Education and Academic Service, Khon Kaen Univesity, who is responsible for collaboration at the area, went to discuss the approaches for project implementation and needs analysis under the “One Tambon One University” Project with 12 administrators and representatives of the local administrative organizations of Non Khom, Wangsawab, Nafai and Huay Muang Sub-districts, Phuphaman District, Khon Kaen.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maitree Inprasitha, Vice President for Education and Academic Service reported about the background of the “One Tambon One University” Project, “30% of the economic group that influences the national development are large companies. Of this number, 30% are SMEs and 60% are the roots of economy. Economic development through the big companies, which account for 10% of the country is aimed at propelling SMEs and the root economy. This may result in clusters of the rich. Presently, SMEs are being affected by the spread of COVID-19; therefore, the country is turning to the root economy, which accounts for 60%. So, the “One Tambon One University” Project has emerged with an aim to have universities using the knowledge and advanced skills to assist in developing the economy at the sub-district level. The Office of Academic Service of Khon Kaen University is responsible for 9 sub-districts, 5 in Phu Wiang and 4 in Phuphaman.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maitree then added, “The activities to be carried out at the sub-districts will be School-Based so that everything will be sustainable. The youths will learn to do various activities with the community, and it is expected that they will work for the benefits of the locality in the future.”
Next, each local administrative organization talked about the strength so that the activities can be designed.
Mr. Mitrbancha Sianglam, Vice President of Huay Muang TAO said that the sib-district has the herb groups producing products from ginger, bael, and Gotu kola.
Mrs. Rojana Chatakan, Acting Permanent Secretary and President of Wangsawab TAO said, “Wangsawab Sub-district is situated at the root of the mountain, We grow organic crops, run homestay. We have a lot of tourism spots such as waterfall and spring. Some villagers grow grapes and durian.”
Mrs. Thongjiam Thongthai, Vice President of Nafai TAO related, “Nafai Sib-district is on a plain, so we have water resources for agriculture. We grow rice, vegetables, chili, eggplant, cucumber, cabbage, and Chinese cabbage, which are sent to sell in Khon Kaen.”
Mr. Panom Daenkaewmoon, Vice Mayor of Non Khom Municipality said, “Non Khom Sub-district grows rice, soy bean, corn for seeds, chili, vegetables, sugar cane. We also farm livestock.”
Mr. Panom Daenkaewmoon concluded, “The local administrative organizations in Phuphaman District want to be supported in new technologies that can add values and create new jobs such as growing herbs, especially the Gotu kola that can be sent to the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Khon Kaen University to produce products. This crop is easy to grow as it resists diseases and pests.”
