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 explore the multicultural heritage of Northeastern Thailand, while also encouraging cross-cultural exchange and friendship among participants.
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. The observatory serves as a regional centre for astronomy education, offering learning opportunities for the public and local educational institutions. The facility provides access to astronomical knowledge and academic outreach activities that promote interest in astronomy within the community.
In the afternoon, the group travelled to Nam Phong National Park in Khon Kaen Province. The park’s headquarters is located near the Ubolratana Dam reservoir, an important water source for the Chi and Phong Rivers. The area is known for its abundant natural resources and medicinal plants, with landscapes characterised by mountain ranges, deciduous dipterocarp forests, and dry evergreen forests. Notable attractions within the park include Hin Chang Si (Elephant-Coloured Rocks) and scenic viewpoints offering panoramic views of the expansive 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.
At the conclusion of the programme, the students expressed their gratitude to the International Affairs Division of Khon Kaen University and all organisers involved for arranging such an enjoyable and meaningful experience. They also expressed their hope that similar Cultural Trips will continue to be organised in the future.
News: Miss Sirinya Sitthimongkhon, International Relations Officer, International Affairs Division Photography: Ms. Islamiyah Dikayanti, Intern, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences
