“Buddy Program 2015” during 17 – 19 January 2016 at Mueang District and

Si Satchanalai District, Sukhothai Province.

Institute of International Studies, Ramkhamhaeng University organized “Buddy Program 2015” during 17 – 19 January 2016 at Mueang District and Si Satchanalai District, Sukhothai Province. On this occasion, the Director of IIS-RU, Mr. Satin Soonthornpan, Dr. Michela De Gennaro, as well as IIS staffs and students both Thai and internationally involved in this project.

The objectives and expected outcomes of this project was to encourage students to be public-minded toward Thai society and to learn about Thai culture and the people’s way of life in rural areas through various activities, including worshiping the King Ramkhamhaeng the Great Monument and visiting Sukhothai Historical Park, seeing the mini light and sound shows relating to Sukhothai history, participating in activities at the Agriculture Project Sukhothai Airport, visiting the community activities such as making the mud-soaked textile, observing the demonstrating for Khao Poep (Steamed-ice flour daubed with hot pork soup and topped with a steamed egg), cooking Thai traditional dessert and making coconut shell necklaces.

These various activities are suitable for those who are keen to get actual experiences with farming practice and ecotourism-related activities with villagers in rural areas. In particular, learning culture, identities and the people’s way of life in Sukhothai province can help students understand more deeply about Thai history, heritage, and culture.