On 9th to 11th November 2019, over 50 students from our SPD Programme visited Fountain Resort at Khao Yai, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima Province.

As well as engage in a range of outdoor activities, our second year students gave our first year students a traditional welcome according to Thai custom as part of the SPD Field Trip and Freshmen Welcoming Ceremony 2019 (กิจกรรมสานสัมพันธ์ต้อนรับเพื่อนใหม่).

While enjoying the outdoor pursuits and getting to know each other better, our students used this retreat as an opportunity to familiarise themselves with certain social issues and challenges facing the surrounding province and area.

Students and accompanying staff and lecturers heard from two guest speakers, doctors and experts in their field, from Pakchongnana Hospital (โรงพยาบาลปากช่องนานา).

The doctors presented, among other topics, the progress that has been made in the province in terms of tackling road safety, resulting in a drop in road accident fatalities over the last few years.

Our group then visited Queen Sirikit Health Center, Nikom Lamtakong in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, a short drive away from the resort followed by a sad and yet inspiring visit to a temple at Pa Makham Priest’s Camp Site (สำนักสงฆ์ป่ามะขาม) where careful care and support is provided for monks from all over Thailand who only have a few months left to live due to age or sickness.

A memorable time to relax, bond and learn was had by all. A true breath of fresh air away from the university campus!