Asst. Prof. Dr. Patamaporn Sripadungtham, Vice Dean for International Affairs; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Weerachai Chaiworapuek, of the Department of Mechanical Engineering; and the staff of our Faculty of Engineering’s International Affairs division organized a cultural field trip to Koh Kret for the faculty’s international students on Sunday 25 August 2024. A total of 20 students from Cambodia, France, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Sweden participated in the excursion.
The students were exposed to Thai and Mon culture and traditions. They toured the Pa Tum Pottery Factory, which has been crafting terracotta pottery for over 100 years in the traditional method by hand. In addition, they visited Wat Paramai Yikawat and its famous leaning pagoda.
Koh Kret is a man-made island created from a canal dug between two curves in the Chao Phraya River in Nonthaburi just north of Bangkok. The canal was dug in 1722 during the Ayutthaya period in order to shorten the shipping route, and is known today for its local markets, handicrafts, and food. Its temples have retained the architectural style of its era. Most of the residents are descendants of the minority Mon hill tribe people, who had migrated there during the reign of King Taksin after the sacking of Ayutthaya. Another wave of Mon migrants arrived during the rule of King Rama II.
Beyond enhancing understanding of Thai culture, the project facilitated the establishment of academic networks among international students across all levels of study, paving the way for future collaborations. Additionally, it contributed to the conservation of cultural heritage and strengthened relationships between the university and local communities.