Many faculties and divisions at Mahasarakham University are very actively involved with local communities. It is a firm policy of MSU to create an atmosphere of community involvement whether it is through bringing education to farmers or local businesses, offering the services of the faculty/division to help provide solutions for improvements or simply having students go out to a school or community site to clean up, paint or beautify an area through tree planting.
Many of these smaller, and not so small projects, which create engagement between local communities and Mahasarakham University go un-noticed and/or un-reported.
This is typical of the Isaan culture whereby all members of a community pitch in to help each other out without expectation of self recognition or gain in return. Of course, in Isaan the wheel turns and the help will be returned, albeit not immediately nor directly.
If you spend time in north east Thailand you cannot help but notice this strength of community through common spirit of each helping the other.
It can be argued the MSU policy of involvement in community is not due to any PC directive, it is simply a natural extension of the Isaan culture and way of life.
Below are just two examples of the links being forged between MSU and local communities.
Firstly, on June 18 MSU Faculty of Education students travelled to Nong Kham District in nearby Kantarawichai to brighten up one of the schools. Walls and fences were painted, rubbish was cleared, grass was cut and a general cleanup all round. Students and the general public from the village also got involved.
Secondly, on June 26 at Tha Khon Yang, also in the Kantarawichai District, a community workshop was held for students to meet with community leaders, the local school Director and the general public. Organised through the office of MSU Division of Student Affairs Vice President Dr Sujin Butdisuwan and accompanied by MSU students, the workshop provides for a future where MSU students will work together with the local school and community to provide active community service and environmental development. On this visit eighty-four trees were planted to honour HM King Bhumibol.
Students also walked through the village speaking with local residents to raise awareness of the need for communities to combat mosquito larvae breeding.
As is usual at most Isaan gatherings, there was a traditional music and dance performance.
Celebrations included dedications to his Royal Highness King Bhumibol upcoming birthday on December 5, blessings from the monks, student performances and the awarding of certificates to students.
It can be argued the MSU policy of involvement in community is not due to any PC directive, it is simply a natural extension of the Isaan culture and way of life.
Secondly, on June 26 at Tha Khon Yang, also in the Kantarawichai District, a community workshop was held for students to meet with community leaders, the local school Director and the general public. 
Afterwards Dr. Supachai and Vice President for Special Affairs Dr. Suracha Amornpan showed their support by attending one the MSU football teams first round games.
The study visit is a joint Prince of Songkla- MSU initiative to engage in the exchange of information regarding management structures of student organisations, community groups and experiences of exchange students.
On April 1 MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito, his family and MSU faculty and staff members made an appearance on Thai television station Channel 3, Bangkok.
On February 21 MSU Divisions of Research Promotion and Academic Services held a signing ceremony of the ‘Promotion and Preservation Project’ MOU between Mahasarakham communities and MSU in line with the national focus on academic relationships with communities.
MSU Demonstration School has a novel way of turning the boring business of delivering the Annual Director’s Report into an exciting and beneficial event. On February 17 MSU Demonstration School’s Principal Dr. Maliwan Tuniapan delivered her Annual Report at a combined fundraising dinner event held in the gymnasium of Mahasarakham University.
For those of us unfamiliar with Thai culture, the markets are an integral part of everyday life in Thai society. People shop at markets all over Thailand to purchase all sorts of goods from fresh meat, fish and vegetables to clothing, footwear and furniture. The markets are a place where many home made/grown goods are sold by individuals/families. Besides the shopping where prices are fair and competitive, the markets are a place where Thai people congregate socially to meet, eat and generally enjoy themselves.
MSU Division of Student Affairs organised a flag presentation send off for MSU athletes representing North Eastern Thailand at the Bangkok University Games to be held at Chulalongkorn University between January 11 – 22.
As Vice President and head of Mahasarakham University Planning and International Relations Office I would like to wish all our readers a happy and prosperous New Year.
