BUN BOEK FA RED CROSS FESTIVAL OPENS WITH GRAND PARADE

On January 21 MSU Vice President for Special Affairs Dr. Suracha Amompan represented Mahasarakham University at the grand parade ushering in the opening of the annual Bun Boek Fa Red Cross Festival.

The grand parade is a not to be missed event with the parade featuring participants representing a cross section of the whole Maha Sarakham community. It is held in the centre of Mahasarakham and winds its way along the road next to the canal in the very centre of town, commencing at the main stadium of Burapha School to finish at the main stage in the centre of the grounds of the Red Cross Festival.

Besides many participants from MSU in the parade, local schools, colleges, villages and organisations also provide participants in this wonderful spectacle. 

The Bun Boek Fa Red Cross Festival was officially opened by the Honourable Mr. Jeerawat Chuenwarin, Governor of Mahasarakham and attended by a plethora of special guests. 

After the grand parade and official speeches made, there was a night full of entertainment on the centre stage lasting late into the night. 

The Bun Boek Fa Festival is a festival celebrated in Mahasarakham to honour the rice goddess Mae Pho Sop and to celebrate the time between the harvesting and selling of the rice crop. It is also a festival which recognises the importance of the Red Cross and is a major fundraiser for the internationally renowned organisation.

The Bun Boek Fa Festival Red Cross Festival this year runs from January 21 until January 30.

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NEW YEAR CEREMONY IN MAHASARAKHAM

On January 1 MSU Vice President for Special Affairs Associate Professor Dr. Suracha Amornpan attended the Maha Sarakham Provincial New Year ceremony held at the Clock Tower in central Mahasarakham. Dr. Suracha represented Mahasarakham University for the important ceremony which was also attended by Mr. Jeerawat Chuenwarin, Governor of Maha Sarakham Province.

The New Year ceremony is held in villages, towns, cities and villages all over Thailand early on New Year’s Day. Many of the townspeople will arise early and head to the community centre from about 6 am onwards bearing alms to give to the monks. All monks from surrounding temples attend and it is quite a spectacle to see the large number of monks and people showing respect and giving alms. There are also speeches by local government, business and, because Mahasarakham is a city of education, educational leaders.

On New Year’s Day in Mahasarakham the ceremony was attended by three hundred and fifty-nine monks from seventeen temples in and around the municipality. Government officers, business people and the general community numbering in their thousands prayed for His Majesty King Bhumibol, prosperity for themselves and their families before forming long lines where monks passed and received alms from the people.

The New Year ceremony is a wonderful time where the whole community comes together to wish each other prosperity and happiness for the coming year.

สุขสันต์ปีใหม่ - Happy New Year

MSU HOLDS HUGE NEW YEARS EVE PARTY

On December 29 MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito on behalf of Mahasarakham University hosted a New Years Eve Party for all MSU personnel in the forecourt in front of the President’s building.

The celebration is traditionally held a few days before New Year so people can travel back to their homes to spend the New Year holidays with family.

The theme of the evening was ASEAN, promoting unity and the sharing of cultural heritage at all levels throughout the MSU community. A highlight of the evening was the competition for the best Assocaiation of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) costume with many MSU personnel dressing up in traditional costumes of one of the ten ASEAN countries.

Dr. Supachai thanked all MSU personnel for their efforts this year and handed out new year’s gifts. Many prizes were won in the free raffle and all partook in an evening of plenty of fine food, fun and frivolity.

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MSU INTERNATIONAL DINNER PARTY

On December 2 MSU Vice President for Planning and International Relations Dr. Nathanon Trachoo hosted the 4^th MSU International Dinner Party at the MSU Staff Clubhouse.

The International Dinner is an annual event to thank all the international teachers for their efforts during the year. MSU has international teachers, researchers and visiting academics from countries all over the world. Over a hundred people attended the event and all stood up and introduced themselves during the evening.

MC for the evening Ms. Shaundrelle Todd of the Faculty of Humanites and Social Sciences brightened up the evening with her lively commentary, possibly becoming an overnight MSU celebrity. Ms. Todd was ably assisted by the popular Dr. Nicolas from the College of Music.

An exhibition of traditional Indian dance called Katak performed by Ms Punima was well received with guests later trying their hand at learning Indian and Isan dance.

It was fun night with acquaintances being re-established and many new ones made. Something a little different about this year’s dinner was the increasing number of families present. It seems to indicate international teachers are coming to Mahasarakham with a good number willing to make Mahasarakham their home on a long term basis.

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MAHASARAKHAM CREATIVE ECONOMY MODEL PROJECT LAUNCHED

On September 1 a three day exhibition and launch of the Ten Cities Creative Economy Model Project for Maha Sarakham was launched at MSU Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning.

The launch was attended by MSU President Dr. Supachai Sammapito, Vice President for Special Affairs Dr. Dr. Surachai Amornpan, the Governor of Maha Sarakham Province and representatives of the Ministry of Commerce and Department of Intellectual Property. Mahasarakham was listed last May as one of the top ten creative cities in Thailand and this project should ensure this does not change.

The project will be developed under three sections. Firstly through the provision of knowledge, technology  and creative education provided by Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham Rajabat University, MSU College of Nursing, Faculty of Agriculture (and others) , Mahasarakham College of Physical Education and Mahasarakham Technical College.

Secondly the development of human capital with an estimated one hundred thousand members of the community being provided with access to highly qualified experts, students and scholars  for self research and learning.

Thirdly, with the community mostly farm based and earning extra income from handicrafts, the project will endeavour to give the local community a sense of cultural identity. Self pride in local community and the development and understanding of a unique cultural identity is a key to successful building of human capital.

The project is supported at all levels of government, educational institutions in Maha Sarakham Province, NGO’s and local businesses alike. It will build and develop on the strengths of local geographical, social, cultural and economic wisdom.

The three day exhibition held from September 1 – 3 at MSU Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning showcased handicrafts and value added products from the Top Ten Creative Cities as well as having local community members demonstrating handicrafts.

Footnote:

 Many overseas visitors to Mahasarakham are unaware they can visit local villages and watch local artisans at work making such things as fine Thai silk, all types of reed mats,  pottery and souvenir items and to name just a few. The experience of having a photo taken with the person who actually made your ‘souvenir’ gives the item much more personal meaning than if bought at a market. 

The city of Mahasarakham is spelled as one word. The Province of Maha Sarakham is spelled as two words.

POST FROM MSU BUSINESS SCHOOL

It is wonderful to see members of MSU Faculties reading this blog. It is even more wonderful to see this first ever faculty contribution to our blog. Below is a post from the Mahasarakham University Business School (Faculty of Accountancy and Management). We are hoping other MSU faculties will take up the challenge to send us posts about news from their faculty so we can share it in the blogoshere.

On Thursday, July 21^st 2554 Mahasarakham Business School held a yearly ceremony to gratitude the teachers and providing scholarships to outstanding students in academic year 2554 at the university’s sport building.

The objective of the event is to let students to respect and gratitude teachers whom have endowed their knowledge and have equipped them with talents. Also, to encourage the students in all program to successfully achieve their goals throughout their four years of education. Additionally, it is also to inherit and maintain the faculty’s valuable ceremony and promoting ethical behavior and gratitude to the students.

PERFECT SETTING FOR TRADITIONAL LEARNING

On July 22 a new cultural and social sharing program was introduced by the MSU Museum. Every Friday at 11 am at the MSU Historical Village Museum students, staff and the general public are invited to come along to a place where they can sit down and informally chat with elders.

The aim is to share wisdom in a traditional way with participants meeting together and speaking with their elders to gain knowledge and wisdom. The weekly sessions will include subjects such as traditional food preparation, astrology, Thai massage and knowledge of herbs. There will also be plays and music performed at various times.

The program provides an opportunity for all participants to share in and learn traditional wisdom in a traditional way. Naturally no meetings such as these would be complete without the sharing of traditional Isan foods such as som tam, sticky rice and lotus seeds while speaking together.

The Mahasarakham Historical Village has full size traditional Isan houses and is a perfect setting in which to host such a program. Anybody living in Mahasarakham interested in attending can make contact through the comments section at the bottom of this post.

MSU WAI KRU CEREMONY 2011

On July 14 MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito presided over the MSU Wai Kru Ceremony held in the MSU gymnasium. The Wai Kru ceremony is an important traditional event held at some point during the year in every single educational institution in Thailand.

Pictures of students bowing at the feet of their teachers in a show of respect may annoy some of those unfamiliar with Thai custom. In Thailand showing respect for teachers is an important part of the cultural fabric of Thailand. The respect shown by students is also returned in respect of the students from their teachers.

The Wai Kru ceremony is also an important reminder to the teachers (Ajarn) of their responsibility in guiding their students towards a better future in their lives – lifelong learning. To attend a Wai Kru ceremony is to gain a better understanding of this mutual respect between teachers and their students in Thailand.

The bond between many teachers and their students in Thailand extends beyond the classroom. Students drawn from all twenty Isan Provinces live on or close to the campus and are away from their family and friends; many for the first time in their lives. Therefore besides their alumni classmates, students look to their lecturers for more than just classroom learning. Many, many teachers are available and willing to give advice and encouragement outside the classroom environment, treating students as they would their own children.

If you spend some time at Mahasarakham University you will come to realise the Wai Kru ceremony is not a ceremony of subservience; it is a public celebration of reaching towards a common goal of lifelong learning equally applicable to both student and Ajarn. MSU is more than an educational institution. At times it feels you are part of one very large family.

The Wai Kru ceremony is just one reminder of how Thailand is a very special kingdom.

RICE HARVESTING DEMONSTRATION

On June 14 MSU Vice President for Special Affairs Dr. Surachai Amornpan joined the Governor of Mahasarakham Province in a rice harvesting demonstration which was organised by the Office of Agriculture.

The rice harvesting demonstration was held to strengthen ties between government, education and community. The demonstration included traditional rice harvesting, tossing the rice to separate the grain and spreading of the grain to dry in the sun.

An interesting aspect of demonstrations such as these is the officials from government or education normally tend to participate as opposed to being spectators of the event. This firmly illustrates the Isan sense of inclusive community values where everybody is a part of the community and all contribute to the best of their ability.

Even though machinery is being introduced these traditional methods of harvesting rice can still be seen when travelling throughout the Isan provinces. ... more pics

CAMBODIAN STUDENTS PREPARED FOR UNIVERSITY LIFE

On May 21, MSU Vice President for Planning and International Relations, Dr. Nathanon Trachoo presented certificates to forty seven Cambodian students for successfully completing a preliminary English course before  commencing their studies at MSU. The students are on full time scholarships under a program provided by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

Besides learning English listening, speaking, reading and writing skills the students were also given tuition in adapting to Thai culture and language and living skills to make their transition into mainstream student life at Mahasarakham University as enjoyable an experience as possible.  ...more pics

ONE UNIVERSITY, ONE PROVINCE PROJECT AT BAN HUAY SUN

On April 19 MSU Vice President for Special Affairs Suracha Amornpan opened a community service project at Ban Huay Sun in the Kantawaricha district. The project comes under the national initiative of ‘One University, One Province’, a program aiming to create sustainable development at a community level.

The program commencing at Ban Huay Sun includes the utilisation of the transfer of academic knowledge from the MSU Faculty of Science to the grass roots level. It encourages and teaches local community members in household management revenue, organic vegetable farming and the production of charcoal briquettes.

Surplus produce will be sold at the MSU markets in an effort to increase income and alleviate debt.

The initiative is an extension of the popular and well accepted King’s sufficiency economy philosophy. More than one hundred people attended demonstrations at the event which should ensure the program gets off to a flying start. ... more pics

SONGKRAN AT MAHASARAKHAM UNIVERSITY

Songkran ceremonies and celebrations are held early at MSU as many students travel to their respective homes for the official holiday to the nineteen Isan Provinces from which MSU draws its students.

 MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito led a full day of Songkran ceremonies and festivities which were celebrated on April 8. Commencing at 7 am Dr.Supachai, MSU Executives and many others visited the City Pillar and then the Buddha at the MSU Northeastern Arts and Culture centre for a bathing ceremony.

At noon there was a merit making ceremony held in the grounds of the President’s Building. which preceded a grand parade followed by a full afternoon of entertainment, festivities and competitions. There was a beauty competition, popularity competition, dancing competition and a talent quest.

It is times such as these the full kindness, joy of life and welcoming attitude of Isan people is exemplified.

For any foreigner these goings on seem all very delightful and surprising while at the same time very strange so it is natural to feel a little out of place. Isan people soon make you feel comfortable and at ease as you are gently invited to participate in all ceremonies and festivities.

You do not feel excluded in the religious merit making ceremonies. You are invited to participate and are not ridiculed if you make a faux pas. You can join in with the parade and you can join in the dancing no matter how awkward your style. Isan people, both male and female, sing and dance from the time they are born and the exuberance and pure joy of the celebration combined with the loud and lively traditional and modern Isan music make it almost impossible for one not to join in and share the wonderful feelings.

The breathtaking beauty and colour of the traditional costumes, the adrenalin of the non-stop loud music, the elegance of movement accompanied by ubiquitous smiles make the Songkran festivities an unforgettable experience. A celebration of this kind should be on everybody’s ‘Things to Experience In My Lifetime’ list. ...more pics

PRAY FOR JAPAN - FUNDRAISING APPEAL LAUNCHED AT MSU

On March 17 MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito launched a fundraising appeal for the recent disaster in Japan.

The appeal has been named ‘Let’s Pray for Japan’. Staff from all MSU faculties and departments will be selling T-shirts to raise funds for Japanese disaster relief. The T-shirts are readily available and can be bought at many outlets around the campus.

We urge all students and staff of MSU as well as any reading this article to please spare a thought and Pray for Japan as well as perhaps making a small donation. .... more pics

NORTH EAST THAILAND TOURISM SEMINAR

On February 23 MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito and Makasarakham Province Governor Thong Thawi Pimsen co-chaired the opening ceremony of a Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) conference held at the Takisila Hotel, Mahasarakham.

The conference  ‘ The Adjustment of the Tourism Industry in North East Thailand in a Changing World’ attracted more than two hundred participants from all sectors of the tourist industry. The Dean of MSU Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management  Surachet Chethanat  noted in his speech the importance of orientating academic practice towards the creation of environmentally sustainable tourism. He also informed the delegates of the critical role tourism plays in the economic and social development of the north east of Thailand.

Mahasarakham Province Governor Thong Thawi Pimsen told the audience tourism is a service industry which needs to have management systems with the ability to adapt to the changing needs of the tourism market. There also needs to be awareness within this system of the social, economic and environmental links which must be integrated into the growing future of the rich tourism resources available for development in the region as a whole.

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Movie fever seems to have gripped the campus of MSU over the last fortnight with the pending release of the movie ‘Love At Sarakham’.

The full length cinema movie Love at Sarakham is a collaboration between the Institute of Northeastern Arts and Culture with the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture (Ministry of Culture). The movie is a romantic comedy set in and around Mahasarakham with many scenes shot on campus at MSU.

The dialogue and storyline is typically Isan, with language and costumes and character traits of the actors easily recognisable as from the north east. Local wags have suggested with typically lighthearted Isan frivolity the film will need to be subtitled in Thai language so those not familiar with Isan language can follow the storyline.

The underlying romantic story line is light and illustrates the light hearted and humorous side of young Isan people who really enjoy life, whatever it brings for them. It gives the viewer an outstanding insight into cultural aspects of the lives of young people living in the north east of Thailand. Love at Sarakham is due for national release in Thai cinemas on March 10. .... more pics          ...YOUTUBE TRAILER

MSU SCHOOLS COMBINED EVENING

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.

The dinner was a co-ordinated fundraising event between Mahasarakham University, MSU Demonstration Elementary and MSU Demonstration Secondary Schools. 

MSU secondary and primary schools have affiliations with another eighteen participating institutions across Thailand.

The evening was to strengthen relationships between administrators, lecturers, students and parents; all of whom were well represented at the popular evening during which entertainment was provided by students from MSU Demonstration Elementary. From all accounts the evening was an outstanding success.  .... more pics

JUNIOR ART CAMP AT MSU DEMONSTRATION SCHOOL

Mahasarakham University not only caters for tertiary education. MSU also has a Primary and Secondary Demonstration School. The Primary School, located within the grounds of the old campus, recently held its three day, two night Junior Art Camp #2  from the 4th to the 7th of February.

The Art Camp was opened by MSU President Dr. Supachai Samappito and MSU Primary Demonstration School Principal    Dr. Maliwan Tunapan.

Approximately one hundred and fifty primary school students from Grades one to six attended the camp which aims to give students opportunities to use art to ‘sustain the spirit, dream to use imagination, create an atmosphere of unity, realise the social value of their artwork and understand the benefits of creating art in their free time’.

The students were assisted during the camp by the MSU Primary Demonstration School teacher resource team. ...more pics

ANNUAL BUN BOEK FA RED CROSS FESTIVAL

More than a thousand students from MSU participated in the very popular Bun Boek Fa grand parade for the opening of the annual Bun Boek Fa Red Cross Fair.

The spectacular parade on January 28 was a part of the opening day ceremonies for the annual event. The Bun Boek Fa festival coincides with the beginning of the rice harvest season. Traditionally, farmers pay homage to the Goddess of Rice, Mae Pho Sop, preserving traditional Isan customs through ceremonies showing respect to the goddess.

For the tourist it is simply a festival. For the Isan people it is a very important part of their traditional lives.

The Red Cross is very well supported in Mahasarakham and the Bun Boek Fa Red Cross Fair gives students from many faculties at MSU the opportunity to showcase their faculties work at stalls erected for the ten day festival.

Besides the stalls there is a carnival atmosphere every night with many varieties of food available, carnival attractions and bargains galore at the many market stalls.

One of the very popular attractions is the fishing pond where every ‘fish’ caught wins a prize and a new car or motorcycle up for grabs.

The Bun Boek Fa Red Cross Fair is an event involving all the Mahasarakham community with people from all over Maha Sarakham Province coming to town to join in the festival atmosphere. ...more pics

NATIONAL CHILDREN’S DAY CELEBRATED AT MSU

On January 8 MSU Vice President for Student Development Dr. Sujin Butdisuwan had the enviable task of representing MSU in opening celebrations for Thai National Children’s Day.

MSU Student Council and various other student clubs banded together to create a special occasion for over two thousand children and adults attending the day held at the MSU Gymnasium.

The National Children’s Day motto this year of ‘cautious, cognitive public mindedness’ was the underlying theme for activities. Lots of prizes were donated by MSU and awarded to children participating in games cultivating knowledge towards the values of harmony, discipline and ethics.

It is still being decided whether the children or the adults had more fun on the day. ...more pics

PREECHA SAKORN ‘JUST PLAIN NATURAL’ SHORT FILM AWARD

MSU Information Science lecturer Preecha Sakorn     (left in picture) has received an honourable mention at the recent National Education Short Film Festival shown at SF Central World Cinema Bangkok.

Sakorn’s ten minute film, Just Plain Natural, was shot on location in Koofah National Park is a film regarding natural resources. Although the narrative is in Thai, English speakers will still be able to enjoy the scenery and understand a little of the storyline from the imagery.

Just Plain Natural and two other of Sakorn’s short films, The Transistor Radio (with English subtitles) and The Novices part I and part 2 (winner of an Excellence Award at the Tokyo Video Festival in 2007) are available to be viewed on Youtube (youtube search term = preesart).  ... more pics