Asian University’s Summer University started on 4 August with a traditional welcome and Bi See candle lit ceremony. This year students have come from nine different countries in four continents and are here to learn about Thai culture and the way business is conducted in the region.
So far they have enjoyed an introduction to Thai boxing, several lectures on Thailand and its culture, and presentations of “My Thailand” from the Asian university students’ perspective. On Wednesday evening, the visitors put on presentations about their home countries, and the Thais were able to learn about ways of life elsewhere. The guests treated everyone to samples of food and drink from different parts of the world; it seems beer from anywhere is welcome, but licorice sweets from Germany are an acquired taste!
As a part of this year’s Asian Experience, on 5 August, Asian University welcomed Khun Mechai Viravaidya (known to many Thais as Mr. Condom) to speak on some of the many activities he has been involved in.
Mr. Mechai was introduced by Dr Viphandh Roengpithya (Dr. Vip), the University president, and Mr. Keith Cheeseborough, the director of the Summer University programme. The presentation was entitled “Thinking out of the Box and taking No as a Question”.
The presentation was in four sections starting with Population. In 1974 the average Thai family had 7 children, but as a result of Mr. Mechai’s Population and Community Development Association (PDA) campaigns this had fallen to 1.2 children per family by 2005. A large family just meant sharing everything between more people which was always going to lead to poverty. Mr. Mechai also explained that it was necessary to think differently, not just copy western ideas. Thailand’s medical services were already stretched, so why couldn’t contraceptive pills be handed out or sold by trained nurses, or even trained shopkeepers, hairdressers, dressmakers, etc? Even caddies, monks and the police (the Cops and Rubbers campaign) were engaged to promote the use of contraceptives. Interestingly, this programme began in the Banglamung area, which includes Pattaya, before spreading throughout the countrywide.
The second part of the talk was centred on HIV and Aids, and the campaigns to prevent infection. Khun Mechai explained his problems with the government of the day, which denied there was a problem, but when a new government was installed under Khun Anand Panyarachun, he became a Minister and with Khun Anand’s support was able to promote the use of condoms, and safe sex. Khun Mechai referred to condoms as weapons of mass protection!
The third part was how to get rid of poverty. Mr. Mechai stressed that population control is only part of the story. To get out of the poverty trap people do not need handouts, they need to be taught how to run businesses and have access to credit. With no collateral this has been difficult, but local schemes were established to allow the poorer people to borrow money at reasonable rates of interest and, if they hit repayment problems, they were able to offer their labour as a form of security.
The fourth part of the presentation focused on non-governmental organisations and how they can – and should - survive without always begging for money.
The restaurants (Cabbages and Condoms), resorts, hotels and shops operated by PDA have become well known, and successful in raising money to help the projects. So it is appropriate that the farewell dinner for the Summer University this year is scheduled to be held at the Cabbages and Condoms restaurant in Bangkok.
One of the Summer University visitors, Deb, who is from Australia, thanked Mr. Mechai and gave him a small gift. Dr. Vip also gave his friend Mr. Mechai a gift to thank him for coming to the University.
After three weeks of lectures, tours, business and cultural visits and making friends, the 34 international delegates have left Asian University’s Summer University; some have returned to their homes and others are enjoying a short holiday in Thailand.
The programme started on the Asian University campus, near Jomtien, and the young people from nine different countries started with introductions to Thailand from the University’s Thai students about the way things are done here.
After a week on campus, including an inspiring lecture from Mr. Mechai, they went to Koh Samet for a relaxing weekend. Everyone enjoyed themselves on the beach and in the sea, preparing themselves for the study ahead. The group was split into two sections. Fourteen of the Russians from Sakhalin University were taking special English language and Tourism courses, while the others were concentrating on how business operates in Thailand and SE Asia. The business section included undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as people who are already working. Both sections socialized together and were introduced to Thai culture and visited some local sites and businesses.
The tourism group went to the Royal Cliff Beach Resort where they were shown round by Mr. Victor Kriventsov, the Russian director of sales and marketing. They also visited Alangkarn, where the management team allowed everyone onto the stage to see some of the special features used in the extravaganza shows. The students liked the Hard Rock Hotel, and felt it was most suitable for younger visitors. They also visited the Aquarium and the Pattaya Friday market, finding plenty of bargains. The students made time to go shopping, visit a few of the numerous nightspots in Pattaya and Bangkok as well as tasting Thai food in a wide range of venues.
Everyone enjoyed visiting the Amari hotel, with a presentation by Khun Chatchai Sangphet, their professional development manger, followed by supper at Henry Beans. A first for most of the visitors was elephant riding by the beach at Ban Amphur, and also a visit to Wat Yan with a talk by the Abbot about meditation and his life as a monk. He certainly looked young for his age! The visitors were very impressed by Bangkok Hospital, Pattaya (where a few stayed behind to visit the dental department) and Dr Iain Corness guided them around the facilities, many of which compare favourably to a five star hotel.
In Bangkok there was a visit to The Grand Palace in Bangkok, riding the sky train, cruising the klongs (including the Royal Barge museum and Wat Arun) and lectures from eminent businessmen who are working in Thailand. The Asian University President, Dr Viphandh Roengpithya, also gave lectures on some of the influences of Thai Buddhism.
The visitors were looked after by the Summer University Director, Mr. Keith Cheeseborough, and his assistants plus two Asian university students, Poppy and Mink, who were able to guide the students to the night spots frequented by both Thais and foreigners. The feedback was very positive; “This experience was really interesting and great in all aspects. I’m sure these days will stay in my memory forever.” “Like to give great thanks to Dr. Vip and Asian University for an enlightening experience.”
Plans are already underway for next year’s Summer University, and also some customized programmes for individual groups.
Thanks to Robert and Kasinee for help with photos.
