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Q: President, welcome. We're glad to have you in South Korea. First, please introduce yourself.

 

A: Hello, Sawatdee Kha,  my name is Dr.Kanya Barndt. I’m the president of Thepsatri Rajabhat University in Thailand. I have one year of experience teaching in a primary school, 10 years teaching in 2 secondary schools, 6 years working as an educational supervisor, 19 years teaching at Thepsatri Rajabhat University. My expertise includes teaching English as a foreign language, planning and local development. I CURRENTLY SERVE AS THE CHAIR OF THE INTERNATIONAL STRATEGY COMMITTEE OF THE RAJABHAT UNIVERSITY NETWORK (RUN) AND ALSO HOLD THE POSITION OF VICE-CHAIR WITHIN RUN.

 

 

Q: First, I'd like to ask you a question related to the university where you work. Our readers may not be familiar with Thepsatri Rajabhat University. Could you please introduce Thepsatri Rajabhat University?

 

A: Thepsatri Rajabhat University (TRU) is one of 38 Rajabhat Universities located in Lop Buri province in the upper central region of Thailand. TRU's major missions comprise  producing quality graduates, developing local community and promoting local Thai culture and wisdom. We have six faculties including Education, Humanities & Sciences, Management Sciences, Sciences & Technology, Industrial Technology and Information Technology and 37  undergraduate and graduate Programs. TRU' service areas cover three provinces, Lop Buri, Sing Buri and Saraburi.

 

Q: You are the CEO managing Thepsatri Rajabhat University. What are your key priorities in university management?

 

A: The people, materials, money and administration system are the keys for managing our university. I therefore place an emphasis on people development because they are the most crucial factor who drive the university to accomplish the goals. We conduct an annual plan and five year strategic plan regularly as well as providing the material supporting the university services. We apply good governance working with all stakeholders both inside and outside university.

 

Q: While this visit to South Korea is personal in nature, I think that you are also considering academic and cultural exchanges with South Korea or universities in South Korea or something like that, from a public perspective. What are your thoughts on this?

 

A: TRU signed an MOU with the HANKOOK LIFE SCIENCE INSTITUTE AND 21ST CENTURY FOUNDATION and have done some activities together. We do hope to work with universities or schools in South Korea so we can do some exchanges to promote our student and staff  potential.

 

Q: You work at a university, but for our readers, could you please tell us about the education system in Thailand, particularly in terms of primary and secondary schools? What is the school system like, and what areas of education are emphasized?

 

A: In primary schools in Thailand, there are 6 Grades, 1-6 (Pratom Suksa 1-6) as well as secondary schools which include 6 Grades (Mattayom Suksa 1-6). The Basic Education in Thailand is Grade 1-9. The eight core subjects (1. Thai language, 2. Math, 3. Sciences, 4. Social study, religion & culture, 5. Foreign language (English), 6. Art, 7. Physical Education, and 8. Occupation & Technology)  are required in all grades in every school.

 

 

 

 Q: Now, let's turn to a slightly different question. It's likely that South Korean youth might not be very familiar with Thailand. Could you share some information about Thailand, including its geography, climate, cultural, and other aspects?

 

A: Thailand  is one of the most popular countries located in South East Asia with more than 70 million people. There are 77 provinces and the capital city is Bangkok. The weather in Thailand is hot and humid. Bangkok, Chaingmai, Phuket, Khao Samui and Pattaya are very famous for tourists.

 

 

Q: In both South Korea and Thailand, there are many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With the emphasis on sustainable development education these days, there is also much discussion about cultural heritage. Could you tell us about Thailand's cultural heritage, including which sites are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and how they are managed?

 

A: There are many world heritage sites in Thailand, for example, Ayutthaya Historical Park in the central region, Sukhothai Historical Park and Sri Thep Historical Park in the North. Dong Phayayen -Khao Yai Forest Complex, Nakhorn Ratchasima and Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in U-Thai Thani are natural wild forests with a massive variety of animals and plants.

 

 

Q: From what I understand, Lop Buri, where Thepsatri Rajabhat University is located, is famous for its monkeys. Could you share stories related to the Lop Buri monkeys, and also discuss the cultural heritage of the Lop Buri region?

 

A: It has been believed that the monkeys in Lop Buri belong to the gods in this area and they have been living here for a long time. So, if anyone tries to get rid of the monkeys, they may be miserable or unlucky. Lop Buri is immensely rich in local culture and tribes such as King Narai the Great Festival, an annual event where most people wear Thai traditional costumes in February and the monkey’s  buffet in November. King Narai palace, Prang Sam Yod Pagoda, Pasak Dam and Sunflower field are well known here.

 

 

Q: Now I would like to ask you about your personal background. Could you tell us about your school years? How was your school life?

 

A: I graduated with my bachelor and master degree majoring in English from Mahasarakham University in Thailand. I received my doctoral degree from the College of Education Sam Houston State University in the U.S.A.

 

 

Q: Please share your life motto, philosophy, and worldview.

 

A: Obstacles are lessons to learn and find the solutions. Do not use problems as excuses not to do things. Unsuccessful people see problems whereas successful people see the solutions. No matter how hard the problem you have to deal with, you will get through as long as you're still breathing.

Things in the world keep changing, so we have to actively learn and adjust ourselves properly.

 

Q: President, could you also discuss your plans for the future, both in terms of managing Thepsatri Rajabhat University and in your personal life?

 

A: TRU needs to develop short courses or none-degree programs for lifelong learning for people in the local community to both serve and earn an income for supporting the university itself.  We plan to be a Smart university and Learning center for the local community. Additionally, we do need to make money from the university assets and academic services.

 

Q: Finally, while this advice may apply to Thai youth, it is also relevant to South Korean youth living in this 21st-century globalized world. What advice do you have for them to be responsible global citizens?

 

A: To be smart in this changing world, you all should learn both the past and the present situations and prepare for the future. Hamonize or balance the old and the new so that you won't be dragged into the sick society.

 

Q: If you have any additional remarks for The Monday Times and our readers, please feel free to share them.

 

A: Thank you very much for giving me an opportunity to share my experience and point of view in The Monday Times. In the borderless world, we all are from different places with different cultures and history, therefore, it is very important for us to learn, understand and respect each other in order to live together happily.