Thai Delegation Visit—April 17, 2008

UW-Green Bay is helping Thai officials better understand alternative education methods in the United States. On hand for the signing of a memorandum of understanding between UW-Green Bay and the Thai delegation were,
(front row from left)
UW-Green Bay Prof. Pao Lor; Sugeeporn Uthongsap, Education Testing Officer, Bureau of Academic Affairs and Educational Standards; Kingkarn Sirasukondha, Education Testing Officer, Bureau of Academic Affairs and Educational Standards; Pathoomrat Rianpaisarn, Policy and Planning Analyst, Bureau of Policy and Planning; Wijitra Charoenpong, Assistant Professor, San Dusit Rajabhat University Ministry of Education; Suntisook Suntisasanasook, Educationalist Bureau of Academic Affairs and Educational Standards; Prof. Steve Kimball;
(back row from left)
Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences Scott Furlong; Director of International Education Office Brent Blahnik; Sayan Phanoi, Director of Khonkaen Educational Service Area; Team Leader Somkiat Chobpol, Deputy Secretary-General of Basic Education; UW-Green Bay Chancellor Bruce Shepard; Wichit Polbamrung, School Director of Namphongpattanasueska Rachamunklapisake School; and Pontip Glarob, Director, Non-Formal Education Development Division.

The Thai delegation visited other schools in the area last week to study American school systems and possibly implement changes to the Thai education system.

Chancellor Bruce Shepard signed the memorandum of standing, promising an ongoing partnership between UW-Green Bay and Thailand. "The new relationship could potentially include student exchanges and study abroad programs," said Brent Blahnik, director of the Office of International Education.

Chancellor Shepard had a chance to brush up on his Thai language skills during the visit. In 1964, Shepard became the United States' first high school student to study in Thailand via the American Field Service exchange program. "It was an experiment to see if an American could handle the tonal language and the culture," Shepard said in an earlier interview. His year abroad was a success, and a bonus for the Thai coach who pressed the 6-foot-4 exchange student into service in the pink-and-purple satins of the school's basketball team. Shepard mentioned his basketball memories to the delegation.

Team leader Somkiat Chobpol and Suntisook Suntisasanasook presented Shepard with a traditional Thai teacup. The ornamental piece, decorated in five colors, is meant for display only and may often contain other precious keepsakes for its owner. It’s a traditional gift to give among new friends.

Sayan Phanoi and Wichit Polbamrung found a few keepsakes from the UW-Green Bay Bookstore to remember their trip to campus. Nothing beats the warmth, comfort or style of a UWGB pullover, particularly one that is on sale.

Wijitra Charoenpong will take home a few gifts from the UW-Green Bay Bookstore after her visit to campus. The assistant professor at San Dusit Rajabhat University may one day be teaching UW-Green Bay students if a student-exchange program is developed as is being discussed.