PSU hosts PSU-AUN Summer Camp 2026 showcasing southern Thai gastronomy and ASEAN cultural connections
Prince of Songkla University is hosting the PSU-AUN Summer Camp 2026 under the theme “Taste of Southern Thailand — Connecting Cultures through Gastronomy” from 5-18 May 2026. The program is organized as part of the activities of the ASEAN University Network (AUN) and takes place at PSU Hat Yai Campus, Pattani Campus, and key cultural sites in Songkhla and Pattani provinces. The camp aims to promote experiential learning, intercultural understanding, and the university’s role in international higher education.
The project is designed around the concept of connecting cultures through gastronomy by showcasing Southern Thailand’s strengths in food, local wisdom, herbs, multicultural lifestyles, and sustainable development. Students from AUN member universities participate in academic lectures, workshops, field-based community learning, study visits, and group presentations based on real-world experiences.
The program officially began on 6 May 2026 with the opening ceremony and orientation at the Education and Innovative Learning Academy (EILA), PSU Hat Yai Campus, presided over by Asst. Prof. Dr. Niwat Keawpradub, President of PSU. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Janya Chanchaichujit, Assistant President for Promotion of Foreign Affairs, delivered the welcome report. Participants also attended a special lecture on “Gastronomy, Identity & Multicultural Roots of Southern Thailand” by Asst. Prof. Dr. Supattra Davison, Assistant President for ASEAN Affairs and the Creative Economy, followed by a PSU Campus Rally activity.
Throughout the camp, participants explored Southern Thai food, culture, and sustainability through various activities, including sustainable palm-based food learning at the Faculty of Agro-Industry, herbal cuisine and Thai traditional medicine workshops at the Faculty of Traditional Thai Medicine, and the PSU Gastronomy Showcase Series from the Surat Thani, Trang, and Phuket campuses. Field trips in Songkhla included learning about three-water sea bass at Ko Yo, “Mamuang Bao” in Singhanakhon District, Suan Thepya Learning Center, and the Songkhla Gastronomy Experience in Songkhla Old Town.
From 11-13 May 2026, participants traveled to Pattani province to explore multiculturalism and local wisdom through visits to the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre Pattani Cultural Institute, batik workshops, Pattani Old Town tours, and community-based learning at Tan Jorang Community, Panare Sea Folk School, and Cocoa Pattani Union. Additional activities included Bangpu Amazing Pattani and group presentations reflecting on field experiences.
In the final phase of the program, students joined the “From Lab to Innovation” activities at the Southern Science Park, participating in culinary practice sessions and a Design Thinking for Gastronomy-based Innovation workshop. Participants also explored the topic “How can Southern Thai Gastronomy connect cultures and create global impact?”, and visited PlaNeat Seafood for an industrial study tour.
The camp concluded on 17 May 2026 at Crystal Hotel with group presentations, a farewell dinner, cultural performances, certificate presentations, award announcements, and participant reflections before departures on 18 May 2026.
As a leading member university of the ASEAN University Network, Prince of Songkla University is committed to strengthening its role as a regional host institution. The theme “Taste of Southern Thailand — Connecting Cultures through Gastronomy” aligns with the university’s internationalization strategy, regional collaboration goals, and mission to become a knowledge hub connecting research, academic services, and area-based development.
This program also reflects PSU’s role as a research-intensive and internationally recognized university that integrates food, innovation, culture, and local development into international activities. At the same time, it promotes collaboration within the ASEAN university network, enhances students’ creativity, leadership, intercultural communication, and English communication skills, and showcases the value of local food, lifestyles, and wisdom from Songkhla and Pattani to the regional stage.