PSU-AUN Summer Camp 2026 concludes with memorable highlights: bridging ASEAN cultures through the charm of Southern Thai gastronomy
Prince of Songkla University (PSU) organized a concluding learning showcase and farewell ceremony for the PSU-AUN Summer Camp 2026: “Taste of Southern Thailand — Connecting Cultures through Gastronomy” at Crystal Hotel, Hat Yai, Songkhla Province. The event was held in a warm and memorable atmosphere with international students, representatives from the ASEAN University Network (AUN), PSU executives, and related stakeholders in attendance on 17 May 2026.
The afternoon session began with group presentations by participants under the theme “How can Southern Thai Gastronomy connect cultures and create global impact?” The presentations were evaluated by a panel of distinguished experts. Students shared their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives gained throughout the program, covering local food identity, community-based learning, food innovation, and cultural connectivity in a global context.
In the evening, a Farewell Party and official closing ceremony were held. The event was honored by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thakerng Wongsirichot, Vice President for Academic and International Affairs of Prince of Songkla University, who delivered the closing remarks. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanapan Laiprakobsup, Executive Director of ASEAN University Network (AUN), presided over the ceremony and expressed appreciation for the successful organization of the program.
The event featured Southern Thai cultural performances by PSU students, certificate presentations for participants, a video highlight of the camp activities, and performances by PSU-AUN Summer Camp 2026 participants, reflecting cultural diversity and the friendships formed among students from different countries.
In addition, awards were announced, and participants were invited to share their reflections, impressions, and lessons learned from the program. The event concluded in a warm atmosphere filled with lasting memories.
PSU-AUN Summer Camp 2026 was held from 5-18 May 2026 at Prince of Songkla University’s Hat Yai Campus, Pattani Campus, and key locations in Songkhla and Pattani provinces. As the main host, PSU aimed to promote learning in Southern Thai gastronomy, cross-cultural exchange, and the development of youth networks within the ASEAN region, as part of its continued internationalization efforts.
The program emphasized cultural connectivity through food by integrating the richness of Southern Thailand - its cuisine, local wisdom, herbs, ways of life, multicultural society, and sustainability - through academic lectures, workshops, community-based field learning, study visits, and experiential presentations.
Throughout the program, participants explored food, culture, and sustainability in Southern Thailand through various activities, including sustainable culinary learning from palm sugar, herbal cuisine and Thai massage, gastronomy showcases from different campuses, and field visits to local food communities in Songkhla such as Koh Yo, Singhanakhon, and the Songkhla Old Town.
Participants also traveled to Pattani Province to learn about multiculturalism and local wisdom through visits to the Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Cultural Studies, batik-making workshops, tours of Pattani Old Town, and community-based learning activities, culminating in group presentations based on their field experiences.
This program reflects Prince of Songkla University’s role as a research-intensive and internationally oriented university that integrates food studies, innovation, culture, and area-based development into international activities. It also strengthens collaboration within the ASEAN University Network, enhances students’ creativity, leadership, intercultural competence, and English communication skills, and promotes the values of Southern Thailand’s cuisine, way of life, and local wisdom to the regional stage in a tangible way.