PSU Pattani Builds Borderless Friendships and Fosters Cross-Cultural Understanding through Harmony Beyond Borders, Strengthening Ties with the Governor of Pattani
Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus, continues to promote internationalization and create an open learning environment by organizing the event "Harmony Beyond Borders – Meet, Greet & Dinner Reception with the Governor of Pattani" on August 27, 2026, at the Pattani Governor’s Residence. The event provided a platform for meeting, exchanging experiences, and connecting Prince of Songkla University Pattani Campus, Pattani Province, and the university''s international community, while building understanding and friendship based on cultural diversity.
On this occasion, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Montira Leelakriangsak, Vice President for Academic Affairs Pattani Campus, and Asst.Prof.Dr. Warapark Maitreephun, Assistant President for Research and Social Mission Pattani Campus, led a delegation of international faculty members, international students, and participants from Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus, to visit the Pattani Governor’s Residence. Mrs. Pateemoh Sadeeyamu, Governor of Pattani, warmly welcomed the delegation.
Mrs. Pateemoh Sadeeyamu expressed her delight in welcoming the faculty members, international students, and participants, praising the cooperation among the university, the province, and the international community. She noted that this collaboration creates a space for learning, exchange, and borderless friendship. She stated that those who come to study, work, or exchange experiences in Pattani are not merely visitors, but key members of the community. The diversity of languages, cultures, and experiences shared by everyone enriched the learning environment, making both the university and Pattani Province more vibrant and internationally connected.
The Governor also highlighted the role of Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus, as an educational institution playing a crucial role in regional and provincial development, serving as an open learning hub for people worldwide. International cooperation plays a vital role in human resource development, research, innovation, and cross-cultural understanding. She expressed confidence that education, friendship, and cultural exchange will serve as powerful drivers in building trust, cooperation, and sustainable peace.
The "Harmony Beyond Borders" event was held under a concept aiming to create a space where people from diverse nationalities, languages, and cultures can meet and learn from one another in an informal atmosphere. Participants conversed and shared experiences regarding studying, working, and living in Pattani, while learning about the local context, lifestyle, and culture leading to mutual understanding and good relationships among people from varied backgrounds.
At the event, the Governor treated the delegation to a variety of Thai desserts, allowing international faculty and students to taste Thai snacks and experience local culinary and cultural charm. Additionally, a Sharing Experience session titled "Experiences of Studying and Living in Pattani" provided a platform for representatives of international faculty members and students to share their experiences of studying and living in Pattani, covering adaptation, cultural learning, building friendships, and their overall impressions of living and working in the area.
Furthermore, the Governor shared stories regarding the history and significance of the Pattani Governor''s Residence to foster understanding of the area''s historical context. She also presented pants featuring Pattani''s signature pattern as souvenirs to international faculty members and students, serving as a token of memories and impressions from their visit to Pattani Province.
Sjan Marthen Muir, a student representative from Universitas Udayana (UNUD), Indonesia, participating in the Student Mobility Program, shared that traveling to Pattani as an exchange student allowed him to experience the area and learn about the local way of life from a perspective different from that of a tourist. As Thailand was the first foreign country he had visited, he was deeply impressed by Thailand and Pattani Province, especially the warm reception from the local community, which made him feel welcomed and part of society throughout his stay.
What impressed him most was the energy of the young generation in Pattani, having met students who were determined, creative, and enthusiastic about both education and community development. Studying at PSU Pattani exposed him to a different academic environment and allowed him to learn from the university''s faculty, praising their attentiveness and support, as well as an educational system that is open and values diversity. Beyond classroom learning, the program provided an opportunity to appreciate Pattani''s cultural identity, including traditions, language, art, food, and lifestyle. Coming from Bali, an island with a strong cultural identity of its own, he expressed interest and admiration for how Pattani preserves and transmits its culture.
Meanwhile, Mr. Toshiharu Shinohara, a foreign lecturer at the Language Center, Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus, mentioned that Pattani is a beautiful city well-suited for photography. Throughout his stay, he often carries his mobile phone to capture images and explore various places, including local cafes, restaurants, and interesting spots around town.
He shared that his most profound impression came from the kindness and generosity of Pattani''s people, recalling an incident when his bicycle broke down, forcing him to walk to work. Along the way, people frequently pulled over to ask where he was heading and offered him a ride. Such small gestures left a lasting impression and allowed him to genuinely feel the warmth of the local community. He concluded by expressing his happiness and appreciation for living in Pattani, thanking the locals for their hospitality and warm welcome throughout his stay.
Mr. Muhyideen Imam Sidiq, a master''s student from the Faculty of Science and Technology representing international students, expressed gratitude to the Governor of Pattani for the opportunity to meet and exchange experiences. He noted that his experience of studying and living in Pattani had been highly meaningful and valuable. Studying at Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus, not only offers academic and research opportunities but also allows students to learn about Thai culture, local communities, and peaceful coexistence based on mutual respect and understanding. The experience made students realize that education extends beyond classroom knowledge to include the people met, shared experiences, and relationships formed along the journey.
On this occasion, international student representatives expressed their gratitude to Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus, the people of Pattani, and the broader Thai community for their warm welcome and support. They hoped such activities and meetings would continue to strengthen friendships, understanding, and cooperation between international students and the people of Pattani.
"Pattani has become more than just a place we came to study; it is a place where we have learned, grown, built friendships, and created valuable memories," said Mr. Muhyideen Imam Sidiq.
