The University of Phayao, led by Associate Professor Dr. Supakorn Pongbangpho, has tasked the Innovation and Technology Transfer Institute (UPITI) and the Learning Innovation Institute (UPILI), headed by Associate Professor Dr. Phanintra Teeranon, Assistant to the President, with organizing a workshop to enhance the skills of learning city administrators in the southern region. The workshop took place on November 10th – 11th, 2024, at Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus.
The UP City Administrator Course for the Southern Research Node, supported by the Program Management Unit for Area-Based Development (PMU-A), provided hands-on training for researchers and community leaders from the southern region. The course was officially opened by Dr. Pechdau Tohmeena, Advisor to the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation. The program focused on developing learning cities that align with the diverse cultural contexts of the South, led by Mr. Abdulghani Jorso, head of the project “Pattani: A Model of a Lifelong Learning City.” Participants included researchers from various southern cities such as Singora, Taluban, Tak Bai, and Su-ngai Kolok, as well as representatives from the private sector, local agencies (municipalities and schools), and the Indonesian Consulate. A total of 35 participants attended.
The course focused on integrating learning city development with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular emphasis on adapting to and embracing the region’s multicultural society. Participants were given the opportunity to experience and understand the region’s cultural diversity, with key topics including the roles of women and religion in creating safe spaces and fostering collaboration among individuals with different beliefs and behaviors. One notable example highlighted during the course was the old town area of Pattani, a unique cultural melting pot where Thai Buddhist, Islamic, and Chinese communities coexist. This area, which includes landmarks such as Khun Raya’s House and House No. 5 (both recognized by UNESCO), serves as an important learning hub.
This course, conducted by the City Unit in collaboration with UPITI and UPILI, aims to provide guidance and mentorship for sustainable development tailored to the specific needs of communities in the southern region.
