Thai Students Learn Mandarin, Explore Taiwan Culture in One-Month Camp at SU

Soochow University welcomed a delegation of 27 teachers and students from Thailand for the “2026 Chinese Language Camp” organized by SU’s Chinese Language Center. The program brought together participants from Praksa Subdistrict Municipality and Praksa Withedsuksa Secondary School, offering intensive Mandarin courses and cultural visits across northern Taiwan to help participants gain firsthand insight into Taiwan’s history and society.

The month-long camp officially opened on April 16 and will conclude on May 15. The Thai delegation was introduced through the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand and supported by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education through its scholarship program for short-term Mandarin studies for international students.

Leading the group was Praksa Subdistrict Municipality Mayor Mrs. Aranya Suwanbut, accompanied by honorary advisor Mr. Yongyut Suwanbut, Praksa Foundation chairman Mr. Methakun Suwanbut, and Praksa Withedsuksa Secondary School principal Mr. Chuchart Thiangtham.

In the opening ceremony, SU President Chyan-Long Jan said the University has long been committed to international collaboration and technology education, expressing hope that the Thai students would explore broadly and experience Taiwan’s diverse cultural landscape during their stay. Representatives of the Thai delegation also extended their appreciation for the hospitality provided by the university and the assistance from Taiwan’s overseas offices.

The camp was coordinated by Chinese Language Center director Yi-Ling Lin and specialist Peng-Shun Wang, who designed a curriculum combining language learning with cultural immersion. In addition to intensive Mandarin classes and local culture courses, the participants also visited well-known landmarks including the National Palace Museum, Fort San Domingo, and the Beitou Hot Spring Museum.

School officials said the collaboration not only strengthened bilateral language exchange, but also demonstrated SU’s concrete commitment to cross-cultural understanding. Building on the partnership, the Chinese Language Center plans to continue promoting high-quality international exchange programs and deepen educational ties with partners across Southeast Asia.

Other members of the visiting delegation included Praksa honorary advisor Mr. Yongyut Suwanbut, municipal secretary Mr. Suppasan Noosawat, executive secretary Mr. Sombat Chadjen, deputy municipal secretary Mr. Vannavut Masuk, director of the Education Division Miss Onuma Chappokham, Praksa Foundation secretary Miss Dawan Shoosawai, and Praksa Withedsuksa Secondary School principal Mr. Chuchart Thiangtham.