The beautiful sound of the Indonesian Angklungs filled up the entire Huataphan Chamber, Walailak University Hospital, as Thai and Indonesian students practiced playing this traditional instrument. They took turns playing as instructed by the Angklung instructor. 

Today (18 July 2023), President Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, together with Vice President Surin Maisrikrod, welcomed honorary guests His Excellency Rachmat Budiman, Indonesian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand, and Mr. Achmad Wicaksono, Education and Culture Attaché of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, who came visit Walailak University on the occasion of the University co-organizing the Thai-Indonesian Culture Festival from 17 to 18 July.

Professor Dr. Sombat said, “The Indonesian Festival is a great bonding activity to strengthen the partnership between Walailak University, the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, and educational institutes in Indonesia.” 

“These cross-cultural activities nurture students’ global mindset and act as soft power to increase understanding among the people of the two countries. I strongly believe that different people, different beliefs, and different dreams, joining together, can beautifully form a gorgeous mosaic for our global communities.” 

During the event, Walailak University Thai Dancing Club students delivered a performance of traditional Thai dance. Two Indonesian students performed the Bambangan Cakil Dance, portraying the battle between a warrior and a giant, symbolizing the clash between good and evil. 

There was also a performance of the Indonesian folksong “Rasa Sayang” by the Walailak students. And the Smarasanta Dance, performed by the PUI Javanologi group from Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), Indonesia, represents the spirit of joy. 

Ms. Pattarawadee Srisaard, a student from WU School of Political Science and Public Administration (PPA), was the lucky winner of a draw and received a round-trip air ticket to Indonesia. Moreover, during the afternoon session, His Excellency Rachmat delivered a special talk on Indonesian Politics for the PPA students.

At present, Walailak University has approximately 100 full-time international students and staff members from 21 countries. The university was recently placed at 501+ among young universities worldwide by the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2023, or joint third in Thailand.