SOLGEN Hosts “Next Gen Debaters”
Inter-University Debate Platform to
Foster 21st Century Skills.

Debaters

The General Education Program, School of Languages and General Education (SOLGEN), Walailak University, organized the Next Gen Debaters: Inter-University Debate Platform on January 24, 2026, from 09:00–16:00 at Academic Building 6, Walailak University. The event aimed to enhance students’ critical thinking and effective communication skills—key competencies for the 21st century.

The event was honored by the presence of Asst. Prof. Dr. Rungreang Janta, Deputy Dean of the School of Languages and General Education, who delivered the opening remarks. Faculty members from SOLGEN served as judges under the leadership of Asst. Prof. Dr. Nipon Thipsrinimit, together with Aj. Siriporn Tansuwan, Aj. Piyanuch Khunsawat, Dr. Chulalak Chuprom, and Dr. Sananat Kesornsit. A special guest judge from the School of Liberal Arts, Aj. Korrakot Khamhaeng, also joined the panel. The event was hosted and moderated by Aj. Methat Siriwat and Aj. Sasiwimon Khongsuwan, who served as debate chairs.

The competition featured debates on various motions, allowing participants to practice expressing opinions, engaging in constructive argumentation, and collaborating effectively as a team. Interactive quiz activities with prizes were also organized to encourage audience participation and create an engaging learning atmosphere.

🏆 Champion Team: Thanyachanok Phonyiem, Anuphat Sarnboon, and Chayamon Chanthong
🥈 First Runner-up: Jirayut Phromboonkaew, Pitchapa Buakhong, and Thirawat Buasawang
🥉 Second Runner-up (2 teams):

Team 1: Siras Suwannaphan, Dararat Singkhum, and Phanupong Boonying

Team 2: Atthapinya Khwansong, Phimchanok Phetsrichuang, and Thiraphong Chomchan
🎖 Honorable Mentions (4 teams):

Team 1: Phimpitcha Sririn, Chantima Sutthanee, and Kesarin Phinit

Team 2: Patiphol Phothaworn, Nattanopin Chuathong, and Siriyakorn Saman

Team 3: Thanawat Weerakul, Naphatsorn Rattanasuwan, and Kanokporn Sakaesaeng

Team 4: Panchaphon Rakwarn, Setthasiri Khunboonchan, and Phatsanan Suksom

A total of 126 students, faculty members, and interested participants attended the event. The atmosphere was friendly, dynamic, and highly engaging. Contestants demonstrated strong analytical and communication skills, while the audience actively participated throughout the program, reflecting the success of the initiative in fostering 21st century competencies.

School of Languages and General Education
Monthly School Meeting, January 2026

SOLGEN

School of Languages and General Education Monthly School Meeting, January 2026
“SOLGEN Is Ready to Welcome the New Era”
On Wednesday, 21 January 2026, from 13:00–15:30, at the Conference Room, Academic Building 6, the School of Languages and General Education held its January 2026, monthly School meeting.
The meeting included updates on current developments, operations, and the work of various units within the School and the University, as well as congratulatory remarks for faculty members appointed to new academic positions: Asst. Prof. Dr. Mark Trevey and Asst. Prof. Dr. Chulalak Chuprom.
The session concluded with an academic research exchange, presented by Dr. Jatuporn Panthong and Asst.Prof.Dr. Marlon Domagco Sipe.
The atmosphere was intense and focused on work, yet warm and cordial, reflecting the strong sense of collegial friendship among colleagues.

SOLGEN Opens a Grand Outdoor Classroom
at Ao Aiyo Forest, Enhancing Life Skills
through Experiential Learning

Outdoor

The School of Languages and General Education (SOLGEN), Walailak University, led by Ms. Piyanuch Khunsawat, instructor of GED65-147: Camping for Natural Resource and Environmental Conservation, organized a one-day trip under the theme “Getting lost wastes time, but getting lost in the forest with SOLGEN is time well spent.” The activity featured a “Nature Study Forest Walk” at Ao Aiyo Forest in Ban Nam Tok Subdistrict, Thung Song District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.

Ao Aiyo Forest is a community forest that has received the prestigious Green Globe Award for two consecutive years. The event was honored by the presence of Mr. Manop Prapertchop, Deputy Chief Executive of Ban Nam Tok Subdistrict Administrative Organization, along with local leaders and Mr. Boonlert Phansanit, President of the Ao Aiyo Forest Conservation Club and a respected local sage. Mr. Boonlert shared valuable knowledge about local herbal plants along the 2-kilometer trekking route, which took approximately two hours to complete.

Following the forest walk, students explored the geographical features of Ban Nam Tok community and participated in a kayaking activity through “Tham Wang Phraya Phichai Songkhram Cave,” a community-based tourism site located along the border between Thung Song District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, and Ratsada District, Trang Province. The site is particularly suitable for first-time students with limited trekking experience.

This activity is part of the core components of GED65-147, a free elective course for third- and fourth-year students in the General Education program. In the second semester of the 2025 academic year, the course attracted 209 enrolled students, reflecting strong interest in experiential learning.

The General Education program emphasizes holistic life skills development beyond the traditional classroom setting. Through carefully designed outdoor activities, students are encouraged to explore, discover new experiences, and cultivate self-management skills through engagement with nature.

The second activity of the course will be a three-day, two-night camping program at the community-based tourism site “Phu Than Kaew” in Khao Phanom District and at Hat Noppharat Thara National Park in Mueang District, Krabi Province. Two cohorts are scheduled to participate in February 2026.

School of Languages and General Education Partners
with Tachibana Lions Club (Japan) for
“Save the Mangroves, Save the World” Project

Mangroves

On Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the School of Languages and General Education, Walailak University, in collaboration with the Tachibana Lions Club (Japan) and local partner agencies, organized the “Save the Mangroves, Save the World” project at Sa Bua Beach, Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.

The event brought together 100 participants, including students and staff from Walailak University as well as interested members of the public. The project received generous support and facilitation from government and local authorities, including the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, the Protected Areas Regional Office 5, the Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment, and the Tha Sala Subdistrict Administrative Organization, along with members of the local community who assisted in site preparation and provided mangrove seedlings.

A highlight of the event was a special lecture delivered by Prof. Dr. Sanit Aksornkoae, President of the International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems (ISME), who shared his expertise on the importance of mangrove ecosystems before participants jointly planted mangrove trees.

In addition, students were invited to share their impressions of the activity through social media by posting photos and reflections in the comment section. The organizing committee selected the most impressive entries to receive special prizes.

This initiative reflects international collaboration, community engagement, and the university’s commitment to integrating learning with social and environmental responsibility for sustainable development.

School of Languages and General Education,
Walailak University Hosts National Children’s Day 2026

Children

🎉 The School of Languages and General Education, Walailak University
Organized the National Children’s Day 2026 Celebration
Under the theme:
💛 “Creating Smiles and Enhancing Children and Youth Development”

📅 On January 10, 2026,
the School of Languages and General Education, Walailak University, organized the National Children’s Day 2026 celebration.

📍 The event was held at the Infinity Room, Walailak University Museum.

🤝 This activity was collaboratively organized by the faculty members of the School of Languages and General Education. The main objective was to create a joyful space 😊 while promoting children’s and youths’ development in terms of 💪 physical growth, 🧠 intellectual development, and 🤝 social skills. The event also aimed to foster learning through creative activities for children and youth in the community.

🎯 The event featured a variety of engaging activities, including:
🎮 Educational games
🎈 Recreational activities
🏆 Prize-winning games
🎨 Creative activity booths

The activities attracted a large number of children and parents.

🎁 In addition, numerous prizes and souvenirs were provided, bringing fun, laughter, and smiles throughout the event 😄

🌈 The atmosphere was filled with warmth and memorable moments, reflecting the university’s role in community engagement and its commitment to promoting sustainable learning alongside happiness for children and youth 💙

School of Languages and General Education
Congratulates Asst. Prof. Dr. Taweeluck Pollachom
on Scopus Q1 Publication

Scopus

School of Languages and General Education Discusses Research Collaboration on English Language Teaching
with Southern Network

English

Friday, 9 January 2026, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Meeting Room 2, Academic Building 6

Representatives from the Southern English Program Promotion Center, Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC), Benjamarachuthit School, Nakhon Si Thammarat, namely Ms. Saengkhae Khonghuairop, Mr. Anek Hiranyasathit, Ms. Phannaraporn Kaewphrom, and Acting Sub-Lt. Kunawut Srisuwan, Deputy Director for Academic Administration of Benjamarachuthit School, together with faculty members from the Southern English Program Promotion Center network, visited to attend a meeting with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Prakasit Sitthithikul, Acting Dean of the School of Languages and General Education, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mark Ulla, Head of the Language Learning and Teaching Research Center, and               Ms. Kantchanok Woodison.

The meeting focused on consultations regarding research on English language teaching at the basic education level.
As an outcome of the meeting, a preliminary consensus was reached to establish a research plan for English language teaching and learning management in basic education. This initiative represents a further development from the strong foundation of teaching practices already in place. Advancing into teaching and learning research is regarded as a significant leap forward in enhancing the quality of English language education in the future.

Associate Professor Dr. Pragasit Sitthitikul, Dean of the School of Languages and General Education (SOLGEN), Walailak University, together with Mr. Cole Brown and
Ms. Kanchanochon Woodeson, are honored guests invited to participate in the 18th Southern English Program (SEMIP) Academic Competition

SEMIP

On January 8, 2026. Associate Professor Dr. Pragasit Sitthitikul, Dean of the School of Languages and General Education (SOLGEN), Walailak University, together with Mr. Cole Brown and Ms. Kanchanochon Woodeson, are honored guests invited to participate in the 18th Southern English Program (SEMIP) Academic Competition Opening Ceremony under the Office of the Basic Education Commission, Ministry of Education at Tha Sala Prasitsuksa School, Thasala, Nakhon Si Thammarat.

 
On this occasion, Associate Professor Dr. Prakasit delivered a special address to promote the School of Languages and General Education (SOLGEN), Walailak University, and to promote English skills improvement for students, targeting education administrators, school directors, students, and parents from many schools across southern Thailand.
In addition to the competition, this event provides a valuable platform for academic exchange, the strengthening of inter-school collaboration, and the promotion of positive professional relationships among educational institutions.
Participants are also cordially invited to experience the charm of ThaSala District, a warm and welcoming community along the Golden Gulf of Nakhon Si Thammarat, renowned for its hospitality, friendly smiles, and lasting impressions

Knowledge Exchange on Faculty-Level Quality Assurance

Collaboration

Wednesday, 7 January 2025, 1:30–4:30 PM At the Main Conference Room, Academic Building 6

The Educational Quality Assurance Committee of the School of Languages and General Education (SOLGEN) welcomed the New Year 2026 by organizing a knowledge-sharing session on WU AUN-QA.
The event was honored by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Apirak Phayakha, Assistant President for Educational Quality Assurance, who led an exchange of insights on planning and implementing quality assurance at the school level.
A shared learning journey—rich in quality and friendship.

Collaboration
Collaboration

Korean Culture "Kimbap Workshop"

Kimbap

On 6 January 2026, the “Kimbap Workshop” was held from 10:00–13:00 at the ProChef Kitchen, Walailak University. In addition to students enrolled in GED65-117: International Languages and Cultures, the workshop also welcomed interested staff and faculty members, creating a space for learning and exchanging **Korean culture through food.

The workshop was demonstrated and facilitated by Mr. Kim Dong Woong, a Korean volunteer instructor from the World Friends KOICA Volunteer Program, operated by KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency). This marks the second cohort in which the School of Languages and General Education has received personnel support from KOICA to teach Korean language and culture. The school offers Korean language and culture as a free elective open to all interested students every semester.