From 26 August – to 5 September 2024, Sophia GED operated a study tour “Chiba University: Field Study on Thailand Society and Economy” for Prof. Hikari Ishido and 30 Japanese students from Chiba University.
Begin with a welcome Thai meal close to the airport!. There is also a small, unique present from Sophia GED for Chiba University students!




In this program, we went to east areas of Thailand such as Ayutthaya, Bangkok, and Chonburi to learn various perspectives of Thailand’s society and economy.
Start with learning about Thai culture, Buddhism, and ancient history, We went to Ayutthaya together.
This time we went to ‘Wat Mahathat’ one of the most important temples in Ayutthaya, and also famous for the tree that has grown around a sculpture of Buddha’s head, and ‘Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan’ is famous for its enormous seated Buddha image, considered to be one of the most beautiful in the country.
Including the opportunity to feed and ride elephants in Ayutthaya, in Thailand, elephants have long been cherished animals.






In addition, visited “Baan Sainoi Community ” local community for one night to learn about community life through many activities such as learning about their signature Thai massage by coconut fruit, making a Thai dessert called Mhi-Krob, and making Thai local embroidery thread, which is a unique style in this community.
Moreover, exploring the lives of people in the community, learning how local people make bricks by themselves to build a house, and planting agricultural vegetables in the community. Also, Raising earthworms to make fertilizer.












After that, we relocated to Bangkok, where we first studied the socioeconomic conditions in ASEAN and Thailand under the guidance of a Chulalongkorn University professor from Thailand. Additionally, students had the opportunity to discuss their ideas with Thai Chulalongkorn University students. They thoroughly enjoyed expressing their thoughts on Japanese and Thai culture.






The students could experience living in the Bangkok area with Thai students from different universities and the cultural exchange between Japan and Thailand.
Students could go exploring the city of Bangkok on their own the following day by traveling there.
We spent our last dinner together at a shabu restaurant in Bangkok.











We visited the Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center in the Sattahip neighborhood of Chonburi the following morning. Learned about the lack of sea turtles in Thailand and their many varieties during a visit to the Sea Turtle Conservation Center. They attempted to release the sea turtles back into the ocean after cleaning the turtle pond.
We got a great picture near the beach before heading to the hotel. We had free time for students to relax on the beach.








Then, we visited a Japanese company at Mitsubishi, Thailand. Students could observe global business from this field.
After that, we visited an economic development site at Leam Chabang Deep Seaport to learn about government strategies for economic development.
Fortunately, we could see inside the Deep Seaport of Leam Chabang. to take a look inside and see how they import goods both domestically and internationally.





We finished with a wrap-up session on the last day. Before returning to Japan, the students enjoyed their last meal together and discussed their experiences and travels in Thailand.
With the knowledge they have gained over the last ten days, we hope that students will have a greater understanding of Thailand. Additionally, this journey allows them to get to know each other.
Many of them were new to one another, having come from different faculties.
After finishing this program, I hope that everyone will become closer and have a deeper understanding of each other.
Thank you for joining our program! We appreciate all of your wonderful, unforgettable experiences with us! —SGED Team







