Sophia GED was honored to welcome Prof. Hikari Ishido and 30 Japanese students from Chiba University to participate in the Field Study on Thailand’s Society and Economy, conducted from 15 to 25 August 2026.
Throughout the 10-day program, students explored diverse parts of Thailand, with a particular focus on the central and western regions, including Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Samut Songkhram, and Hua Hin. Through a combination of academic sessions, cultural experiences, community activities, and company visits, they gained a multifaceted understanding of Thai society, culture, and economy.
The program began at Thammasat University, where students had the opportunity to experience a day in the life of an exchange student. They attended a lecture by Asst. Prof. Suwannarat Meesomboonpoonsuk titled “An Overview of Socioeconomic Situations in ASEAN, with Reference to the ASEAN Economic Community and Thailand.” The engaging and informative session provided students with an overview of the socioeconomic landscape of Thailand and ASEAN. Following the lecture, Thammasat student representatives led an interactive campus tour, giving participants an opportunity to learn more about university life in Thailand.
> The group then traveled to Ayutthaya, the historic former capital of Thailand. Students explored the city’s ancient temples and experienced elephant riding, gaining a closer connection to Thailand’s history and cultural heritage.
This was followed by a day of free exploration in Bangkok with Thai university students. Through this cultural exchange, students from both countries had the opportunity to share their perspectives, experience the city together, and build cross-cultural friendships. Students also explored Bangkok independently based on their own themes and interests, allowing them to discover different aspects of the city from their own perspectives.
Beyond academic and cultural experiences, the program also introduced students to contemporary social issues in Thailand. At the Sikkha Asia Foundation, students learned about poverty and the challenges faced by vulnerable communities, as well as the foundation’s efforts to provide support and create opportunities for those in need. A guided walk through a nearby community, together with warm interactions with local children, gave students meaningful first-hand insights into social issues and everyday life in Thailand.
The program also included a visit to DONKI (THAILAND) CO., LTD., where Mr. Tanaka shared insights into the company’s successful business operations. Following the lecture, students were given a marketing presentation challenge. Working in groups, they conducted market research, exchanged ideas, and developed their own proposals before presenting their findings. The activity encouraged students to apply what they had learned in a practical setting while developing teamwork, creativity, and presentation skills.
In Samut Songkhram, students visited the Khlong Khon community, which is known for its sustainable way of life and mangrove conservation efforts. Through hands-on activities, students experienced the local community firsthand by planting mangroves, observing the surrounding environment, making khanom jak, a traditional grilled coconut dessert, and learning traditional palm-leaf weaving.
A visit to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market further expanded students’ understanding of Thailand’s tourism industry and local commerce, allowing them to observe how traditional markets continue to play an important role in the local economy.
The program concluded with a visit to Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Through visits to Hua Hin Beach, the night market, and other areas of economic activity, students had the opportunity to observe the relationship between tourism, urban development, and the local economy.
We believe that the experiences and knowledge gained throughout these 10 days provided students with a deeper and more meaningful understanding of Thailand’s society, culture, and economy. We are grateful to have shared these experiences with the students and to have created many wonderful and memorable moments together.
