The birthday of the Thai king, the longest-serving monarch in the world, was celebrated at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU), as part of the rich tapestry of cultures represented at the institution.
Joined by the University of Leicester, students celebrated the 88th birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej on campus with traditional dance and Muay Thai boxing performances.
The Thai King has served for a lengthy 69 years and his birthday holds a special place in the hearts of Thai people, marked with a national holiday; this year on Monday 7 December. The day is also shared with Father’s Day in the country.
Maneerath Chaivoharn, a Thai student on the International Foundation Certificate (IFC) in Business and Law at DMU’s Leicester International Pathway College (LIPC) before progressing to the Business and Management BA said: “This is such an important day in Thailand. This event at DMU gives us the chance to celebrate and honour the king, to recall his amazing work to help people in Thailand.
“We respect our king who is a role model for the role of father within the family and the country. I enjoyed the event because I can be grateful to my father.”
On her time at DMU, Maneerath said: “I have good friends and experiences. I'm so happy to be here.”
She added: “The benefits of travelling to a different country to study are the experience, that is the most important. For me, I can’t get this experience in Thailand.
“I am really enjoying my independence. My thinking has changed. I don’t feel afraid to ask questions because the teachers are happy to explain anything.”
LIPC opened in the summer of 2014, helping to prepare international students for entry onto DMU degree programmes.
A candle-lit ceremony in honour of the king was also held at the event while Thai students sang their national anthem, Sansoen Phra Barami and a special birthday blessing, Sadudee Maha Racha.
As a truly international institution, DMU welcomes students from more than 130 countries.
More than 30 students from all over the world attended the event including from Thailand, China, Taiwan and the UK.
Wanyi Qi, a Chinese student on the Accounting and Finance BA said: “It was an impressive and exciting chance to get to know another culture.”
She added: “I am enjoying communicating with friends from all over the world at DMU.”
Posted on Monday 7 December 2015