On June 12, 2025, Chengdu University led a delegation of executives from Nakhon Si Thammarat Rajabhat University (NSTRU) — including Dr. Sompong Raksatham, Acting President; Asst. Prof. Dr. Somrak Rodcharoen, Vice President for Research and Information Technology; Asst. Prof. Dr. Surin Thongthot, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences; Asst. Prof. Kasama Phakdeepan, Associate Dean; Asst. Prof. Chanaichanom Damsri, Deputy Director of the Office of Academic Resources and Information Technology; and staff from the Division of International Strategy and Relations — to participate in a study visit on urban planning and city management in Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China.
The activity also included representatives from several Thai universities, such as Silpakorn University, Khon Kaen University, Chiang Mai University, Rangsit University, and Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna.
The study visit highlighted Chengdu’s effective urban management model, focusing on:
- Its role as the economic hub of western China.
- A century-old water management system that utilizes ancient wisdom to channel mountain water effectively and prevent flooding.
- Development as a transportation center, with two international airports supporting tourism and industry.
- Strong environmental management, emphasizing forest conservation and protection of endangered native species such as giant pandas and various bird species.
- Promotion of a green city concept, including the use of electric trains, plastic reduction campaigns, and the creation of bicycle lanes throughout the city.
This learning experience provided valuable insights into sustainable urban development and environmental conservation, serving as a model for future academic and regional collaborations.
