PSU had the great honor to receive Her Excellency Kristie A. Kenney, the United States Ambassador, on November 21, 2011. The objectives of Her Excellency’s visit were to exchange views on topics of mutual interest, including the current concerns and issues facing Thai universities and students, and to confirm the mutual cooperation between the American Embassy in Bangkok and PSU.
Her Excellency and team were welcomed by Assoc. Prof. Padoonyot Duangmala, Vice President for Alumni and Community Engagement and acting President for that day, and several executives, lecturers, and students from the Hat Yai and Pattani campuses.
H.E. mentioned the good relationship between the US and Thailand, and the growing importance of ASEAN, which is becoming a strong community economically and academically. She also highlighted the importance of the Conflict Resolution program offered at PSU, considering the many conflicts around the world, and the unrest in the southernmost part of Thailand.
During the meeting, PSU staff and students had the chance to speak about the actual difficulties in the south of Thailand, and the way they see the future for Thailand and Asia. Some students also mentioned the important role that the Peace Club at PSU plays for the students affected by the instability in the south.
H.E. congratulated all teachers and students at PSU for their commitment to an education for the betterment of the world, and she said that Thailand is at the center of a lot of the economic growth in Asia, and that Asia is becoming a major point of interest for Western countries. Even US President Barack Obama is convinced of that, as revealed when he declared, “The future is Asia”.