On 9 October 2025, Mae Fah Luang University (MFU), led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Romyen Kosaikanont, Vice President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Natthakan Rungraeng, Assistant to the President; and Mr. Sirote Promwiharn, Acting Head of the Student Development Affairs Division, welcomed a delegation from the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), led by Ms. Porranee Poobrasert, Assistant Manager and Acting Director of Health Promotion for Vulnerable Populations together with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vithaya Kulsomboon, ThaiHealth Fund Committee Member, and over 40 delegates.
The group visited MFU to study the university’s collaborative initiatives and best practices in promoting the quality of life and inclusive design for persons with disabilities in Chiang Rai. They focused on MFU’s Disability Support Service (DSS) as a case study for preparing students and graduates with disabilities for quality employment.
In the morning, the delegation visited the Disability Support Service (DSS) at the D1 Building, to learn about the university’s support mechanisms for students with disabilities. Afterwards, the group moved to the Vanchai Sirichana Building, where Asst. Prof. Dr. Romyen Kosaikanont, Vice President of MFU, delivered a welcoming address and introduced the university’s team responsible for supporting students with disabilities. Ms. Pharanee Pooprasert then outlined the objectives of the study visit and introduced the ThaiHealth committee members and experts. Following this, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Natthakan Rungraeng, Assistant to the President, presented MFU’s policy framework and working committee established to support and prepare students with disabilities for employment.
A panel discussion was held on the topic “Lessons Learned from MFU DSS: Preparing Students and Graduates with Disabilities for Quality Employment,” moderated by Ms. Jinnarat Thiamariya from the Social Innovation Foundation. The first session featured MFU students with disabilities who shared their personal experiences in studying and living on campus, including Mr. Osathi Jantrasri (School of Applied Digital Technology), Mr. Tullathorn Leekasem (School of Liberal Arts), Mr. Phubase Sangworn (School of Management), Ms. Warunya Somjai (School of Liberal Arts), Ms. Naruemon Nilkong (School of Health Science), Mr. Ameen Ji (School of Health Science), and Ms. Sawanya Seema, a DSS staff member and MFU School of Sinology graduate currently working under the Section 35 Internship Programme.
In addition, DSS committee members and advisors shared their experiences, including Asst. Prof. Dr. Surapol Vorapatratorn (School of Applied Digital Technology), Ms. Hathaikan Iamla-ong (School of Liberal Arts), and Mr. Krit Khanabsakdi (School of Social Innovation). Ms. Piyarat Thammachokmongkol, DSS officer, also provided insights into the university’s holistic approach to supporting students with disabilities in both academic and daily life aspects. The discussion highlighted MFU’s efforts to prepare students with various types of disabilities to develop the necessary skills and attitudes for independent living, self-confidence, and readiness to work effectively with others—whether as employers, employees, or colleagues— so that they can perform successfully and lead fulfilling lives just like anyone else.
In the closing session, representatives from ThaiHealth shared their reflections, offered recommendations, and expressed hope that MFU will continue to foster inclusive education and empower students with disabilities to succeed academically and professionally, realizing their full potential.
