News
International Cooperative Workshop with Thammasat University in Thailand: Introduction to On-site Research Summer Session (Thai Project)
We held a workshop from 21st August to 1st September at the Faculty of Architecture and Panning, Thammasat University as a part of ‘Introduction to On-site Research Summer Session (Thai Project),’ From Ritsumeikan University, 12 students (4 from Policy Science Major and 8 from Community and Regional Policy Studies Major) participated in who were led by two teachers (Associate Professor Yusuke Toyoda and Professor Masaru Mabuchi).
The students set their group research topics as improvement of economic situations by education policy in Klong Toei Slum that is the biggest slum in Bangkok and improvement of living conditions in low-income settlement along canals. In the workshop, they proceeded their studies through lectures by researchers and practitioners in Thailand and surveys at case study communities.
In the first half of the workshop, the students received lectures by university teachers, visited National Economic and Social Development Board, National Housing Authority (NHA), Community Organization Development Institute (CODI) and other organizations, learning the present situations of the poor. Moreover, they visited their case study communities and NGOs supporting slums, and grasped problems from three viewpoints: administration, on-site and research.
To attain their research goals, in the latter part of the workshop, they conducted field surveys. Being not familiar with Thailand and facing some difficulties, they completed surveys. In the end, they gave presentations on their findings and received feedbacks from Thai university teachers.
On a weekend, besides study, they enjoyed sightseeing at Bangkok and Ayutthaya World Cultural Heritage with Thammasat University students. The workshop provided them with the environments to study challenges and culture in Thailand and to make friendship with Thai students.
The Faculty of Architecture and Planning, Thammasat University, co-hosted this workshop. Taking this opportunity, we would like to express our deep gratitude to teachers, students and staff welcoming us and supporting the workshop.
Lecture at National Housing Authority
Lecture at NGA
Survey at Slum in Bangkok
Final Presentations