Thai students share New Year blessing

Forty Thai students have shared traditional New Year blessings with College of Education staff.

The students from two Thai universities are at Massey University for a five-week programme.

To mark the Thai New Year on Friday the students at the Hokowhitu campus sprinkled water on the hands of Massey staff and homestay parents to symbolise respect and good luck.

The ceremony is celebrated across Thailand and is used to show respect to teachers and elders.

College of Education Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor James Chapman thanked the students for sharing their traditions and culture adding it was a learning experience for staff and homestay parents. “It’s been a wonderful opportunity and one I don’t believe we’ve had before.”

The students, 26 from Mahasarakham University and 14 from Rajabhat Mahasarakham University, are PhD candidates on a professional development programme focusing on thesis topics and research methodology.