November 2017

Thailand alumni group launched at Bangkok 'royal retreat'

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Bangkok’s iconic Chakrabongse Villas, a royal retreat turned boutique hotel managed by an ex-UCB student, was the backdrop for the launch of a group for UCB’s Thai alumni.

As well as giving students the chance to meet former classmates and reminisce about their time at the University, the group aims to boost professional and social networking.

Chaired by Satchai Pinpetch, who graduated from UCB with an MSc in Hospitality with Tourism Management in 1998, the group now hopes to build on its 20-strong membership.

Professor Melvyn Pryer of UCB’s International Student Centre said: “With so many Thai students working in the hospitality and tourism industry, including the education sector, the benefits of networking through a group like this can only further business success.

“Satchai, one of the very first Thai graduates to study at UCB back when we were known as the Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies, will now lead the group in both building the membership and developing a calendar of future activities.”

Made up of students who attended UCB over the past 20 years, the new Thailand Alumni Group celebrated the launch with an exquisite meal at the Chakrabongse Villas.

Nestled on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and built as a retreat from palace life by Prince Chakrabongse in 1908, the venue is now run by the prince’s granddaughter, Narisa, as a boutique hotel, offering views of the Temple of Dawn​ and the Grand Palace.

Reflecting the family’s noble history and appreciation of Thai art, cuisine and culture, the hotel is today managed by former UCB student Atom, who graduated with an MSc in Hospitality with Tourism Management in 2012 and is another success story for UCB.

If you are interested in joining UCB’s Thailand Alumni Group, please email Sabath Shazia at alumni@ucb.ac.uk.

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