The Gazette of Chulalongkorn University # Vol.2 Issue2

The Gazette ofC h u l a l o n g k o r n u n i v e r s i t y

Vol. 2 Issue 2 October - December 2010

P. 2//let the games Begin

P. 4//river rising

P. 7//Burning Questions about solar Winds Reading “The Gazette” online.

The Gazette of

Chulalongkorn University

Volume 2 Issue 2

October - December 2010

//Advisory BoArd//President

Prof. Pirom Kamolratanakul, M.D.

vice President

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sittichai Tudsri, D.D.S., M.D.

Assist. Prof. Dr. M.R. Kalaya Tingsabadh

AssistAnt to the President

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anongnat Thakoengwit

Assist. Prof. Dr. Rattachat Mongkolnavin

//editoriAl BoArd// editor -in-chieF

Assist. Prof. Dr. Worawan Ongkrutraksa

news editors

Jutapan Siripan

Jim Edward Algie

news writer

Jiyakorn Panikodom

The Gazette of Chulalongkorn University

is produced by Chula International

Communication Center (CICC). Please

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Chulalongkorn University

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The Gazette of Chulalongkorn University

can be read online at

www.chula.ac.th/cuen/cic/gazette/

Copyright 2010 Chula International

Communication Center (CICC)

Cover: The Venice of Asian Resurfaces


The run - up to Thailand’s 38th University Games from January 15 - 22, 2011 has been fraught with excitement. So far, 117 educational institutes from across the country have signed up to vie for 295 gold medals in 25 different sports.

To build a sense of fraternity among students for “Chamchuri Games”, the university is holding a competition to design a poster. The winners will walk away with 45,000 baht (US$1,500) and enjoy the ego boost of having their design used to promote the athletic events.

The theme for 2011 is “Sportsmanship Is the Greatest Victory”. This extends to the entire

Printed on recycled paper

student body. On a volunteer basis, students are signing up to help out with the running of the games.

Besides teamwork, good health is an integral part of the games. Building healthy bodies goes hand in hand with nurturing great minds. To this end, the university is teaming up with the Sport Science Society of Thailand to organize an academic seminar called “University for Health Promotion” as a stage for lecturers, researchers, and students to share their knowledge and fieldwork. The seminar will run from January 14 - 15, 2011.

Since early 2010, the marine shrimp farming industry in Thailand has been witnessing adverse effects from the outbreak of white stool syndrome, especially found in Vannamei white shrimps. The widespread syndrome has resulted in the mass deaths of cultured shrimps. As a result, local farmers must bear burgeoning operating costs while manufacturers and suppliers are on the verge of losing potential business opportunities to neighbouring countries.

Recently, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jirasak Tangtrongpiros, the head of Aquatic animal Medicine Unit at Chulalongkorn University’s Veterinary Science Faculty, announced the results of a new research project with a groundbreaking discovery: white stool syndrome is directly associated with the Gregarines protozoa that is classified under the group of Phylum Apicomplexa and generally found in a large community of invertebrates.

According to the findings, the transmission of the disease begins when shrimps consume the protozoa- inhabited invertebrates. When the Gregarines protozoa moves to the intestines, the affected shrimp will enter into an incubation period lasting for more than 30 days. Apparent symptoms and signs of the syndrome will appear after 40 days pass. With the Gregarines protozoa inhabiting the intestines, infected shrimps become lethargic and show a relatively rapid reduction in food consumption due to increasingly clogged intestines. Other apparent signs include the occurrence of a large number of white stools on the water’s surface and changes in the appearances of infected shrimps: thinner and paler shells, loose cuticles and low mobil i ty. Compounding these problems, internal organs such as the liver and pancreas are infected, leading to impairment of the digestive and excretory systems, deteriorating growth rates and mass mortalities.

Factors contributing to the growth of the Gregarines protozoa are optimal temperatures and salt levels of marine water, the overcrowding of farms and defective farm designs. These elements result in favorable conditions for disease carriers that plague shrimp farms.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jirasak also gave useful suggestions to control and prevent the occurrence and transmission of white stool disease among cultured shrimp. Farmers should adopt strict measures to nip the disease in the bud by only using shrimp breeders that are guaranteed with a certificate from reliable agencies that they are free of the Gregarines protozoa. The stringent supervision of food

// SPECIAL FEATURES03The Gazette of Chulalongkorn University

and farm conditions is also needed. Farmers should be certain that the sanitation of farming areas is adequate with a proper water circulation system and qualified farming designs, so as to reduce the amount of disease carriers dwelling in the soil.

As for preventive measures, farmers are recom- mended to use Gregarines-free shrimp juveniles; to eliminate disease carriers sitting at the bottom of cultivating ponds; to have a regular health checkup of shrimp intestines and to ensure the quality of shrimp food. Moreover, farming equipment should also be separated for each pond, while shrimping tools such as cast nets need to be pasteurized. Should they find irregular conditions, medical consultations and corresponding t rea tments a re adv ised so tha t f a rmers can take immediate action to lessen the severity of symptoms.

As for curative approaches, it should be taken into account that the virus can affect shrimps at every stage of the life cycle. It is therefore very important that the selection of specific types and doses of medicines must be appropriate to the condition of the shrimp at each stage. Medicines or chemicals must not affect their health and leave no residue in the processed shrimp meat.

The discovery that the white stool syndrome is directly associated with Gregarines protozoa is tremen- dously important to shrimp farmers and academics in relevant fields, as the findings will shed light on the shrimp farming industry and pave the way for more effective means of preventing the decimation of more shrimp.

Chula Researcher Unveils Groundbreaking Study On Disease Killing Off

Cultured Shrimp Preventive approaches proposed to avert business

losses in national shrimp farming industry


If the capital continues to sink at such an alarming rate, and if floods continue to mount, the capital could be underwater within 25 years.

// SPECIAL FEATURES

Climate change has wrought havoc all over the globe. Thailand is no exception. In 2010, widespread flooding inundated the Kingdom, amounting to a death toll in the hundreds and damage estimated in the billions of baht.

To stem the tide, a team of Chulalongkorn academics, headed by Prof. Pirom Kamolratanakul, M.D., held a recent press conference. Prof. Pirom concluded that preventive measures are necessary. Dealing with the problems after they have occurred will not prevent future disasters.

The experts came to a consensus that the government must set up a single unit to deal with the problem. In this respect, the floods of 2010 is a watershed, said Asst. Prof. Dr. Sombat Yumuang, a Chulalongkorn lecturer from Department

04

River Rising

on a fiscal level. Businesspeople who stand to gain from these flood prevention projects must be prepared to pay more taxes. This would ensure that these projects are more economically viable and that emergency funds are ava i lab le for a f fec ted communi t ies . Comprehensive city planning is also required.

He expressed doubt that the building of more dykes will alleviate floods. “Building dykes to prevent floods is not the answer. It causes conflict with others affected by floods as they live or plant crops on opposite sides of the dykes. We should change our system of water management, using updated weather knowledge and integrated and systematic methods,” he said.

Prof. Dr. Thanawat believes that the government has a vital role to play in prevent future calamities. Firstly, they must invest in human resources: meteorologists who can forecast the weather and forewarn the general public. Those living and farming in flood-prone areas must also be willing to experiment with new crops and kinds of housing.

Especially urgent, he said, is a plan to prevent flooding in the central provinces around the Chao Phraya River basin and Bangkok. Built on alluvial flood plains, the capital and its surrounding provinces like Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya are vulnerable to rising water.

Dr. Chalermchon Satirapod, a Chula- longkorn University engineering lecturer and a researcher in the GEO2TECDI (Geodetic Earth Observation Technologies for Thailand: Environmental Change Detection and Inves-

of Geology, Faculty of Science, and head of Geo-Informatics Center for Thailand (GISTHAI). All the country’s water management experts need to be put together under a single umbrella organisation. This would also save funds.

Among Asst. Prof. Dr. Sombat’s suggestions, he pointed out that government agencies must rely on state-of-the art technology, such as geo- informatics (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS). These systems are invaluable in analysis and forecasting potentially hazardous situations.

Prof. Dr. Thanawat Jarupongsakul, head of the Chulalongkorn University’s disaster and land information studies unit, is of the opinion that the government must implement different levels of taxation to attack the problem

tigation), is also concerned about Bangkok’s vu lnerabi l i ty . I f the capi ta l cont inues to sink at such an alarming rate, and if floods cont inue to mount , the capi ta l could be underwater within 25 years.

Over the next few years, he and h is colleagues wil l investigate more solutions and des ign ing a sus ta i nab le mode l f o r Bangkok.

Heavy flood situation in Thailand urged the country on preventing future natural disasters.

// CU HIGHLIGHTS05The Gazette of Chulalongkorn University

King Chulalongkorn, or Rama V, ushered in the 20th

century in the Kingdom by schools, hospitals and rail- ways. As a beloved father figure, his statues and photos still grace walls and shrines across the country. To ring in the 100th anniversary of his death, the Chulalongkorn University Symphony Orchestra (CUSO) played a special concert. Composing the program was four compositions d i rec t l y re la ted to K ing Rama V. Held under the Royal Patronage of the late HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana, and presided over by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the concert was an unmitigated success. It kicked off with a composition that boasts an impressive lineage. Born in Siam, Eugene Cinda Grassi (1881-1941) was a French composer whose earliest memories in the Kingdom were colored by the reign of King Rama V. Possibly the first Western musician to study Thai classical music in depth, he put this knowledge to good use in “La Procession”, from Trois Poemes Bouddhiques, a piece written for the elaborate funeral procession for King Rama V in 1910.

Adding some more royal intrigue to this musical mystery, the lost score wound up in the private collection of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Two years ago, the princess bequeathed the sheet music to the Cultural Centre of Chulalongkorn University as an artistic heirloom for future generations. She was also hoping to hear a live performance of this evocation composition that bears such a distinctly Franco-Siamese imprint.

For its official premiere, the air inside the packed concert hall was charged with electricity and anticipation before CUSO took the stage along with the talented soprano Sukawan Phairojewithayaporn. Her sorrowful voice captured the dark mood of the monarch’s death. Backing up the vocalist was a small but potent ensemble of Chula all stars, namely, Dr. Pawalai Tanchanpong and Dr. Ramasoon Sitalayan on piano, Omporn Kowintha on violin, in addition to wind instrumentalists Chanannat Meenanant on oboe and Samatthaya Wathawatthana on cello. Providing the backbeat was the percussionists Phusana Treeburut, Nichada Jirawatthanapun and Chanachai Kongnakorn.

This was an evening of premieres. Before the interval, the debut performance of Piyasayamintra struck some powerful chords with the rapt audience. Dr. Narongrit Dhamabutra wrote the piece based on poems by

Musical Homage to Chula’s Royal Patron

Gongbhoap Ruensiri. The poems were intended as homages to honor King Rama V’s legacy and the centennial of his death. As a benefactor to Thai society, the king lent his good name – Chulalongkorn – to this university.

The w inner o f t he Silpathorn Award in 2008, D r . Na rong r i t ( a l so an associate professor in the Department of Music in the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts), brought out the lyrical

quality of the poem, using it as an ode to the benevolence and wisdom of King Rama V. Bringing out the anthemic quality of the piece was the Chulalongkorn University Chorus. (The different movements of the piece were characterized by a continuous succession of different poems being recited by different readers, including Dr. Tatchai Sumitra, the university’s former president.)

Taking center stage for the fourth movement was the soprano Jairat Pitakcharoen. Renowned for her sweet voice, this alumnus of Chula’s Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts sang the praises of King Rama V.

Bringing down the curtain at the end of the show, CUSO did a dramatic reenactment of Igor Stravinsky’s legendary The Firebird, which has aged like vintage wine since its 1910 debut. Even more powerful was their rendition of the university’s anthem, “Maha Chulalongkorn”. Penned by His Majesty the King, this version of the classic was rearranged by the former alumnus Vanich Potavanich.

The Chulalongkorn University Symphony Orchestra (CUSO) performed a special concert

to ring the 100th anniversary of King Rama V’s death.

The powerful classical music was filling up the hall to honor the centenary

of King Rama V’s death.

The Faculty of Law and the Office of International Affairs, Chulalongkorn University, were honored to host the inaugural meeting for the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU). The objective was to provide opportunities for the deans of law schools in the Pacific Rim to share their academic and administrative vision on an international platform that will lead to the promotion and development of high-quality legal education in APRU member economies.

The members of the APRU also debated the weighty topic of “The Teaching of Law in the Time of Global Crisis” to improve the quality of teaching and promote the use of law in preventing or curing social and economic ills.

There were deans and representatives from the Faculties of Law from 10 domestic and international universities attending the meeting. These august institutions included the Australian National University, Far Eastern National University, National University of Singapore, Tsinghua University, Universidad de Chile, University of British Columbia, University of Malaya, University of Science and Technology of China, University of the Philippines and Waseda University.

The special lecturer for the meeting was Professor John O. Haley, Faculty of Law, Vanderbilt University and an Emeritus Professor of Washington University in St. Louis. On the second day of the meeting, Professor Vitit Muntabhorn, Professor of Law at Chulalongkorn University gave a speech during dinner.

Chulalongkorn University joined forces with the German Aerospace Center and the German Embassy in Bangkok to launch an out- of-this-world exhibition called A New Perspective on Mars that runs until January 15, 2011. The focal points are large format 3D photographs in ultra-high resolution acquired by the German-built High Resolution Stereo Camera on board the European space probe Mars Express. So far, the show has been exhibited in Germany, Japan and at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. More than half a million people have seen it. Thailand is the first country in Southeast Asia privileged to host A New Perspective on Mars. It’s on exhibit in the Exhibition Hall of the CU Cultural Building.

Chula Hosts First aPru Meeting

3D exhibition on Mars


Buddhism Is the Soul of Two Events

The university’s Faculty of Arts held an exhibition called Sacred Dust from the Buddha’s Feet by Hans Georg Berger, the head of the Buddhist Archive of Photography in Luang Prabang, Laos. The exhibition featured a limited-edition portfolio of platinum prints that revealed Berger’s talent and vision.

The university also played host to the “Chulalongkorn International Conference of Oriental Studies” to commemorate the centenary of the monarch’s death. The conference included discussions on the preservation and studies of endangered Buddhist archives and manuscripts during the time of King Chulalongkorn, in addition to Buddhism and Buddhist philosophy in world literature.

Prof. Vitit Muntabhorn (left), Professor of Law at

Chulalongkorn University, was receiving a souvenir.

In an attempt to preserve Buddhist archives, Chulalongkorn University hosted a special conference and

exhibited Hans Georg Berger’s remarkable platinum prints illustrating Buddhist lives.

Prof. Pirom Kamolratanakul, M.D., the President

of Chulalongkorn University, was giving a speech

at the event.

// EVENTS06

// NEWS & EVENTS

New perspectives on Mars were presented through

3D high definition photographs.

// CU HIGHLIGHTS

Burning Questions about solar Winds On September 30, 2010, the university’s Faculty of Science held a seminar on the solar wind phenomena and its impact on the earth to serve as a platform for academics to exchange their different views about the aftermath and how to prepare for it. Participating in the seminar was Assoc. Prof. Dr. David Ruffolo, from Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Pong Songpong, together with Asst. Prof. Dr. Jessada Denduangboripant from the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University.

“Solar wind” refers to a stream of charged particles ejected from the upper atmosphere of the sun, varying in temperature and speed over time. According to Professor David Ruffolo, this solar phenomenon first took place in 1989 and is expected to occur again between 2011 and 2017. Scientists from around the world are keeping a close eye on it. As a result, many countries have installed neutron measurement stations to detect any warning signs. In Thailand, the Princess Sirindhorn Neutron Monitor is situated atop the peak of Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai, where it can attract the maximum amount of cosmic rays. In the case of any significant changes in solar neutron signals, warnings will be transmitted for preventive action.

Addressing the growing concerns about the potential hazards, Asst. Prof. Dr. Pong Songpong explained that the main impact would be on the telecom industry. It would result in a wide range of disruptions in communications, navigation systems, satellites, electronics and GPS networks. Depen- ding on the number of cosmic rays transmitted, they could wreak havoc on the planet’s magnetic fields. Because the effects of the rays are lessened by the earth’s atmosphere, people have little to fear. However, animals like birds, whales and dolphins whose migrations depend on the earth’s magnetic fields, may be adversely affected.

Mr. Pisit Pudchalard (left) and Ms. Sapsiri Taerattanachai

(right) brought the victories back from the Singapore

2010 Youth Olympics.

// CU HIGHLIGHTS // AWARDS

Three Chulalongkorn students from the Faculty of Interior Architecture won TIDA Thesis Awards 2010. Hosted by the Thailand Interior Designer’s Association (TIDA) in collaboration with Interior Architecture and Interior Design Academic Council of Thailand (IAIDAC), the awards provided a forum for last year’s students from the Faculties of Interior Architecture and Decorative Arts nationwide to spotlight their best work before becoming professional architects. Contestants from 18 educational institutions made for an exciting, highly competitive showcase. And the winner was: Mr. Peerawich Pothiwong, with Ms. Marisa Niemrueng as the 1st runner-up, and Ms. Anatapa Thongtawat as the 2nd runner-up.

Two first-year students from Chulalongkorn University brought back gold medals from the badminton segment of the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympics.

Mr. Pisit Pudchalard, nicknamed “Super P”, from the Faculty of Education, and Ms. Sapsiri Taerattanachai, from the Faculty of Communication Arts, pulled out all the stops to fend off their rivals and net the top prizes. Upon returning to Thailand, the two champions were given a hero’s welcome by the universi-ty’s executives, led by Associate Professor Tanit Tongthong, the Vice President of Chulalongkorn University. Chula students Bag Awards

smashing victories for Chula

07The Gazette of Chulalongkorn University

// AWARDS & HONORS

Training for English Teachers

Chulalongkorn University’s Language Institute launched a training session called “The Use of the English Dictionary” for middle school English teachers all over the country. The lecturer was Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somseen Chanawangsa. This how-to class was attended by 150 high school and university teachers, as well as students intrigued by the subject.

Academics are keeping an eye for the “solar wind”

phenomenon to prevent consequent effects.

The master piece by Ms. Marisa Niemrueng was

inspired by “Hydraulic Mining.”

1

Chula international Communication Center (CiCC)

Chulalongkorn university

254 Phayathai Rd., Pathumwan,

Bangkok, Thailand 10330

2

the 38th thailand university games, “Chamchuri games” Date: 15 – 22 January 2011Host: Chulalongkorn UniversityTel: (66) 2218 3280E-mail: [email protected]

the 8th aPru senior staff Meeting Date: 9 – 11 March 2011Host: Chulalongkorn University and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU)Tel: (66) 2218 3332E-mail: [email protected]

a thai Cultural Program for lake Forest graduate school Date: 3 – 9 March 2011Host: The Continuing Education Center, Chulalongkorn UniversityTel: (66) 2216 0769E-mail: [email protected]

the 4th academic Consortium 21 student World Forum 2011 Date: 15 – 21 May 2011Host: Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn UniversityTel: (66) 2218 6360E-mail: [email protected]

3

4

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// CALENDAR OF EVENTSVol. 2 Issue 2 October - December 2010

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The Gazette of Chulalongkorn University # Vol.2 Issue2