PSU Vice President for Trang Campus Assoc. Prof. Dr. Udomphon Puetpaiboon revealed that the development of Trang Campus follows the Sustainable Development Policy of PSU, and is closely aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As a result, PSU Trang Campus will become a Wellness Campus, through continuous landscape development and planting unique, locally-sourced flora.
Dr. Udomphon also highlighted the important role that Trang Campus plays in health care advocacy, both through extensive knowledge resources available for the public, and through public facilities such as the Sports Complex with exercise equipment and swimming pools, alongside areas developed for jogging, cycling, and a health park.
A distinguishing feature of PSU Trang Campus, Dr. Udomphon said, is its extensive seedling depository and the Plant Genetic Conservation Project under the Royal initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The location is known for its variety of carnivorous tropical pitcher plants (Nepenthes), which is being documented by lecturers from the Faculty of Architecture, in the form of a species database. Plans have been discussed with the Khuan Pring Subdistrict Administrative Organization regarding the creation of a nature trail to allow studying the pitcher plants without disturbing their habitat. Signs would indicate the type and species of the plants, displayed in an urban forest setting on campus.
The Wellness Campus plans are facilitated by the Faculty of Architecture by building the Universal Design Center (UDC), a consulting center regarding the development or appropriate renovation of accommodation for the elderly. In addition, roads on campus would be changed to be suitable for jogging, cycling and other exercise activities. Discussions were also held with the Trang Provincial Public Health College and the Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Trang Province, regarding health care knowledge, in order to take advantage of PSU Trang Campus facilities to create various health-supportive activities.
In addition, plans will be put in place to make better use of natural energy sources, such as investing in solar cells to charge electric vehicles. The area around the Convention Center could also be developed for solar cell installation. As for waste management on campus, a waste sorting program has been implemented for more efficient waste management and separation, generating extra income for the campus. A campaign to reduce the use of paper was put in place as well.
“Everyone benefits from the Wellness Campus program because it brings happiness and creates a healthy environment on campus. It is universally beneficial for personal, social, and community development, according to our expectations”
the Vice President of Trang Campus concluded.