From 19–25 February 2026, lecturers from the Bachelor of Arts in Tourism and Hospitality Program, College of Hospitality and Tourism (CHT), Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS), Trang Campus, organized a professional tourism and hospitality skills development through a study tour of Central – Northern Thailand Routes. The program aimed to provide students with learning experiences outside the classroom and to boost their professional competencies, becoming Smart Tour Guides in the digital era.
This activity was led by Ajarn Nyana Kumgunsilp, a lecturer in the program, as the lead speaker and a model professional tour guide. Ajarn Amornrat Sutthithamanon acted as a lecturer and program coordinator, inviting experienced guest speakers from the tourism industry, including Mr. Niraphat Ramrong, owner of Khun June Travel Company; Mr. Lertchai Masmek, owner of Kwannalin Tour Company; and Acting Sub-Lieutenant Nattapong Moonmongkol, a professional tour guide specializing in historical tours in Central Thailand. These experts shared knowledge and provided practical training throughout the study tour route.
Lecturers assigned students to compile knowledge and participate in a lesson learned reflection session, which would be evaluated as part of the course “Smart Tour Guide” subject and integrated with other subjects in the Tourism and Hospitality curriculum. The journey departed from the Trang campus included Coaching & Training sessions, featuring in-depth tour guiding lectures by lecturers and professional guides. Students practiced tour guiding skills, the appropriate use of technology, video content production, and landmark photography to develop innovative touring content.
The learning itinerary covered the study of community-based tourism products, historical site management, gastronomy tourism, as well as Lanna gastronomy and the cultural heritage of “Khantoke” for tourism in Chiang Mai Province. Students also explored cultural heritage management and historical tourism models within old town districts.
In addition, students discovered the soft power of a historical tourism at Chaiwatthanaram Temple in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. They also paid respects and studied the historical site at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, learned appropriate professional protocol for the world’s best destination. Furthermore, students experienced nighttime river cruise tour along the Chao Phraya River, where students practiced recreation activities, tour narration, and comprehensive domestic tour service management.
This project reflects the program’s commitment to developing graduates who hold both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, creativity, technological proficiency, and deep cultural understanding. These competencies will prepare them to become quality professionals in the national and international tourism and hospitality industry sustainably.
Photographer and Writer: Ajarn Nyana Kumgunsilp
Composer: Ms. Kanjan Chumdee
Translator: Ajarn Pityada Jeokwon
