Domestic Fieldtrip: Ayutthaya Province 11th –12th September 2025
On 11–12 September 2025, students from the MAIDS-GRID programs joined a two-day domestic field trip to Ayutthaya Province, Thailand. The visit combined learning from a flood-impacted agricultural community, an industry park, and a heritage site, and provided students with the opportunity to connect classroom concepts with real-world development issues.
From Floods to Community Resilience
The field trip began in Bang Ban Subdistrict, an area heavily impacted by the 2011 floods and subsequent Chao Phraya River water management practices. Students met with local community leaders, who shared how water management policies, including the “monkey cheek” system, affect their present-day farming livelihoods. A community-hosted lunch and field visits to farming areas affected by sand mining and flooding provided students with a deeper understanding of how residents are adapting to and negotiating these challenges. The community also shared with the students about their history, situated knowledge, and aspirations for the future.
The next day, the group visited the Rojana Industrial Estate, one of Thailand’s major electronics and automotive production hubs. The representatives from Rojana Industrial Estate detailed the company’s history, their recovery from the 2011 flood, lessons learned, and the changing characteristics of investment into Thailand. Discussions there focused on balancing industrial growth with flood protection and environmental sustainability.
Exploring Heritage at Wat Chaiwatthanaram
The field trip concluded with a visit to Wat Chaiwatthanaram, one of Ayutthaya’s most iconic temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our student Grace, who is also a tour guide, led us through the temple grounds and shared its fascinating history and significance. It was a chance to reflect on how cultural heritage and tourism are tied to development in the province. The visit was not only a cultural highlight but also a reminder of the importance of preserving history alongside modern growth.
Key Takeaways
This field trip gave students a unique opportunity to see how flood management, industrialization, community resilience, and cultural heritage intersect in shaping Ayutthaya’s development. More than just a study visit, it was also a chance to reflect, connect, and learn directly from those living and working at the heart of these challenges.
EI EI LIN
Communication Coordinator
MAIDS-GRID Program
