THE HUMBOLDT CLUB, THAILAND
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Since the early years of the 20 th century, Thailand has been sending students for university-level training in Germany . German institutions of higher learning are usually held in high esteem as a nurturing ground for scientists, scholars, researchers and thinkers. The first group of Humboldt scholars from Thailand went to Germany during the years immediately preceding the Second World War, and after the resumption of the Foundation's operation after the war, Thai scholars have been continuously receiving research fellowships and awards, although their number may be rather small owing to the highly competitive nature of these grants and also to the general postwar reorientation of Thai higher education towards the Anglo-American model.
Yet for those who have been fortunate to spend time conducting research at German institutions under the AvH Foundation sponsorship, the "German experience" is an experience of a lifetime. To have an opportunity to work with distinguished German scholars and scientists, and sometimes also with Humboldt scholars from various countries, in pursuit of knowledge and wisdom in a spirit of conviviality based on centuries-old academic traditions does equip these Thai Humboldtians with a sense of purpose that enables them to respond constructively to the needs of their own country and to the challenges of the international community. It is not surprising to see a number of Thai Humboldtians in leadership positions in Thai academia, producing, in collaboration with their colleagues, research results of international stature. The three dimensions, namely the German experience, the responsiveness to local needs and the sense of belonging to the international scientific community, should prove to be a solid foundation for Thai Humboldtians to constitute themselves into The Humboldt Club, Thailand .
1. To promote mutual enrichment through exchange of ideas and scholarly/scientific knowledge among members of the Humboldt Club;
2. To disseminate information concerning scholarly and research activities of its members;
3. To foster closer ties between Thai and German scholars;
4. To cooperate with the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, other Humboldt Clubs/Associations and educational and research institutions both within and outside Thailand in furthering research and studies in various fields;
5. To organize meetings of cultural, scholarly and scientific content for its own members and professional colleagues as well as other interested persons;
6. To act as a cohesive group in making policy recommendations concerning scholarly and research matters as deemed appropriate.
Thai Humboldt Fellows and Awardees are automatically members of the Humboldt Club, Thailand .
As the number of its members is still rather limited (in total 85) , the Humboldt Club, Thailand, functions as a loosely structured group. All members are invited to meet in full assembly 2-3 times a year, while the day-to-day operation is managed, on a voluntary basis, by an Administrative Committee , consisting of the President, the Vice President and the Secretary, elected for a term of 2 years.
It is envisaged that a more formal organizational mode, governed by a Bye-Law, will be initiated at a later stage.
Prof.Dr.Chetana Nagavajara, Silpakorn University, President
Prof. Dr.med. Surapol Issarakrisil, Mahidol University, Vice-President
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pakawadee Sutthivaiyakit, Kasetsart University, Secretary
