Research News

THA SALA, NAKHON SI THAMMARAT, 26 and 29 May 2025 – The Center for Academic Services (CAS) and Walailak University International College (WUIC), led by Dr. Konrawan Rattanaburi and Miss Elvaretta Arthamevia, conducted a visit to local restaurant operators in Tha Sala District as part of the first phase of the Tha Sala – The Global Neighbor Project (Year 3).

The visit aimed to assess the needs of local restaurant operators, particularly the challenges faced by restaurant staff in communicating with foreign customers, and to identify opportunities for improving English language skills among these workers.

Now in its third consecutive year, the Tha Sala – The Global Neighbor Project continues its mission to offer free vocational training programs in language skills for communities surrounding the university. The project emphasizes promoting English literacy among restaurant staff through free workshops designed to enhance their English communication abilities.

In addition, the project supports the development of restaurant facilities to better accommodate international customers by providing resources such as English and Chinese menu sheets, menu display stands, and other related materials. Following the visit, six local restaurants expressed interest in participating in the project.

This initiative contributes directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 1: No Poverty, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by fostering educational opportunities, supporting local livelihoods, and strengthening collaborative partnerships for community development.