On 24 May, 2022 Mrs. Chulamanee Chartsuwan, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, on behalf of the Royal Thai Government, handed an “Aquaculture Learning Center” to Champasak Agriculture and Forestry College, Lao PDR, represented by Mr.Sipaphai Xaysongkham, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Lao PDR.

Also presented at the Ceremony were high-level officials from both sides, for example, Mrs. Ureerat Chareontoh, Director-General of Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), Mr. Bounthavy Saiyaphet, Director-General of the Department of Organization and Personnel (DOP), Mr. Atipat Rojanapaibulya, Consul General in Savannakhet, Ms. Waratip Supachawarote, Minister Counsellor of the Royal Thai Embassy Vientiane, Asst. Prof. Dr. Kanjana Payooha (Ph.D.) and Asst. Prof. Dr. Thanathip Laemkom, project’s experts from Ubon Ratchathani University and distinguished representatives from Champasak Province.

An “Aquaculture Learning Center” at Champasak Agriculture and Forestry College, is funded by the Thai Government through Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, under the “Project on Capacity Building in Fisheries for Champasak Agriculture and Forestry College, Lao PDR”. The Center will help building capacity of college personnel and improve teaching in fisheries and aquaculture as well as upgrading the laboratory facilities of the “Aquaculture Learning Center”. The Royal Thai Government has contributed to the construction of the Learning Center covering areas of 5,579.29 square meters including the improvement of area condition, preparation of groundwater systems and soil ponds as well as the construction of livestock building such as frog and fish nursery, nurseries for breeding and propagating aquatic plants and ornamental fish, and red miina breeding house. Moreover, the Royal Thai Government also supported necessary equipment and tools for Aquaculture Learning Center and fisheries laboratories with a total budget of 11 million baht. The construction of the Learning Center was completed on 18 January, 2021. Currently, the Center is venue for aquaculture practical training for fisheries students, interested persons and communities in Champasak Province. The project will help enhancing Champasak Agriculture and Forestry College’s capacity to increase effectiveness in  fisheries teaching and learning, and produce diploma level personnel in the field of fisheries with theoretical and practical knowledge that prompt for working in both governments and private sectors which will fully benefit the economy, community and food security of the Lao PDR.