Volume 15 Number 1 - Mahidol University

MAHIDOL
UNIVERSITY
ISSN : 0859-6670
Wisdom of the Land
Volume 15, Number 1 January - April, 2008
Foundation Stone Laid for Siriraj Hospital Expansion Project
H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn laid the foundation stone for
‘The Siriraj Building Project Initiative: Toward an Institute of Medical
Excellence in Southeast Asia’on a 33-rai plot of land near the Chao Phraya
River, formerly the Thonburi Train Terminal, after presiding over the Siriraj Scientific
Congress – The 120 th Anniversary of Siriraj Hospital, ‘A New Era of Best Practice
and Innovation’ on 17 February (for conference details, see page 2).
The objectives of the Siriraj Initiative are to commemorate the highly
respected King Rama V who established both the State Railway of Thailand and the
Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, to celebrate H.M. King Bhumipol Adulyadej’s
80 th Birthday Anniversary together with an appreciation of His Majesty contributions
to the Faculty, and to enhance the competitive potential of the Faculty in international biomedical
research, medical education and medical care. Further aims are to promote the Faculty as a hub
of medical -related activities and focus point for dissemination of state-of- the-art medical
knowledge, and to return to the community the benefit of having a renovated facility equipped
with beautiful riverfront scenery, a publicly accessible garden and a historical building.
The completed project will include a Center of Medical Information and Communication
Technology, Center of Advanced Geriatrics and Gerontology, Center of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, Siriraj Medical
Museum, Center of Excellence in Bio-Medical Research, Center of Excellence in Medical Care, Commemorative Garden,
riverfront walkway, and a ferry pier. It is scheduled to be completed by 2011.
Mahidol University to Host the 6th QS Asia Pacific Professional Leaders in Education
Conference and Exhibition in 2010
On 4 April, Mahidol University signed a Memorandum of
Understanding for Partnership in organizing the 6 th QS Asia Pacific Professional
Leaders in Education Conference and Exhibition (QS-APPLE) in 2010 in
Bangkok, in association with the QS Education Trust (QSET).
Before the signing ceremony, Mahidol organized a Special Seminar
on ‘Mahidol’s Ranking and Branding Situation’ which began with an
opening speech by Assoc. Prof. Churnrurthai Kanchanachitra, Vice President
for Collaboration and Networking, and Mr. Tony Martin, Associate Director
– QS (Quacquarelli Symonds), and was then followed by lectures on ‘THES-
QS World University Rankings: New Developments in Ranking
Methodology’ by Mr. Ben Sowter, Chief Researcher and Data Analyzer of the Times Higher Education/World University
Rankings, and on ‘Development and Trends of Research Performance Evaluation’ by Mr. Jay Katzen, Managing Director
Academic & Government Products, Science and Technology Division.
Clin. Prof. Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn, President, said that since Mahidol’s goal is to be ranked in the top 100 World
University Rankings in the next 4 years, Mahidol has accelerated in all management aspects of international education to meet
(continued on page four)
The International Newsletter of Mahidol University

eatures
H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided
over the Opening Ceremony of the Siriraj Scientific
Congress ’A New Era of Best Practice and Innovation’,
marking the 120th Anniversary of Siriraj Hospital, at the
Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital on 17 March.
Siriraj Scientific Congress
The Congress was held on 17 - 21 March in honor
and gratitude to King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), the founder
of Siriraj Hospital, the first government hospital in Thailand.
The purpose for establishing Siriraj Hospital was to provide
medical services to people in all walks of life and do research
for the development of medicine and public health to an
international standard. The Congress emphasized the applicable
use of new and advanced medical technology and knowledge
for better treatment and health promotion of people. It
consisted of academic lectures, research and academic
presentations which were presented by over 400 honorary
guests and lecturers in various fields from Thailand and
overseas. More than 5,000 participants attended the
Congress.
Commemorating the 39 th Anniversary of the Royal Bestowal
of the Name ‘Mahidol University’.
On 3 March, Mahidol University
celebrated its annual commemoration of
the 39 th Anniversary of the Royal
Bestowal of the name ‘Mahidol
University’. The festivities began with
an early morning religious ceremony, a
flower presentation ceremony at the
statue of H.R.H. Prince Mahidol of
Songkla, and award presentations for
outstanding teaching, advisers and staff.
Additional sporting competitions among
staff, an academic exhibition, an art exhibition by Mahidol
staff and student artists, and free medical check-ups followed
throughout the day. Featured events included a Special Lecture
on ‘Experiences in University Administration under the
Supervision of the Royal Thai Government’, by Dr.
Krissanapong Kirtikara, Advisor to the King Mongkut
University of Technology, Thonburi, and a two-hour special
TV program on Channel 11. One of TV program highlights
Medical Congress Held
was a group discussion on ‘The Role of the
University in Society under Supervision
of the Royal Thai Government’ jointly
participated by Dr. Vicharn Panich (second
left), Chairman, Mahidol University
Council, Clin. Prof. Piyasakol
Sakolsatayadorn (center), President,
Mahidol University, Dr. Suchada
Kiranandana (second right), President,
Chulalongkorn University, and Dr.
Krissanapong Kirtikara (right corner).
The program also fielded phone calls from the public to answer
questions about health and the Mahidol University student
entrance system.
H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej graciously bestowed
the name of his father, Prince Mahidol of Songkla, on the
institution then known as the University of Medical Science,
on 2 March, 1969, thus renaming it ‘Mahidol University’.
The Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, in
cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Royal Thai
Government, and Thai Physicians Association in America,
organized a Medical Congress on the Auspicious Occasion
of H.M. the King’s 80 th Birthday Anniversary on 5 December,
2007, together with a public session entitled ‘New Frontiers
in Cardiovascular Metabolic and Oncological Practices
Together for the Better Health’ on 31 January – 3 February,
2008, in Bangkok. The Congress attracted over 1,500 medical
professionals to share knowledge and experience in clinical
examination, treatment, prevention, and healthcare.
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eatures
Official Opening of the Golden Jubilee
Medical Center
H.R.H. Princess Maha
Chakri Sirindhorn, on behalf of
H.M. the King, officially presided
over the opening of Mahidol
University’s Golden Jubilee
Medical Center and dental hospital
on 4 January. The Center’s objective is to be a leader of special
health services with an emphasis on full dental hospital services,
health assessment services, disease prevention, health promotion
and patient rehabilitation. The Center will also conduct continued
education in traditional Asian medicine, particularly Chinese
medicine. In the first stage, the Center will have 80 beds and
eventually expand to 350 beds to serve local people and those
from nearby provinces. The Center’s facilities include a Dental
Hospital, Modern Medicine Clinic, Rehabilitation Clinic, and
Chinese Medicine Clinic. The opening ceremonies included a
medical exhibition and a Special Lecture by Prof. Pornchai
Matangkasombut, Former President of Mahidol University.
New International Master Degree Programs
Mahidol University International College recently
established two new international postgraduate programs: a
Master of Business Administration in Business Modeling and
Analysis and Master of Management in Tourism and Hospitality
Management. The Business Modeling and Analysis program
aims to respond to an increasingly competitive business
environment and new demands of business worldwide by
producing professional graduates with analytical, quantitative,
and decision-making skills leading to successful careers in
business, government, or consulting via the application of
research and scientific methods, who are able to work
effectively in a diverse and multidisciplinary working
environment in an ethically and socially responsible manner.
The Tourism and Hospitalily Management program aims to
produce students with hospitality creativity, critical analysis,
and professionalism to excel in tourism and hospitality related
organizations in Southeast Asia, with well-rounded leadership
and enhanced social and environmental development. More
program details and admission requirements are at
www.muic.mahidol.ac.th.
Launch of BUDSIR VI for Windows
Mahidol University recently held a ceremony to launch
the BUDSIR VI for Windows software, the newest computer
version of the Buddhist Pali language Tipitaka Canon and
Buddhist Reference Suite. The ceremony was held to celebrate
the auspicious occasion of H. M. the King’s 80th Birthday
Anniversary. In fact, this latest version was the joint efforts
with Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University and
Mahamakut Buddhist University. For this event, Mahidol also
distributed 2,550 program packages to monks, monastic
institutions, and Buddhist schools for their study and
continuance of Buddhism.
This project was originally initiated to commemorate
the auspicious occasion of H.M. the King’s becoming the
longest-reigning monarch in Thai history on 2 July, 1988. The
world’s first digital edition of the Tipitaka took 7 months to
complete and contained 45 volumes of the Pali Tipikata with
over 25 million characters.
In May 1991, H.M. the King donated his private fund
to Mahidol Universtiy to support the further development of
the BUDSIR project. Later, 70 volumes of the Atthakatha
(Commentary) were added to the database, and three years
later the Tipitaka and Atthakatha, numbering 115 volumes in
all, were recorded on CD-ROM and a more efficient search
program, BUDSIR IV for Windows, was developed. In
February, 1998, it marked another great step forward in the
development of the project with the successful completion of
a Thai translated edition of the Tipitaka on CD-ROM and a
new search program, BUDSIR/TT for Windows.
BUDSIR VI is currently the most complete Tipitaka
database consisting of 45 volumes of Tipitaka in Pali, 45
volumes of Tipitaka in Thai translation, 107 volumes of
Atthakatha, and scriptures in Pali including Dhamma books, a
Dictionary of Buddhism, and a Dictionary of Buddhist Terms
by Pra Promkunaporn.
January - April 2008
SPECTRUM 3

Activities
Ramathibodi Hospital Launches New Cure for Atrial Fibrillation in Asia
Prof. Rajata Rajatanavin (center), Dean, Faculty of Medicine
Ramathibodi Hospital, together with Assist. Prof. Khanchit Likittanasombat
(right corner), Assist. Prof. Suchart Chaiyaroj and Dr. Khanat Kruthakul
(left corner), recently announced success in operating cardiac arrhythmia
from Atrial Fibrillation (AF) with invasive endoscopy and electroanatomical
mapping of the atria with the CARTO system, the first of its kind in Asia.
There was also an official opening of the Cardiovascular Metabolic Center at
Ramathibodi Hospital (CVMC).
This technique has been used in the US for more than 10 years but is a new technique and the first successful treatment
in Southeast Asia. Under the technique, AF patients will have only a 1- 2 centimeter incision during the operation and the cost
is 10 times less that of overseas treatment.
AF is an abnormal heart rhythm that involves the two upper chambers (atria) of the heart. It is often asymptomatic, and
is not in itself generally life-threatening, but may result in palpitations, fainting, chest pain, or congestive heart failure. Patients
with AF are at a significantly increased chance of stroke (about 2 to 7 times the regular population). Indeed, AF is a leading
cause of stroke.
Prof. Rajata reported that at present, heart disease is the second cause of death in Thailand, following HIV/AIDS.
Data from 2006 from the Ministry of Public Health reported that 328,195 people were heart disease patients and about 40,000
persons per year died of heart disease, or a rate of 4 deaths per hour. Worldwide, 107.5 million people per year die of heart
disease, and in developing countries including Thailand there is a continual increase in the number of heart disease patients. In
the US, it is estimated that 0.4 percent of the total population have AF.
Assist. Prof. Khanchit Likittanasombat noted that cardiac arrhythmias (heart rhythm problems) can be divided into two
general types: those that make the heart rhythm too slow and those that make the heart rhythm too rapid. AF is usually seen in
older patients who have other types of cardiovascular disease. In addition to palpitations, AF produces a risk of blood clots that
can lead to stroke.
The CVMC will serve an increasing amount of AF patients. Treatment can be made with Radiofrequency Ablation
using the electro-anatomical CARTO system, a leading-edge three-dimensional navigational system, by operation with a maze
procedure, or with a minimally invasive approach.
Mahidol to Host the 6 th QS APPLE (continued from page one)
world-class standards by creating understanding among
academic staff, administrators and supportive staff. The quality
development of teaching and learning systems and continued
development of various education support systems have been
emphasized and are being carried out at present.
Mahidol University is greatly honored not only to
benefit from these lectures by QS specialists at the Faculty of
Science but also to have been chosen to host the 6 th QS
APPLE, a yearly event, in 2010. The conference and
exhibition will be held in Thailand for the first time, while
previous events were organized by universities in Malaysia,
Singapore, and Hong Kong. This year, the QS APPLE
conference and exhibition will be held at Yonsei University in
Korea and Malaysia will host the event in 2009.
Clin. Prof. Piyasakol noted that Mahidol is a higher
education institute in the Asia-Pacific region which recognizes
the importance of promoting international education, adding
‘we hope that there will be about 1,000 university administrators
from the Asia-Pacific, Europe, America, and Australasia
participating in this event’.
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Activities
Administrators Visit Overseas for International Linkage
Prof. Banchong Mahaisavariya, Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies, represented Mahidol at the invitation of the Ministry
of Education to attend the 13 th China International Education Circuit Exhibition and discussion meeting between Thai and
Chinese higher education institutions on 4-8 March in Xi’an, China, regarding possible collaboration in receiving Chinese
postgraduate students in Thailand . Prof. Banchong also visited several institutions in Xi’an including Xi’an Jiaotong University
and Xi’an International Studies University.
Assoc. Prof. Churnrurtai Kanchanachitra, Vice President for Collaboration and
Networking, attended the 3 rd Annual Conference & Exhibition of Asia-Pacific Association
for International Education (APAIE), at Waseda University, Japan, on 26-28 March. Assoc.
Prof. Churnrurtai was also representative of the President in the ‘University Presidents’
Roundtable Session’ at the conference. Prof.Chariya R. Brokelman, Director, and Assist.
Prof. Anchalee Pongpun represented the Mahidol University International College to present
a paper on “Cultural Enrichment through Conflicts and Crises”. 700 participants and 160 speakers from 400 different
countries joined the event, with about 68 booths from 50 different institutions around the world.
Prof. Prasit Watanapa, Vice President for Education and Human Resource Development, participated in the 4 th
International Barcelona Conference on Higher Education ‘Higher Education: New Challenges and Emerging Roles for
Human and Social Development’ on 31 March – 2 April at the Technical University of Catalonia, Barcelona. He also
represented Clin. Prof. Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn, President of Mahidol University and the Vice President of the Global
University Network for Innovation – Asia and the Pacific in the Executive Board Meeting during the event.
In addition, on 15-18 April Assoc. Prof. Churnrurtai Kanchanachitra attended the 2 nd University Mobility in Asia and
the Pacific (UMAP) Vice President Forum and Coordination Committee Meeting hosted by the University of Colima, Manzanillo,
Mexico. She also acted as Chair of the Roundtable Dicussion on ‘Development of UMAP Special Courses for Student
Exchange among UMAP and Promotion of Student Mobility’ as well as Chair of the UMAP Vice President Forum
Coordination Committee. The aim of the forum is to develop a platform by means of which senior administrators, and vice
presidents from universities participating in UMAP in particular, discuss how to contribute to sustainable development from the
field of higher education and especially from universities located in the Asia-Pacific region.
Amnaj Charoen Campus: Educational
Opportunity
for Indochinese People
In 1995, the Mahidol University Cabinet agreed that
Mahidol University could expand its 3 provincial campuses in
Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Sawan, and Amnaj Charoen
provinces in order to provide educational opportunities for
local residents. The University opened the Kanchanaburi
Campus and Nakhon Sawan Campus several years ago
whereas Amnaj Charoen Campus is undergoing a feasibility
study expected to be completed in the near future. The current
Amnaj Charoen project committee chaired by Amnaj Charoen
Governor, in cooperation with local administration
organizations, local people, and the private sector, has made
an effort to raise resources and funds to support the Campus
establishment within the upcoming semester. In addition, the
Provincial Administration Organization agreed to develop a
budget by securing an 81 million baht bank loan in order to
achieve better quality for both local residents and the local
community as originally envisaged.
Student Exchange Program
Ten students from Mahidol University International
College and the Faculty of Arts participated in the Short-term
Student Exchange Program at Kyushu University, Japan, on
30 March – 10 April. The two universities cooperate in
organizing the program annually to provide an opportunity for
student exchange for a period of 2 weeks with activities
including language and culture classes, and study visits. The
Thai students also met and joined in activities with students
from Kyushu University who visited Thailand last September.
January - April 2008
SPECTRUM 5

Congratulations/Awards
Congratulations
Prof. M.R. Jisnuson Svasti was
recently appointed President of the Science
Society of Thailand under the Patronage
of H.M. The King. He is Professor of
Biochemistry at the Faculty of Science,
Mahidol University, and was formerly
Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies
and Vice President of Mahidol University.
New Administrators Appointed
Assoc. Prof. Sureeporn Punpuing
Director, Institute for Population and Social Research
Prof. Emeritus Somsak Chuckpaiwong
has been named President of the
Royal College of Dental Surgeons of
Thailand. He was the former Deputy
Secretary-General, Office of the Higher
Education Commission, and former Dean
of the Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol
University.
Assist. Prof. Pimpa Kachondham
Director,Ratchasuda College
Ms.Chaweewan Swasdee
Mahidol University Library and
Information Center
Awards
On February 2,
Prof. Juwadee Shiowatana
(left photo) and Assist.
Prof. Duangjai Nacapricha
(right photo) from the
Faculty of Science won the Best Invention Award 2008
(Science and Technology) and the Complimentary Innovation
Award 2008 (Science and Technology) for their project ‘Gan
Bhai Innovation for Rapid Measurement’ from the National
Research Council of Thailand.
At the same time, the National
Research Council of Thailand also gave Dr.
Pongrama Ramasoota and his team from the
Faculty of Tropical Medicine an Inventor of
the Year Award 2008 in the medical sciences
field for his work on ‘Rapid Diagnosis of M.
Tuberculosis and Legionella from Indoor Air
Using Modified Impinger and Polymerase Chain Reaction’.
The Ka Pepe
Diokno Human Rights
Special Citation was
given to Dr. Sriprapha
Petcharamesree,
Lecturer of the Office
of Human Rights
Studies and Social
Development, Faculty
of Graduate Studies,
Mahidol University.
Mr. Tanawat Phaovibul, a firstyear
Social Science major from Mahidol
University International College, won the
Thailand Public Speaking Competition
2008, “New Horizons, New Frontiers”
and will represent Thailand
to compete in the
International Public
Speaking Competition
on 6-9 May 2008 in
the UK.
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Activities
Prince Mahidol Award Conference 2008
Mobile Dental Unit in Chiang Rai
• Picture at the opening
ceremony, Clinical Professor
Teerawat Kulthanan (first left),
Dean of Faculty of Medicine
Siriraj Hospital, Dr. Prat
Boonyavongvirot (second
right), Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Public Health.
H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided
over the opening ceremony of the Prince Mahidol Award
Conference 2008 under the main topic: Three Decades of
Primary Health Care: Reviewing the Past and Defining
the Future on 31 January at the Dusit Thani Hotel.
The conference was co-hosted by the Prince Mahidol Award
Foundation, the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs, Mahidol University, the World Health
Organization, and the World Bank. Participating in the
conference were 400 academics, researchers, and public
health leaders from various countries worldwide.
World University Ranking Staff
Seminar Held
In order to educate Mahidol University administrative
staff with regard to the World University Rankings and ranking
methodology and prepare them for the upcoming year’s
ranking, Mahidol University organized a half day consultative
seminar entitled ‘Preparation for World University Rankings’
on 25 February at the ASEAN Institute for Health
Development. The seminar was opened by Clin. Prof.
Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn, President, which was followed
by a presentation by Prof. M.R. Jisnuson Savasti, President
of the Science Society of Thailand under the patronage of
H.M. the King. A panel discussion followed, which was
chaired by Assoc. Prof. Passiri Nisalak, Vice President for
Administration and University Council Secretary, and included
Prof. M.R. Jisnuson Svasti, Assoc. Prof. Churnrurthai
Kanchanachitra, Vice President for Collaboration and
Networking, Assoc. Prof. Soranit Siltharm, Vice President
for Policy and Informatics Technology, and Assoc. Prof.
Anuchat Poungsomlee, Vice President for Physical System
and Environment.
Assoc. Prof. Theeralaksna Suddhasthira, Dean,
Faculty of Dentistry welcomed H.R.H. Princess Maha
Chakri Sirindhorn on 18 February, working together with
faculty dentists, dental assistants and staff to deliver dental
services at a rural school in Chiang Rai Province in Northern
Thailand.
Special Seminar on Mahatma Gandhi
On 4 February, the Institute of Language and Culture
for Rural Development, Mahidol University, in collaboration with
the Embassy of India, hosted a special seminar to commemorate
the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi’s Satyagraha movement
(justice through peace and non-violence) and to announce the
Institute’s launch of a Master of Indian Studies program, the
first of its kind in Thailand.
The Seminar featured a theme on H.M. the King
Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Sufficiency Economy Philosophy and
Mahatma Gandhi’s Self Sufficiency Concept and was
inaugurated by the Hon. Ambassador of India to Thailand Ms.
Latha Reddy (third right) and Clin. Prof. Piyasakol
Sakolsatayadorn, President of Mahidol University. Eminent
speakers included Prof. Dr. Seree Phongphit (second right),
Director of the Community Enterprise Institute and LIFE
University Project and famous Gandhian Mr. Narayanbhai M.
Desai (fourth right), the ‘adopted son’ of the Mahatma. He
has been recently popular in Thailand for his translated book on
his childhood spent with Gandhi, Phuan Chan Gandhi.
The one-day Seminar featured an interactive session
where leading Thai scholars, including Bhikkhuni Chatsumarn
Kabilsingh, Prof. Srisurang Poonsub, Assist. Prof. Chirapat
Prapandvidya, Assoc. Prof. Chuthatip Umawichanee and
Assoc. Prof. Amarjiva Lochan shared their views on the
sufficiency philosophies of both H.M. the King and Mahatma
Gandhi and their application in today’s life.
January - April 2008
SPECTRUM 7

Activities
Book on HM King Bhumibol of Thailand
International Workshop on Team Building
Iljas Baker, Visiting Professor at the Faculty of Social
Sciences & Humanities, was commissioned by FAO - UN to
write a book commemorating the eightieth birthday of HM
King Bhumibol of Thailand. The book features His Majesty’s
work on food security and poverty alleviation. There are
chapters on His Majesty’s much lauded Sufficiency Economy
Philosophy and his New Theory of agriculture and the projects
which have been implemented to demonstrate these. There is
also a chapter devoted to FAO assistance to His Majesty’s
projects and FAO’s own projects in Thailand designed to
ensure food security and poverty alleviation. The book was
published in January in hard and soft cover editions and is
available from the FAO office in Bangkok. A very special
limited edition of the book was also printed and presented to
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who represented the
King, at Srapathum Palace by the Assistant Director-Gerneral
and FAO Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific,
Mr. He Changchui. This special edition consists of a hardback
edition covered in light gunny sack material and a stiff paper
dust jacket. It comes in a special presentation box consisting
of the book along with a glass capsule containing 80 jasmine
rice seeds from a Royal Project developed in the grounds of
His Majesty’s Chitralada Palace. The special edition was also
presented to a small number of Thai dignitaries.
Environmental Seminar on Energy Issues
Faculty of Environment and Resources Studies,
organized the 4 th Environmental Seminar on ‘Energy and
Climate Change, Energy Policy and Renewable Energy’
on 12 March. The Seminar was held to encourage people of
the importance of energy saving to reduce global warming
and climate change. Dr. Chalotorn Kansuntisukmongkol from
Thammasat University and Dr. Chris Greacen and Ms.
Cheunchom Sangarasri Greacen from Palang Thai Group were
invited as special guest speakers, which received great attention
from both Thai and international lecturers and students of the
Faculty and Mahidol University International College.
Ms. Sonja Dimter, Foreign Expert from the Faculty
of Environment and Resource Studies, and Ms. Heike Delling
from the University of Applied Sciences, Eberswalde,
Germany held an International Workshop on ‘Team
Building and Methods of Successful Team Work’ on 4-6
March. The Workshop was successfully organized and
received interest from faculty and staff members of relevant
faculties and institutes of Mahidol University. Participants
received an opportunity to develop their abilities in planning
systematically, and learn how to creatively use visualization
techniques for facilitating communication.
College of Music Hosts Saxophone Competition
One of the year’s most intense competitions has just
concluded after the world’s most talented saxophonists including
94 contestants from 21 countries came to the College of
Music to participate in The 2 nd International Jean-Marie
LONDEIX Saxophone Competition. On hand for the entire
competition was saxophone legend Professor Jean Marie
Londeix, who graciously lent his name to the event. In the
final round, the best 5 saxophonists performed with the Thailand
Philharmonic Orchestra on 26 January at the College of
Music Auditorium. Mr. Alexandre Doisy from France was
the 1 st prize winner receiving USD 5,000 plus two saxophones
from the Siam Yamaha company and the opportunity to be
recorded for radio and television in Bangkok, as well as
2 concert engagements with the Thailand Philharmonic
Orchestra. Mr.Jean Marie Londeix was pleased with this
event in Thailand. He announced that Mahidol University will
host the competition event every 3 years in the future.
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Activities
Two Nobel Laureates Lecture at Mahidol
The Faculty of Science in cooperation with the
International Peace Foundation organized two events in the
‘Bridges-Dialogues Towards a Culture of Peace’ project by
hosting Prof. David J. Gross, 2004 Nobel Laureate in Physics
from the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics of the University
of California in Santa Barbara to give a lecture entitled ‘The
Coming Revolutions in
Fundamental Physics’ at the
Faculty on 7 January, and Prof.
Aaron Chiechanover, M.D.,
D.Sc., 2004 Nobel Laureate in
Chemistry and a Distinguished
Research Professor in the Faculty
Prof. David J. Gross
of Medicine of the Technion
Israel Institute of Technology in
Haifa, to give a lecture entitled
‘Why our proteins have to die
so we shall live’ at the Faculty
on 10 April.
New Collaboration Agreements Signed
On 15 February, the Faculty of Environment and
Resource Studies held an Executive Meeting and Signing
Ceremony for the Agreement on Academic Cooperation
among the University Network for Wetland Research and
Training in the Mekong Region. Attendees included Clin. Prof.
Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn, President of Mahidol University,
as well as Presidents, Rectors and Representatives from 12
university members including Cambodia’s Royal University of
Agriculture and Royal University of Phnom Penh; Lao’s
Champasak University and National University of Lao; the
University of Sains Malaysia; Thailand’s Chulalongkorn University,
Khon Kean University, Mahasarakham University; and
Vietnam’s An Giang University, Can Tho University, Nong
Lam University, University of Science, and Vietnam National
University-Ho Chi Minh City.
Prof. Aaron Chiechanover
College of Music Hosts the First Thailand
International Piano Competition
The College of Music, in partnership with SiamMusic
Yamaha Corporation and the Thailand Philharmonic Orchetra,
proudly organized the 1 st Thailand International Piano
Competition. This competition aimed to encourage young
pianists from all nationalities to develop and present their
talent and artistry as well as to encourage them to reach their
highest potential. In the final round of the competition on March
21, 2008, Ms. Tian Lu from China was declared the winner,
earning 150,000 baht plus a Yamaha Grand Piano C3, and a
trophy and certificate.
On 25 February, a Memorandum of Understanding
on Academic Collaboration between Mahidol University and
the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic (ASCR) was
signed at the Office of the President by Prof. Vaclav ´ Paces, ˆ
President of ASCR, and Clin. Prof. Piyasakol
Sakolsatayadorn, President of Mahidol (see above photo).
A more detailed MOU was also signed by Prof. Jan Palouš,
President of the Council for International Affairs, ASCR, and
Prof. Skorn Mongkolsuk, Dean, Faculty of Science. The aim
of these agreements is to collaborate in exchange of scientists
and Ph.D. students for study visits, conduct of joint research
projects, and other activities. The ceremony was witnessed
by administrators from ASCR and Mahidol. After the ceremony,
ASCR administrators also visited the Faculty of Science.
Mahidol University and Kyoto Institute of Technology,
Japan, recently concluded a General Agreement for Academic
Exchange and a Memorandum on Student Exchange between
the two institutions. These documents will be effective on
May 1, 2008, and valid for 5 years.
January - April 2008
SPECTRUM 9

Research
Herbal Extracts as Adjunct in Periodontal Therapy
Centella asiatica (Baibuabok – Thai name) and Punica granatum
(Tuptim-Thai name) are medicinal herbs that have been reported to promote
tissue healing. While C. asiatica extract has the property to stimulate collagen
synthesis, tannin containing extract from P. granatum possesses astringent action.
It also has the affinity to bind with collagen and, therefore, has the capacity to
stabilize it. A double-blind clinical study carried out by Assoc. Prof. Pusadee
Yotnuengnit, et al., investigated effects of the combined extracts from C. asiatica
and P. granatum pericarp as a locally delivered adjunct on periodontal healing
following scaling and root planing (SRP) in adult periodontitis patients. An
innovative combined herbal medicament was formulated in the form of
biodegradable chips for subgingival application.
Patients with initial PD (pocket depth: the defect between root surface
and the gum resulting from destruction of the disease, with more depth indicating
more advanced disease.) of 5 to 8 mm. were enrolled in the study. In each
subject, two teeth in three out of the four quadrants were selected as target
teeth and randomized into three different treatment groups. After baseline
examination and SRP on non-target teeth, the target teeth in the test group received
SRP followed by subgingival delivery of the medicated chips, while the placebo
group received SRP plus plain (unmedicated) chips, and the control group received
SRP alone. The total follow-up period was six months.
Baibuabok
Better improvements of PD and AL (Attachment Loss: indicating vertical
dimension of attachment loss between root surface of the tooth and the gum at
particular site, with a higher value indicating more advanced disease) in the test
group were detected at both 3 and 6 months. The differences reached significant
levels at 3 months when compared with the placebo group. At 6 months, the test
Tuptim
group showed significant overall PD reduction compared to both placebo and
control groups as well as significant improvement in AL. These differences were even more pronounced among the pockets
with initial PD of 7 to 8 mm. All treatment groups exhibited a similar trend of oral hygiene improvement. The test group,
however, showed less percentage of non-bleeding sites. In all treatment groups, mean PD at 3 and 6 months were found to be
statistically lower from baseline. The effect on PD reduction by SRP in this study is, therefore, in agreement with findings from
other reports in respect to improvement of the periodontal condition obtained following supra- and subgingival debridement. This
confirms the effectiveness of SRP as having been used as the “gold standard” therapy.
When changes in PD and AL are taken into consideration, the test group showed quite impressive effects on PD
reduction. This enhancing effect could result from the astringent property of the tannin containing Punica extract in the medicated
chips. The astringent action is usually accompanied by contraction and wrinkling of the tissue. Local edema, inflammation as
well as exudation are also reduced. As tissue shrinkage naturally occurs after SRP, the additional PD reduction observed in the
SRP+med chip group seemed most likely to be facilitated by the characteristic astringency. On the other hand, the augmenting
effect on AL improvement in the test group could be postulated as a result, at least partially, from the stimulatory property of
Centella asiatica as the extract has been known to increase collagen synthesis. While the investigation focused on examining
the enhancing effects of the combined herbal medicament, the overall results obtained could benefit from some other properties
of C. asiatica and P. granatum. These may include antibacterial activities of both the herbs against some microorganisms and
the enzyme inhibitory properties of tannins contained in the Punica extract.
The study concluded that with the use of the newly formulated adjunctive herbal medicament, periodontal healing was
superiorly augmented following conventional periodontal therapy in the test group as compared to the placebo and control
groups. This may provide a new alternative to the use of adjunctive antibiotics which often induces development of bacterial
resistance, and reduces the need for periodontal surgery. Although the preliminary results from this clinical study appear quite
promising, further investigations are required to explain possible mechanisms responsible for the effects of these medicinal
herbs on periodontal healing.
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MAHIDOL UNIVERSITY

Upcoming Conferences/Training/Workshop
2008 International Conference on Healthy People for a Healthy World
The Faculty of Nursing and the Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, co-sponsored by the
School of Nursing, University of Michigan, US, Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Canada, and Royal Melbourne
Institute of Technology University, Australia, are organizing the ‘2008 International Conference on Healthy People for a
Healthy World’ on 25-27 June, 2008, in Bangkok. The Conference will emphasize health services and strategies that promote
people’s optimal level of health. The conference themes consist of Health policy/Health Care System, Health Promotion,
Primary Health Care: Strategies and Management, Emerging & Re-emerging Across Populations, Disaster Management,
Environmental Health, Cultural Diversity and Health Disparity, Health Informatics, Evidence-based Health Practice, and Human
Resource Development in Health Professions, Advanced Practice in Nursing and Midwifery, and Nursing and Midwifery
Practice & Education. For more details, please visit www.healthyconf2008.com or contact Dr. Nantiya Watthayu at
deanns@mahidol.ac.th.
The 2 nd International Conference on Language Development Revitalization
and Multilingual Education in Ethnolinguistics
The Institute of Language and Culture for Rural Development, in collaboration with SIL International, UNESCO-
Bangkok, the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization, UNICEF, Care International, and Save the Children UK,
will co-host the 2 nd International Conference on ‘Language Development Revitalization and Multilingual Education
in Ethnolinguistics’ on 1-3 July, 2008, in Bangkok. The Conference aims to raise awareness about the purposes and benefits
of mother tongue-based multilingual education (MT-Based MLE) programs, share information about good practices in language
development, language revitalization and MT-Based MLE in ethnolinguistic communities, and develop and expand networks of
individuals and organizations engaged in these efforts. The conference topics include language development and language
revitalization of non-dominant languages; language policy, language-in-education policy and policy implementation; MT-based
MLE; community-centered efforts to preserve intangible cultural heritage; information and communication technology that
supports language development and MT-based MLE; and research and evaluation studies of language revitalization and MTbased
MLE programs. For more information about the conference program, please contact langdevelbkk_info@sil.org or
visit www.seameo.org/_ld2008/index.html.
International Workshop 2008 on Laboratory Diagnosis of Malaria
The Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, will organize the International Workshop 2008
on ‘Laboratory Diagnosis of Malaria: From Conventional to High Technology’ on 18– 22 August, 2008, in Bangkok.
The workshop will consist of a malaria overview, recent laboratory methods for the diagnosis of malaria, laboratory demonstration
of all human malaria parasites, practice of thin and thick smears from infected blood, staining methods for thin and thick blood
smears, practice of conventional microscopic malaria diagnosis, alternative methods for malaria diagnosis and their use, practice
of rapid diagnostic test kits, PCR technique for malaria diagnosis, and practice of PCR technique. Expected participants are
approximately 10-30 persons including medical doctors, laboratory technicians, and others involved in malaria diagnosis. Interested
persons can find more information at www.tm.mahidol.ac.th or contact tmymv@mahidol.ac.th.
Regional Training of Trainers on Nursing and Midwifery Management in HIV/AIDS
The WHO Collaborating Centre (WHO CC) for Nursing and Midwifery Development at the Faculty of Nursing and
Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, in collaboration with WHO CC for Nursing and Midwifery
Development at the Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University, and WHO CC for Clinical Management and Research
in HIV/AIDS, Bamrasnaradura Infectious Disease Institute, Ministry of Public Health, and with support from Nursing and
HIV/AIDS Units WHO/SEARO, will co-organize an international 8-week program entitled ‘Regional Training of Trainers
on Nursing and Midwifery Management in HIV/AIDS Prevention, Care, and Support (PC&S)’ on 8 October – 28
December, 2008. The program aims to develop capacity of nurses and midwives for provision of quality holistic, comprehensive,
and continuum HIV/AIDS PC&S that is accessible, equitable, and affordable for people living with HIV/AIDS and
affected persons in health care facilities and community settings; teaching and building capacity of other health care providers;
and maintaining lifelong learning to update knowledge and skills and to create positive attitudes towards lifelong learning. The
curriculum consists of 6 courses including HIV/AIDS PC&S Update; Counseling and Empowerment in HIV/AIDS PC&S;
Nursing and Midwifery Management in HIV/AIDS PC&S in Health Care Facilities; Nursing and Midwifery Management in
HIV/AIDS PC&S in Community Settings; Educational Program Development for Training of Nurses and Midwives in HIV/
AIDS PC&S; and Issues and Trends in HIV/AIDS PC&S. Expected participants include nurses and midwives, particularly
from Southeast Asia. For more details visit www.ns.mahidol.ac.th/TOT/P1.htm or contact Assoc. Prof. Fongcum Tilokskulchai
or Dr. Nantiya Watthayu at deanns@mahidol.ac.th or nsnck@mahidol.ac.th.
January - April 2008
SPECTRUM 11

• 31/1 - A press Delegation from Vietnam, Cambodia, Lao,
Korea, and the Philippines visited MU Faculties.
• 15/2 - Prof. Datuk Dr. Nik Mustapha R. Abdullah, Vice
Chancellor, and delegates from Universiti Putra Malaysia
met Clin. Prof. Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn, MU President,
and toured the College of Management.
• 18/2 - A delegation led by Prof.
Joseph A. Flaherty, Dean, University
of Illinois at Chicago, US, together
with Mr. Chongruk Palasai, Rector
and colleagues from Princess of
Naradhiwas University met MU
President Piyasakol and Faculty
administrators to discuss possible
collaboration in medicine.
• 20/2 - Brigadier General Md. Tajul
Islam and representatives from the
Military Institute of Science and Technology, Bangladesh,
visited the Faculty of Engineering.
• 29/2 - Prof. Dr. Hiko Tamashiro, Chair, Dept. of Global
Health and Epidemiology, Div. of Preventive Medicine,
Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Japan,
met MU President Piyasakol, Vice Presidents and Faculty
administrators to discuss possible expansion of collaboration.
• 4/3 - Ms. Vera Radyo and Mr. Ken Philips, Directors, Kenoli
Foundation (right photo), Canada,
met Assoc. Prof. Churnrurtai
Kanchanachitra, Vice President for
Collaboration and Networking, to
discuss future cooperation,
particularly in gender issues and
community work.
• 10/3 - Dr. Hwang Soonil, Associate
Dean of International Programs and
Education, and representatives from
Dongguk University, Korea, met MU Vice President
Churnrurtai and representives from Faculty of Social Sciences
and Humanities, College of Religious Studies and Faculty of
Engineering to discuss Buddhist and religious studies
collaboration.
• 19/3 - Mr. Michel Laurent, Director General, Mr. Daniel
Lefort and Mr. Michel Tibayrenc, Institut de Recherche pour
le Development (IRD), France, met with MU President
Piyasakol and Vice Presidents.
• 21/3 – Mr. Konishi Keiichiro, Executive Director of Japan
International Medical Technology Foundation, Gifu University
of Medical Science, Japan, met MU Presiedent, Vice
President and administrators from the Faculty of Tropical
Medicine and Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital.
Distinguished Visitors to Mahidol University
Chief Editor: Ms. Boonyarat Suwanchinda Editorial Staff: Ms. Suchada Phruthonkul,
Ms. Khanittha Nimon
• 25/3 - Prof. Heddy Shri Ahimsa-Putra, Vice Dean for
Administrative Affairs, and Dr. Inajati Adrisijanti, Head,
Archaeology Department, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah
Mada University, Indonesia, visited the Institute of Language
and Cultural for Rural Development to explore possible
collaboration.
• 25/3 - Mr. Christopher C. Malaya,
College of Commerce, University of San
Carlos, the Phillippines, visited MU
International College to learn about
management in the business department
and programs provided for students.
• 28/3 - Mr. Liege Philippe (right corner
of the left photo) Counsellor for
Culture, Science and Development,
French Embassy in Bangkok,
courtesy called on MU President
Piyasakol together with administrators from the Faculty of
Science and Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, and also
visited the ‘Multi-disciplinary Research Unit of Vector-Borne
and Emerging Infectious Diseases Project’, conducted in
collaboration with experts from IRD.
-• 4/4 – Ms. Maria Lesser, Associate Director, International
Services, College Board, US, met Mr. Brian Phillips, Chief,
International Network Development, and staff from the
Admissions and Academic
Departments, MU International
College, to dicuss an Advanced
Placement Program.
• 11/4 – Prof. Kevin McKenna, Pro
Vice-Chancellor International, and Dr.
Hendrik Halim, Curtin University of
Technology, Australia, met Assoc.
Prof. Anuchat Poungsomlee, Vice
President for Physical System and
Environment, and administrators.
• 22/4 – Prof. Jacques Rivière, Vice Rector for International
Relations, Prof. Claude Dupuy and Prof. Jacqueline Raymond
from Université Montpellier, France, met MU President
Piyasakol and administrators.
Mahidol University
Web Site-www.mahidol.ac.th
Published by:
International Relations Division, Office of the President
Mahidol University
999 Phutthamonthon 4 Road, Salaya, Phuttamonthon
Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
Tel: (66) (0) 2849-6230 (Director), (66) (0) 2849-6231-3, 2849-6235-6
ex: (66) (0) 2849-6237
Email: orbsw@mahidol.ac.th
Website: http://www2.mahidol.ac.th/spectrum/choose.htm
(Background: lower of Afgekia Mahidolae, the University Tree)
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MAHIDOL UNIVERSITY