PENANG, 5 July 2013 – About a hundred Thai students from nine Malaysian universities gathered in a spirit of fraternity and dined at Anjung Budi for the launching of the Chaiyo Games which is a telematch comprising traditional games.
 
The event was jointly organized by the Thai Consulate General, USM Thai Student Body, and USM Thai Student Buddy and was attended by the Royal Thai Consul-General of Penang, Hon. Mrs. Srirat Watisatokkij together with representatives from eight other, mostly public, universities from the peninsular. 
 
Current USM Thai Student Club president, Irfan Yanya, a first year School of Management student, said that this was the third time Thai students from various universities gathered for the purpose of enhancing the spirit of fraternity.
 
“The first Chaiyo Games was held two years ago and again this year,” he said, adding that a seminar was instead held last year.
 
“This year’s Chaiyo Games will be held at Tapak Convo over the next two days,” said Irfan.
 
Deputy USM Thai Student Club president Akarawat Haura, a third year School of Management student, pointed out that USM has a Thai student population of 70 and 10 of the undergraduates were involved in organising the event.
 
“We were fortunate that part-time students also came to help us,” he said.
 
The three-hour event was well participated from students from other universities which included Universiti Utara Malaysia, Kolej Universiti Insaniah, Albukhary International University, Universiti Malaya, and International Islamic University. -- Text and photos: Yong Check Yoon