On April 24, 2026, Walailak University, led by faculty members from eight schools/colleges—namely the School of Management, School of Accounting and Finance, School of Agricultural Technology and Food Industry, School of Education, School of Liberal Arts, School of Public Health, School of Informatics, and the Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College—together with the team from the Center for Academic Services, engaged in a knowledge exchange with community leaders and representatives of Ban Nai Thung, Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.
The activity was organized under the WU Social Engagement Project utilizing a community participatory approach. It involved presenting baseline data, exchanging insights on local practices, and analyzing ongoing initiatives to support the development of Ban Nai Thung as a model community. The approach aligns with the “WU Happy Tree,” aiming to foster holistic and sustainable community development through three key dimensions:
Livelihood Dimension: Career Opportunity for Sustainable Local Economic Development
The community focuses on enhancing and adding value to seafood products for commercial distribution, including fish balls, sweet dried fish, fish sheets, and frozen dumplings. Food processing technologies are applied to extend product shelf life, alongside the use of simple cost-calculation programs to ensure fair pricing standards. Additionally, community-based tourism in Tha Sala is promoted to diversify income and support the local economy.
Resource and Environmental Dimension: Protecting the World for Future Generations
The community aims to establish a model for managing organic waste and fishery-related waste to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (LESS: Low Emission Support Scheme). This includes converting waste into bioenergy and compost, replacing traditional landfill practices currently used within the community.
Education Dimension: Access to Equal Education Opportunities
The community plans to develop the “Blue Swimming Crab Bank and Coastal Fisheries Learning Center in Ban Nai Thung” as a learning hub for students and the general public. Educational materials will be produced in various formats, such as brochures, posters, and promotional videos, to transfer knowledge on local fisheries, community history, and indigenous wisdom. Storytelling techniques will be employed to cultivate awareness and stewardship of marine resources.