Under One Full Moon, AU Celebrates Thai-Chinese Friendship

The ceremony was graced by Rev. Bro. Sirichai Fonseka, f.s.g., Ph.D., President of Assumption University; Dr. Kitikorn Dowpiset, Vice President; Dr. Chayada Thanavisuth, Dean of the Faculty of Arts; and Assistant Professor Thananporn Sethjinda, Director of the Office of International Affairs.

Joining them were Mr. Zhao Peiqin, Chinese Director, and Dr. Khongrit Chatpathomrak, Thai Director of the Confucius Institute at Assumption University.

In his opening address, Rev. Bro. Sirichai expressed appreciation to the Chinese International Education Foundation (CIEF), the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC), and Tianjin University of Science and Technology for their continued collaboration and support in establishing and developing the Confucius Institute at Assumption University.

He highlighted the Institute’s important role in promoting Chinese language education and creating opportunities for cultural exchange, while expressing his hope that the partnership would continue to encourage greater understanding and mutual learning between the peoples of Thailand and China.

Culture Takes Center Stage

The celebration soon moved from ceremony to performance as faculty members and students from the Confucius Institute presented a program showcasing the beauty and richness of Chinese cultural traditions.

Performances included “Fisherman’s Song at Dusk,” “May We All Be Blessed with Longevity,” and “Blossoms and a Full Moon,” bringing music, movement and the poetic imagery of the Mid-Autumn Festival to the AU campus.

Together, the performances reflected themes long associated with the festival, including family, reunion, gratitude and the sharing of good wishes beneath the full moon.

A Hands-On Journey Through Chinese Culture

The celebration extended well beyond the stage.

Interactive cultural stations invited participants to roll up their sleeves and discover Chinese traditions for themselves. Students and faculty tried their hand at mooncake making, classical Chinese poetry, traditional sachet craftsmanship, Chinese tea art, calligraphy and stone rubbing.

The activities turned the celebration into an engaging cultural classroom, giving participants the opportunity not only to observe traditions but also to experience the skills, stories and customs behind them.

Friendship in Full Moonlight

Held as a flagship activity marking Global Confucius Institute Day, “Full Moon for Mid-Autumn · Gathering of Thai-Chinese Friendship” brought together Mid-Autumn traditions, language learning and cultural exchange in one shared celebration.

For Assumption University, the gathering reflected the Confucius Institute’s continuing role in bringing people together through education and cultural understanding.

And beneath the symbolism of the full moon, the message was fittingly clear: while Thailand and China may have their own languages and traditions, opportunities to learn, celebrate and connect are best shared.

WRITER: ASSUMPTION UNIVERSITY OF THAILAND