The Success of Chula Graduates on the Day of the Royal Degree Conferral — A Source of Pride 

The Chulalongkorn University royal degree‑conferring ceremony is a day of pride in the lives of those graduating as Chula alumni. This year’s ceremony was held from 29–30 September and 1 October 2025. Some of the graduates who received their degrees this year shared their impressions of Chulalongkorn University and the journey they took to arrive at this proud moment of achievement, also offering valuable reflections to inspire current and future students. 

Chatchai Kongdachudomkul, Doctor of Philosophy in Technology and Innovation Management (CUTIP), Graduate School, Chula, and Senior Manager of Commerce & Planning (Myanmar Project) at PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited, said he feels extremely proud and honored to have completed both his master’s and doctoral degrees at such a prestigious institution. It is the greatest honor in life. Pursuing a PhD is a valuable life experience — a testament to discipline, perseverance, patience, and the power of good friends. Chula is not only excellent in teaching, but also outstanding in research and creating social innovations. It offers academic excellence combined with virtue and ethics. He was impressed by the kindness shown by his professors and advisors, and the friendships among classmates, who shared knowledge and provided encouragement until real “lifetime friendships” were formed. To succeed in one’s studies, the most important things are setting a clear goal, being disciplined with time, and always being open to learning new things. 

Chatchai offered this advice to Chula students: use your time at Chula to develop both knowledge and your network, because experiences outside the classroom are just as important. For those who study while working, plan your studies well, be disciplined with your time allocation, and build success step by step. Don’t forget to inspire and encourage yourself — that is the energy that carries you forward with confidence. 

Rebecca Russell (Risa Honghirun), Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Development, Department of Policy, Management and Educational Leadership, Faculty of Education, Chula, actress, host and entrepreneur, said she feels pride in overcoming obstacles of studying while working and the COVID situation to complete her studies. She was honored to be selected as the student representative to lead the graduate pledge in this year’s degree conferral ceremony. Her success was supported by classmates and advisors who never let go, being a key force toward achievement. The guiding principles throughout her doctoral journey were determination, relationships, and dedication to research work. 

To current students, she advises that obstacles are always part of study. Thus, planning and discipline are key. Although the path may be tough, success awaiting at the end is not only your own pride but also your family’s. 

Aside from finishing a PhD at Chula, Rebecca also pursued further studies in nutrition and anti‑aging sciences, aiming to pass on knowledge and health care to society. 

Tate Henry Myron (Tate Myron), Bachelor of Arts (international program in Language and Culture, (BALAC), with 2nd class honors, actor and model, expressed pride in graduating and receiving the degree. It is not only his important day but also a moment of joy for his family, teachers, and all supporters. Over the past four years he adhered to the principles of “discipline” and “time management” in balance—enabling him to succeed in both studies and work. He also remembered to add joy into his life. The most memorable moments were being with friends and doing activities together. To him, Chula is a space of inspiration and opportunity for growth. 

He offered this advice to students: set your life goals clearly and in alignment with yourself, don’t pressure yourself or compare to others, but try your best. “Our life — we must design it ourselves. Every day that passes always has meaning for our future.” 

For his future, he plans to seriously develop himself in acting, aiming to be an actor who always brings smiles and happiness to the audience. 

Nett Khemayodhin, graduate of BAScii program, Chula Integrated Innovation Institute, shared that he feels joy and pride in graduating from Chula. He treasured his four years in Chulalongkorn University, even though the first year was during COVID and entirely online, university life was a precious time. He cherished student life — spending time with friends, sharing happiness, and participating in various activities. Chula has a delightful atmosphere with many opportunities (sports, academics, orientation activities), kind professors, and many courses involving group projects, requiring coordination and management. In the last year, he completed a senior project. University life is not only about studying — you also take part in extracurricular activities. That way you meet diverse friends and gain worthwhile experience, because those four years cannot be repeated. 

His future goal: to work and gain experience first. In addition to jobs in his field of study, he is also interested in the entertainment industry — acting and music, following his parents’ footsteps (Nott Nuti Khemayotin). He also intends to study abroad to gain more experience. 

Tontawan Tantivejakul, Doctor of Dental Medicine, 2nd class honors, film and series actress, said she is proud to graduate this year. It is a happiness and success born of six years of hard study, during which she has gained valuable knowledge and experience. She stressed that responsibility, focus, and giving one’s all to current tasks are the keys to success. She was touched by the warm friendships formed in her faculty, always helping one another. What stands out in Chula’s memory is the environment conducive to study, modern equipment, and rigorous knowledge. 

She left a message to juniors to live happily in their university years, participate in activities, and make full time with friends. Her goal is to use the knowledge she gained to branch out into other fields of interest and contribute to society. 

Kunanon Rojratanachai, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, and winner of a 2025 higher education innovation award for the project “Albumin extract for dogs from milky plasma,” said he feels greatly honored to be a graduate of Chula and receive the degree. Chula is a leading university that values research and stands out in teaching. The principles for success in study are diligence in reading, reviewing lessons, and always asking professors if something is unclear. He felt impressed by student life from Year 1, being able to do various activities; he was also impressed by the clinical work at Chula’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. 

He advised: “I want juniors to live university life to the fullest, join various activities of interest. If we have confidence in ourselves, everything is possible.” He is currently pursuing a dual international master’s‑doctoral program in Chula’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. In the future he hopes to come back as a faculty member to train future veterinarians. 

Sanchai Asavataweechok, Bachelor of Political Science, Department of International Relations, 1st class honors, President of the CU International Music Club in the academic year 2024, said: “I feel proud to graduate as a Chula alumnus, and it’s a great honor to receive the degree. This success did not arise from me alone, but from family, and all professors who always offered kindness and guidance. Receiving the degree is like a milestone of achievement for myself and those behind me — friends, courses studied, activities done, and all beloved professors. It makes my time at Chula so meaningful. The many experiences in the Chula environment including being president of CU Band will always be memorable.” 

After graduating, aside from managing his own business, Sanchai intends to accumulate work experience and plans to pursue a master’s degree in a field of interest to further develop himself holistically. 

Nichapa Suravilas, Bachelor of Pharmacy, 1st class honors in Pharmaceutical Care, opened up about her path to success: she is proud and sees it as a valuable experience after six strong and patient years. Success came from clear goals, systematic planning, prioritization, and discipline. One memorable aspect at Chula was the COVID‑19 period when teaching shifted online, revealing professors’ dedication and the cooperation of friends who helped each other through hard times. Her future goal is to work as a pharmacist — in pharmacies, hospitals, or pharmaceutical companies — with determination to perform every position with the highest efficiency. 

She offered this advice: set clear goals, strive to build a learning network, take part in activities to develop yourself, and importantly care for both body and mind. She believes success comes from dedication, planning, and consistent action. 

Phuridech Boonaum (Minnie), Bachelor of Education, President of the 2024 Chula–Thammasat football relations cheer team, one of the transgender graduates dressed in their gender expression attire to receive the degree this year, said: “I feel so happy and excited to receive the degree this year, because it is a moment everyone has been waiting for. Over four years, there has been fatigue and stress, but everything has been filled with happiness, and it is so worthwhile that this day has come. Thanks to my family for being the important support, friends and teachers who have been by my side all along. Minnie never gave up on her belief. If we believe we can, we can overcome and make things happen.” 

“Studying at Chula was very happy. What impressed me most was doing activities — both faculty and university ones, meeting new friends, doing interesting activities. These all recharged me and made my time as a Chula student fun, bright, and full of precious memories. My future goal is to find something new to do, keep an open mind to learn things around me. One thing I intend is to live my adulthood with happiness, just like the time at Chula.” Minnie said. 

Rattanawong Sumattra, Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering), took 7 years to complete his degree and achieve academic success. He said he feels deeply honored. Coming from a provincial, ordinary family, enrolling at Chula offered many opportunities, and he used them fully during those 7 years. He wants to thank Chula for giving him a life‑changing opportunity. After graduation, he will be a Chula alumnus who gives back to society and continues to help Chula. 

Although he did not graduate with a perfect GPA, he still feels proud to have studied and used time meaningfully both inside and outside the university, with proper time allocation and prioritization, learning from mistakes until finally academic success. Rattanawong said he engaged in diverse activities — volunteer camps, assisting in the Chula Engineering alumni association, participating in business case competitions as a team leader and winning first place, and being elected class president for Engineering Class 102 (Eng. 2018). 

Currently, Rattanawong works as Managing Director of a tour company in the South. He leaves advice for juniors: university life is golden time in which you can explore your interests until you find them. Getting involved in extra-curricular activities leads to friends and real work experience. 

Anucha Samat, Bachelor of Education, Department of Educational Technology, with a cumulative GPA of 3.62, spoke of his academic success as a Chula graduate: he is very proud to graduate as a Chula alumnus. It’s a step forward in life from study into working life. His student life taught him many things, and university time passed very quickly. The principle for success is studying and doing activities together, which alleviates stress and builds life balance. The memorable time at Chula included being vice‑president of the Isan culture & arts club, entering DigiFam Awards (reaching Top 5), and especially the time he taught at Chula Demonstration School. He also treasures professors who guided him in all matters, and the great friendships from collaborating with friends — helping him understand that they are very important in life. 

Currently Anucha works in public relations at the Faculty of Education, Chula. His future goal is to pursue a master’s degree, and he wishes to teach at the Chula Demonstration School. 

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