Chula Veterinary Student Leads IVSA Thailand on the Global Stage

A fourth-year student from the Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, has been elected President of the International Veterinary Students’ Association (IVSA) Thailand, marking an important step in strengthening academic and cultural connections between Thai veterinary students and their peers around the world.

Preeyapach Rattanapol, a fourth-year veterinary student at Chulalongkorn University, was elected to the position through a vote of approval by the association’s executive committee. She has officially assumed her role as President of IVSA Thailand since August 2025, serving a one-year term. In this capacity, she represents Thailand at meetings with IVSA Global and oversees the planning of IVSA Thailand’s annual activities.

One of the key initiatives under her leadership is the IVSA Thailand Summer Event, scheduled for May–June 2026, which will welcome veterinary students from overseas to Thailand. The program aims to promote cultural exchange, academic collaboration, and international friendship between Thai and international veterinary students.

IVSA Thailand is a national student organization that brings together veterinary students from universities across the country. The association organizes academic and networking activities such as Summer Events, General Assemblies, and international exchange programs, and serves as a coordinating body between Thai members and the global IVSA network. Members are able to participate in Group Exchange, Individual Exchange, and Online Exchange programs with partner countries. Currently, IVSA Thailand has more than 270 members nationwide.

Prior to her election as president, Preeyapach served as Social Media Manager for IVSA Thailand. She shared that participating in IVSA exchange activities—particularly a Group Exchange program with veterinary students in Taiwan—left a lasting impression on her. The experience exposed her to aquatic animal education, broadened her global perspective, and deepened her understanding of cultural diversity, while also helping her build lasting international friendships.

Taking on the role of president has presented both challenges and growth opportunities. The position requires close collaboration with committee members from different universities in Thailand and abroad—many of whom had never met before—and relies heavily on online communication. Despite these challenges, Preeyapach remains committed to leading the organization with dedication and purpose.

She emphasizes that clear communication, careful planning, openness to diverse opinions, and decisive leadership are essential to effective teamwork. Ultimately, she believes that strong collaboration and mutual understanding within the team are the key factors behind successful outcomes.

An dynamic student since her first year, Preeyapach has participated in numerous faculty clubs and volunteer camps, including veterinary outreach programs, youth camps, and public health initiatives. These experiences, she says, have helped her develop new skills, build confidence, and take pride in overcoming challenges beyond the classroom.

“Becoming a future leader starts with the courage to embrace new experiences and confidence in yourself,” Preeyapach said. “Joining IVSA and serving as President of IVSA Thailand has been an invaluable experience—one that will strongly support my professional journey in the years ahead.”

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