Bangkok University

Pictures: First, a group picture with the Dean (right) and a colleague of mine who teaches there (left) along with the students and I. Second, "freshies" at orientation. Juniors and seniors lead part of the session to create a sense of belonging in the program. All of these students are communication majors. Third, our group at the communication building. Fourth, our guides during our visit.

On Thursday we visited Bangkok University, a private school with a new campus not far from the airport in Bangkok. It's a beautiful campus and the School of Communication has a beautiful new building. There are 3,000 communication majors in the various programs. There are about 300 majors in the pr program.

We were treated royally with time for meetings with their Dean, Chair, students, and faculty. They provided a wonderful lunch where our students had an opportunity to talk with their undergraduates.

Later, I had a nice walk around the campus with one of the students and some further conversation with the chair of the pr program.

One of the things I learned is that pr is in its infancy in Thailand. It is still largely seen as a promotional/press agentry process. But with several pr programs in the Bangkok area the faculty are hoping to change perceptions about the role of public relations in an emerging Asian economy.