3rd EU-Thailand National Debating Championships 2007

Dear all,

This year the Delegation of the European Commission (EU) in Thailand, in collaboration with the British-American Studies Program (BAS) in the Faculty of Liberal Arts at Thammasat University, organized “The 3rd EU-Thailand National Inter-varsity Debate Championship 2007”. The host of this Debating Championship was Thammasat Speakers Union.

Following on from the success of last year’s event, some 60 teams from more than 20 universities has competed in three days of debating on a wide-range of topics including Thailand’s political and economic reforms, university autonomy, the development of nuclear technology, environmental protection and ASEAN integration. Among new comers to the competition are Prince of Songkla University, Neresuan University, Mahasarakham University, and Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat.

Background:

This National Competition was aimed at promoting Asian style debating in Thailand and giving awareness to current events in the world, especially issues that deal with the EU. This is because debating stimulates critical thinking, discussion, and knowledge of the issues that affect us either directly or indirectly. The competition is also a way for the EU and Thai Academic Institutions to strengthen relations.

The First EU-Thailand National Debate Championship 2005 has proved to be very successful in bringing an international experience to students in Thailand. The competition was participated by more than 100 students from four universities: Thammasat University, Chulalongkorn University. Mahidol University and Assumption University. It was beneficial not only to debaters who directly participated in the competition, but also students responsible for the organization and others who witnessed the competition, namely the representatives from the Member State Embassies, Media and other students. The Delegation has therefore planned to continue this activity and expand the scale of the competition to more students across the country.

EU-Thiland 2007 top Speakers

1. Sureerat Sachanakul - Assumption University
1. Verapat Pariyawong - Chulalongkorn University
2. Phuripat Chantavarin - Chulalongkorn University
3. Phra Chainarong Sangsranoi - Mahidol University International College
3. Peter Isaac Simon - Assumption University
4. Thanachote Rungsitivut - Thammasat University
4. Yao Qiang - Mahidol University International College
4. Alisha Sachchathep - Mahidol University International College
4. Chutinan Chutima - Chulalongkorn University
5. Courtney James O’ Connor - Mahidol University International College

The grand final motion:
This house believes that Thailand should take the lead in developing ASEAN along the EU

Regards,
Rashedul Hasan Stalin

Source: http://www.geocities.com/thammasat_speakers/