Happy Retirement
(A brief story about work and life at Chula before retiring)
Chulalongkorn University recognizes the importance of the quality of life for all of its staff. It helps them to remain loyal to the university, working more efficiently and builds confidence in the institution. With this in mind, staff are enrolled in a healthcare development plan and have access to welfare services throughout their working life at Chulalongkorn University, and also after retirement. The scheme covers all aspects to help staff remain fit and well during their working life at the university.
To explain this in more detail, we have invited three staff members to share their experiences during their more than 30-year careers until retiring in 2023.
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Associate Prof. Dr. Sirirathh Adsakul
Sociology and Anthropology, Faculty of Political Science
Registered: 11 May 1992 (Working period 32 years)
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Kanchanetone Aueafueaklang
A member of staff at the parcel unit, Faulty of Medicine
Registered: 17 October 1988 (Working period 34 years 11 months)
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Chaimongkhol Boonpium
Security Officer, Center for Safety and Traffic Management of Chulalongkorn University
Registered: 1 November 1990 (Working period 33 years)
Opinions about their Work at Chulalongkorn University
Associate Prof. Dr. Sirirath:
“Ever since I started working for the university 32 years ago, I have felt very proud to be part of Chulalongkorn University as a lecturer. Teaching is a means to provide students with knowledge to become a quality graduate with high morals, dignity and integrity, according to the university’s resolution. That is to teach the students to have both knowledge and virtue.”
Kanchanetone:
“When I first came to Bangkok, I often passed by Chulalongkorn University. I felt that I would like to work here, so when I received a job offer at the Faculty of Medicine, I was really proud.”
Chaimongkhol:
“I am very pleased. I wanted to work here because the university’s welfare is better that that of a private company, so I am very proud of having worked here.”
Impressions and Experiences of their Working lives at Chulalongkorn University
Associate Prof. Dr. Sirirath: I am glad that I have played my part in creating a good standard of graduates for society. I was also promoted to a good position and made progress in my work. As a lecturer, I am very proud that all of my students were good people and diligent. I am happy to see them become successful and to quickly develop.
Kanchanetone: I am proud of the awards that I received and I am happy to have had the chance to work for Chulalongkorn University, especially the staff sports show performance awards. There is also a hospital project called “Medical School with Virtue” which I have been able to volunteer for. Recently, I received a diamond award for my unit called “Diamond Parcel” which I never thought we’d get. The executives saw me working as a volunteer with a clear strategy, which is why I think we were awarded it.
Chaimongkhol: “A Good Staff of Chula” or “Khon Dee Sri Chula” Award is the thing I am most proud of. This was the final award I received before I retired and I will carry on doing good deeds in the name of Chulalongkorn University.
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Impression with the University’s Welfares
Associate Prof. Dr. Sirirath: The song “Pink Diamond” reminds me of one saying: “Our Chula has given us all.” It’s exactly like that. If was asked to choose one kind of welfare benefit, I would choose education as it enables staff to send their children to study at Chulalongkorn University Demonstration School. The school has a high standard and the students have good relations between year groups. They are also under the supervision of lecturers from the Faculty of Education.
Kanchanetone: I like the housing welfare benefit the most. The university offered a housing loan to support us in purchasing a house for myself and my family. I am very pleased that I now have my own house because of Chula.
Chaimongkhol: I like the cooperative membership and health welfare the most as it takes care of you when you are sick as it pays for our treatment up front – with other firms you need to pay yourself and then claim the money back afterwards.
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What would you like to say to others?
Associate Prof. Dr. Sirirath: Be proud of being a member of staff at Chulalongkorn University. It is the first and the oldest university in Thailand. Many people who know that I graduated from and work as a lecturer at Chulalongkorn University are impressed. They often remark that my family and relatives must be very happy and proud of me.
Kanchanetone: You must have discipline at work so you can do things correctly. This enables us to work more efficiently and results in less mistakes. I would also like to encourage younger staff members to have a ‘volunteering mindset’ at work. Whenever you’re free you could participate in university volunteer projects.
Chaimongkhol: Be focused on work and try to maintain a good standard in your work. Also, provide good service to others with due care and attention. After that other good things will follow.
These interviews have provided us with a clearer picture of the quality of work and life for Chulalongkorn University employees. All of them shared similar impressions in their personal experiences. Their stories show that the university places high importance on improving the quality of life for all of its staff. It has been ready to change and adjust with new developments for staff at all levels. Chulalongkorn University does not only focus on relations between employer and employees, but also on improving physical health and wellbeing through its welfare programs and other benefits. The interviews with these three representatives demonstrate a strong attachment between staff and the institution.