Once Upon a Time in Chiang Mai
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
– Saint Augustine
When our university announced a winter camp in Chiang Mai that combined the "AI and Computer Engineering for Community Impact" competency with a collaboration alongside the Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) Thailand Foundation, the idea sounded both exciting and uncertain. A mix of sightseeing, learning, and outdoor adventures was on the agenda, and none of them knew quite what to expect. What followed was a week full of new experiences, shared laughs, and unforgettable memories. Here’s how it all unfolded.
Day 1:Getting Started
The journey started at Krung Thep Apiwat Train Station as they boarded the train for Chiang Mai. The overnight train was an adventure in itself, with 15 students sharing bunks, snacks scattered everywhere, and late-night conversations flowing.
Day 2: Their Very First Day in Chiang Mai
They arrived in Chiang Mai early the next morning. After breakfast, they went straight to Doi Suthep, a temple perched on a mountain. The cool air and breathtaking views were worth the climb, and it was the perfect way to start their time in Chiang Mai. Later, they visited Jing Jai Market, where they wandered through stalls of local crafts and delicious food. It was a peaceful start to what they knew would be a busy week. By the time they checked into the hotel, they were ready for some rest and quiet exploration of the surrounding area.
Day 3: Diving In
The camp officially began with Ajan Justin and the team from the Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS), who introduced the students to their mission of supporting animals in need, particularly those without access to private veterinary care.
They learned about stray dog behavior, survey techniques, and the importance of camera traps. In the afternoon, they traveled to Lampang to set up cameras, carefully choosing locations where stray dogs might roam. The process was more intricate than expected, but the sense of purpose made it rewarding.
Day 4: Hands-On Learning and Cultural Highlights
The day was split between fieldwork and cultural immersion. In the morning, they surveyed households in Chiang Mai to collect data on stray dogs, contributing directly to keeping WVS’s local dog population counts up to datevaccination campaign. In the afternoon, they analyzed their findings, making connections between the data and possible solutions.
The day concluded with a traditional northern Thai dinner at Khum Khantoke. The beautifully set tables, live music, and traditional dances created an unforgettable experience. It was a perfect balance to the hard work earlier in the day, and it left them with a deeper appreciation for the culture of northern Thailand.
Day 5: Forest and Data
They divided into their two different teams for the day’s activities: the data-driven GenAI team and the camera trap team. While some of them returned to Lampang to retrieve the cameras, others stayed back to process data and begin analysis. Back at the base, the team working on data analysis assessed the current stakeholder reporting process and identified ways to use AI to automate this pipeline.turned raw information into actionable insights. A design-thinking session wrapped up the day as they brainstormed innovative solutions for WVS’s challenges.
Day 6: Their Last Day
On their final full day, they visited Chiang Mai University’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Information Technology Service Center. They learned about the MaCMU Project, which focuses on the welfare of stray dogs on campus, and toured Erawan, their high-performance computer facility. These experiences tied together the themes of the week—technology, teamwork, and compassion.
Day 7: Back to Bangkok
They arrived back in Bangkok early in the morning, tired but fulfilled. Looking back, the trip was about much more than the places they visited. It was about stepping out of their routines, contributing to something meaningful, and growing together as a group. Not everything went perfectly, but that’s what made it all the more real.
If you ever get the chance to do something like this, I’d say go for it. You’ll probably come back with a ton of stories, a few mosquito bites, and memories you won’t forget anytime soon.
