Degree Ceremonies in Thailand

All my stories on Thailand are posted only after personal observation, research, and discussion with a wide range of Thais.

It is a nice touch that members of the Thai royal family give out degree certificates to graduates at the universities. Very few countries do that.

Dao invited us to the rehearsal. She had asked us to come to the actual ceremony but the university had the dates muddled and their email to all students gave the date of the rehearsal instead of the actual date. We were told of the error at the last minute but could not change our travel plans.

She had got up at 5am to get her hair styled and her face made up. Thais are always careful about their appearance and Dao is an attractive young lady. Today she looked like a film star.

She had called the dummy run “the walking” and I could see why. All the students lined up and walked up to the stage where a stand-in handed out the certificates. This was repeated until they got it absolutely right. Yes, it was a day of much walking.

You bow or curtsy a few metres before approaching the dais just as the previous student is receiving his or her degree. Before being handed the certificate, you bow your head slightly and extend your hand as if to shake hands western style.

But you do not actually complete the greeting; you flick your wrist and take the certificate, but without touching the royal hand.

Walking backwards a few metres, you pause, bow or curtsy again, turn round, and walk off the stage. It takes around 30 seconds per student. All of them will be nervous on the day but honoured that a member of the royal family has made it one they will always remember.

On the day that the degree is conferred, the students’ families and friends join in the celebrations, flowers and gifts are showered on the new graduates, and many photographs are taken with fellow students and teachers.

A pity that we could not see her receiving her award from a royal princess. Given the problem with her trying to find a new home to rent, I hope she enjoys her day.

Before he became ill, the late King Bhumibol presided over many degree ceremonies at the major colleges. Some members of the royal family now continue that tradition.

Many families have a photograph of their son or daughter receiving their degree from His Majesty or a royal prince or princess. It always has pride of place in their homes. Depending on which royal officiates, there can be a charge of 1000 baht to receive your diploma and a photograph.