Hello, my name is Thanyawan Tintaros, and you can call me Ungtag. I’m currently studying at Kasetsart University in Thailand, in the Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Political Science, majoring in International Relations.
I have travelled outside of Thailand before—I visited Japan when I was 14 years old—but I have never been to Europe. This will be my first time experiencing a completely different continent, and I’m genuinely excited about what I’ll discover.
One of the most pressing environmental challenges in Thailand is air pollution, and it’s deeply personal to me. In many Thai cities, people experience serious air pollution, especially during certain seasons when PM 2.5 levels become dangerously high. The toxic particles can be harmful to human health, particularly for children, elderly people, and those with respiratory problems. There are several causes of this issue: vehicle emissions in large cities, industrial activities, and agricultural burning across regions all contribute to air pollution. These activities release pollutants into the air, which can spread across different regions. Air pollution not only affects people’s daily lives and overall quality of life, but it also forces people to make difficult choices—staying indoors when pollution levels are high, wearing masks constantly, or suffering health consequences. In Bangkok, this problem is clearly visible, especially in areas where the air is often covered with dust and visibility becomes quite low. It also affects people’s health, causing symptoms such as sore throats and coughing due to the dust. Therefore, air pollution has become an important environmental issue that requires greater attention and effective solutions in Thailand.
My Experience of Education
How would you describe your learning experience at your university?
My learning experience at Kasetsart University has been very valuable and interesting. As a student in the Faculty of Social Sciences studying Political Science and International Relations, I have the opportunity to learn about global issues, politics, and international cooperation. The classes encourage critical thinking and discussion, which help me understand different perspectives.
What excites me most about attending DEN’s International Student Conference is the chance to engage with peers from around the world who are equally passionate about addressing global challenges. I believe that solutions to environmental crises like air pollution require international cooperation, diverse perspectives, and innovative thinking. By sharing my experience of living with air pollution in Thailand, I hope to contribute meaningfully to conversations about environmental justice and sustainable development.
I’m particularly interested in exploring how different countries tackle environmental challenges, and how young people can advocate for policy change. The UK’s experience with environmental regulations and the Democratic Education Network’s commitment to student voices in decision-making aligned perfectly with my goals. I want to return to Thailand not just with new knowledge, but with concrete ideas and international connections that can help drive environmental solutions at home.
I’m looking forward to engaging with diverse perspectives, building relationships with students from different backgrounds, and learning how education can be a catalyst for environmental and social change. DEN’s conference represents exactly what I believe our world needs: young people from different nations, united by a commitment to democracy, sustainability, and justice.
Thanyawan Tintaros
Kasetsart University, Thailand
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Interesting how a personal experience can drive someone to think globally. What kind of solutions did the student propose?