Yoga : Mindfulness Movements, Breathing and Relaxation By Kru Teaw
2025-07-01 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-07-08 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-07-15 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-07-22 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-07-29 10:00 - 11:30 (Asia/Krasnoyarsk) | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
Dates: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 July 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Cost: 1,300 THB for five sessions

Description
Yoga can help you learn to move with awareness and find balance physically and mentally. In this introductory course, participants will learn practical yoga movements that can be done on a daily basis to improve flexibility, strength and mindfulness. In addition, participants will experience total relaxation with Tibetan Singing Bowl or Crystal Bowl Sound Bath.
Dhitigaan Bpiyasereep (Kru Taew) is an experienced yoga teacher who specializes in yin and therapeutic yoga and focuses on mature bodies.
“Yoga is not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing and it is important to well understand the level and needs of the class participants and to adapt a training program using several yoga disciplines to best suit the needs of the students. I also incorporate simple positions and poses that can be practiced at home for the benefit of the trainee.”
Bring: a yoga matt, a small towel and water. Please note that chairs will be available for those who wish to use them instead of a matt.

COST: 1,300 THB for five sessions

What's What in Wat Suan Dok- with Phra KK
2025-07-03 09:30 - 11:30 | MONK CHAT OFFICE
What are the different parts of a Thai Buddhist temple–the areas, buildings, objects? How is the ordination hall used? Does every wat have a scripture library?
Join Lifelong Learning Payap for a specially-arranged lecture and tour on Thursday, July 3, led by Buddhist monk and teacher the Venerable Phra Kyo Kyo, who teaches Buddhism in English regularly at Wat Suan Dok’s Monk Chats. Phra KK has presented Buddhism to over ten thousand people of all nationalities and backgrounds over the past ten years.
Phra KK has generously offered to explain and answer questions about the different areas, buildings, and activities that make up life at any temple, as well as those traditions, facilities, and functions particular to Wat Suan Dok.
The Venerable Phra will take us on a tour of the temple grounds. He will highlight significant objects as well as elements of Hindu and animist influences found throughout the Wat.
Thailand’s Buddhist temples, or wats, serve a variety of religious, educational, and social needs. Wats give shelter to monks and novices, organize their interaction with the lay public, and support the religious and cultural life of the people. Thai temples operate schools, host community events, run welfare programs, and preserve ancient traditions. While most temples around the country have the same important elements in common, each wat is unique.
There are over 300 temples in the city of Chiang Mai. Wat Suan Dok, founded in 1370, has a long history and special place in Chiang Mai’s culture and identity. It is a center for Buddhist teaching, practice, and public programming. At the national level, the Wat has Royal recognition, and houses the Chiang Mai campus of the Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University.
This English-language presentation will be in the Monk Chat office just up (south) from the sala across from the large meditation hall under construction.

COST: 350 THB

Basic Watercolor Techniques by Richie Cheung
2025-07-03 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
Dates:Thursdays, June 19, 26 and July 3, 17, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Cost: 1,800THB plus materials for four sessions

Description
This watercolor course is appropriate for beginner or intermediate students who have had little experience with watercolor painting.
Learn watercolor basics and wet-on-wet technique for soft, natural effects. Attendants will try out different watercolor effects and will be challenged with a monotone watercolor piece, using techniques learned.
Attendants will then be introduced to try rocks and tree trunks using wet on dry techniques. Master wet-on-dry for crisp, defined shapes like rocks, tree trunks.
Students will try brush control and textures with studies of vegetables and fruits. Attendants will be challenged to paint live objects, concentrating on the textures, shapes and shadows of the object.
And, they will learn color mixing and light/shadow, perspective and human figures. There will be an option to continue with more advanced watercolor techniques for an additional four weeks.
Materials Needed

Watercolor paper 8K/4K A4/A3 (cold press, 300 gram)
Watercolor paints (student- or artist-grade pan/tube set)
Brushes (round sizes 2, 6, 12; flat brush optional)
Palette, water container, paper towels, pencil, eraser
Masking tape/board for securing paper
Optional: Masking fluid for highlight

Presenter: Richie Cheung
Richie Cheung has been teaching art for over 12 years in art studios, NGOs, universities and has held private art lessons. He was also commissioned in mural paintings and portrait painting works, and had held workshops for private companies and institutes.
Richie can instruct in English and Chinese.
COST:1,800THB plus materials for four sessions

Chiang Mai Photographers -Animal Pictures
2025-07-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
Join our photography interest group, dedicated to bringing together individuals who share a passion for photography.
Whether you are a seasoned photographer or a beginner just starting out, our meetings will provide an engaging and supportive environment where you can learn, share tips and tricks, and review each other’s work
The group will explore a variety of topics related to photography, including

Show your images and get constructive feedback
Composition and lighting techniques
Creative inspiration and motivation through photo challenges and critiques
Workshops on equipment, techniques and post processing
Image processing and editing
Exchange equipment recommendations, tips and insight with fellow members

All you need is a camera (any kind will do) and a desire to learn and grow as a photographer. At the meeting we will discuss picture taking around Chiang Mai and assess interests within the group to plan future meetings.
COST:Free

Life in the Hills: Nature and identity in Chiang Rai
2025-07-15 - 2025-07-18 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
Hill Area Communities in Chiang Rai: Past, Present and Future
A 4-day, 3-night excursion to Chiang Rai. Organized in partnership with local foundations and community leaders, this trip is designed to give participants insight to the culture, way of life, and aspirations of upland peoples in one of Thailand’s most ethnically diverse and ecologically important regions. Guiding us through this learning journey will be several renowned social activists and community leaders.
Trip Outline:
July 15: Depart Chiang Mai, visit Huay Hin Lad Nai, home of Preecha Siri; check into The Legend
July 16: Presentation by Tuenjai Deetes, excursion to Akha and Lisu villages where Foundation is active
July 17: Visit Ban Kwae Wua Dam, a Karen village on the Kok River
July 18: Check out of The Legend. Join the people of Chiang Rai for the annual Waisa Mae Fah Luang and the MFL Arts and Cultural Center. Return to Chiang Mai.

Chiang Rai has been an important center of commercial and cultural exchange for centuries. In modern times, issues of identity, citizenship and representation are at the foundation of cultural, economic and educational development.
Tuenjai Deetes
Lifelong Learning Payap is teaming up with the Highland Community Development Foundation for this program. The Foundation is led by Tuenjai Deetes, one of Thailand’s most highly respected and accomplished social activists. Tuenjai, who arrived in Chiang Rai in 1973 to teach in the hills, has spent over 50 years working for social and environmental rights. In particular, she has been the driving force for helping Thailand’s highland peoples to obtain Thai citizenship, opening up recognition and opportunity as equal members of society. Her efforts have gained the trust and respect of people throughout the region and across the length and breadth of Thailand. Over the decades, Khun Tuenjai has had the honor of introducing members of Thailand’s Royal Family to these communities, their struggles, and aspirations.

Tuenjai Deetes, photo courtesy of the University of Southern California.
Tuenjai has also received international recognition and acclaim throughout her career. In 1990, she was named as a Fellow for life by Ashoka: Innovators for the Public. In 1994, she was awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize.In 1992, she was named to the United Nations Development Program’s Global 500 Roll of Honor. In 2008, she was recognized by the International Women’s Meditation Center Foundation.
Tuenjai has also been an influential voice in the Thai government. In 2000, she was elected to the Senate to represent Chiang Rai, and has also served as a member of the National Legislative Assembly and the National Human Rights Commission. In these roles, her work contributed to the amendment of the 1972 Nationality Law and the Civil Registration Law in 2008, facilitating Thai citizenship for approximately 90,000 stateless people
This excursion offers a rare opportunity for members of Chiang Mai’s international community to meet and learn directly from Thailand’ leading civil-society practitioner on issues that are central to the well-being of people and nature in Chiang Rai.

Preecha Siri, photo courtesy of Chalit Saphapak
Preecha Siri – Local Visionary
Our group will also visit Preecha Siri in his Karen village, Huay Hin Lad Nai. As a community leader, he inspired a commitment to preserve the valuable role of nature in his people’s culture and to share it with others. Preecha was named a UN Hero of the Forest 2012-2013. In 2009, Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission bestowed on Preecha the Friendship Award. In 2010, the Network of Community Organizations named him as a recipient of the Servant Award.Finally, on July 18, we will visit the Rai Mae Fah Luang Foundation’s Art and Culture Park, which will open its annual exhibition in commemoration of the late Princess Mother, founder and patron of the Foundation,.

Accommodation
During our time in Chiang Rai, we will stay at The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa.

“The Legend Chiang Rai with its ever-changing riverside panorama, secluded and peaceful, yet only a few minutes’ drive from the city center. Enjoy our restaurants, our pool, our herbal spa and fitness center. Explore our tree-shaded pathways, lotus ponds and flower-filled gardens.”
Excursion cost
Register now, pay by July 1
COST: 14,500 THB
Twin sharing room
COST:18,500 THB
Single room
(includes all transportation, accommodation, meals, insurance, and contributions to host foundations and communities)
Lecture in Chiang Mai June 18.
Get a preview of the trip, learn about our hosts, and why this is a unique and valuable opportunity to learn about social challenges and solutions in Chiang Rai.
350 THB
(free for those who have already paid to join the excursion)

A Tree of My Own A Book By Nui Wilson
2025-07-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
Description:
Based on Nui Wilson’s decades of volunteer work with Karen refugee families in Portland, Oregon, A Tree of My Own follows the journey of Posada, a young Karen girl, and her family from Burma to a refugee camp in Thailand, and finally to Portland where they make their new home.
Karen refers to a variety of peoples living in Burma and Thailand. Some live in mountains and remote rural areas, some along the coasts and river deltas, and others in towns and cities. Karens are diverse in language, culture, religious belief, life experience, and integration with neighboring groups.
Karen communities in Burma have endured decades of armed conflict, both with the central government and between their own factions. Since the end of World War II, millions of Karens have faced hardships of war: displacement, hunger, separation of families, injury, and and often a daily struggle to survive. These dire circumstances create both an existential threat to Karen people overall and a lifelong challenge for nearly every individual Karen person: Surviving the world while maintaining the integrity of their Karen identity.
Karen refugees began settling in camps along the Thailand-Burma border in the early 1980s. Their numbers grew steadily over time. As the camps grew, armed conflict inched closer to the border, and finally spilled over. By the mid-1990s, Karen refugee camps in Thailand were coming under attack from cross-border violence and internal strife.
Facing insecurity, statelessness, and lack of opportunity, many Karen refugees sought to build new lives elsewhere. Some received asylum and were resettled in the west. Today, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the United States all have vibrant overseas Karen communities.
Nui Wilson is a Karen woman born and raised in western Thailand. She studied law and psychology at Chiang Mai University, and moved to the United States in 2007. Seeing that many Karen refugees from Burma were coming to America, Nui volunteered to help with their transition and resettlement. She has worked with the Karen community in Utah, Oregon, and Thailand for almost 20 years.
Join Nui for a reading from A Tree of My Own, and a discussion on the lives and aspirations of Karen refugees.
Nui Wilson currently lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and two children. A Tree of My Own is her first book in a series featuring the lived experiences of Karen communities.
COST: 350 THB

Advanced Watercolor Techniques
2025-07-24 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-31 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-07 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
Dates:Thursdays,24, 31 July and 7, 28,August 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Cost: 1,800THB plus materials for four sessions

Description
Attendants should have a basic knowledge of watercolor art applications.
Week 1:
Ocean scene, learn the treatment of waves and splashes.Layering, applying wet on wet, wet on dry techniques will be essential in creating. Beautiful ocean waves.
Week 2:
Snow scene – treatment of negative space and light sources. You will be presented with ways of capturing the scenic views of snow scenes using watercolors.
Week 3:
Street scenes – learn perspective and composition of the pictorial plane. Instead of copying the street scene as we see it, and instead of taking a photo, you will be shown ways to deal with street scenes by creating movement in your compositions and mastering Three Point perspective.
Week 4:
Urban scenes – Outdoor Urban sketching. Learn how to select and determine the focus, capture scenes on the spot, and be inspired by the scenes in front of us.You will learn to determine the focus of your composition and ways to dramatize it.
Materials Needed

Watercolor paper 8K/4K A4/A3 (cold press, 300 gram)
Watercolor paints (student- or artist-grade pan/tube set)
Brushes (round sizes 2, 6, 12; flat brush optional)
Palette, water container, paper towels, pencil, eraser
Masking tape/board for securing paper
Optional: Masking fluid for highlight

Presenter: Richie Cheung
Richie Cheung has been teaching art for over 12 years in art studios, NGOs, universities and has held private art lessons. He was also commissioned in mural paintings and portrait painting works, and had held workshops for private companies and institutes.
Richie can instruct in English and Chinese.
COST:1,800THB plus materials for four sessions

Basic Watercolor Techniques by Richie Cheung
2025-07-24 13:30 - 15:30 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
Dates:Thursdays,24, 31 July and 7, 28,August 2025
Time: 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Cost: 1,800THB plus materials for four sessions

Description
This watercolor course is appropriate for beginner or intermediate students who have had little experience with watercolor painting.
Learn watercolor basics and wet-on-wet technique for soft, natural effects. Attendants will try out different watercolor effects and will be challenged with a monotone watercolor piece, using techniques learned.
Attendants will then be introduced to try rocks and tree trunks using wet on dry techniques. Master wet-on-dry for crisp, defined shapes like rocks, tree trunks.
Students will try brush control and textures with studies of vegetables and fruits. Attendants will be challenged to paint live objects, concentrating on the textures, shapes and shadows of the object.
And, they will learn color mixing and light/shadow, perspective and human figures. There will be an option to continue with more advanced watercolor techniques for an additional four weeks.
Materials Needed

Watercolor paper 8K/4K A4/A3 (cold press, 300 gram)
Watercolor paints (student- or artist-grade pan/tube set)
Brushes (round sizes 2, 6, 12; flat brush optional)
Palette, water container, paper towels, pencil, eraser
Masking tape/board for securing paper
Optional: Masking fluid for highlight

Presenter: Richie Cheung
Richie Cheung has been teaching art for over 12 years in art studios, NGOs, universities and has held private art lessons. He was also commissioned in mural paintings and portrait painting works, and had held workshops for private companies and institutes.
Richie can instruct in English and Chinese.
COST:1,800THB plus materials for four sessions

Basic Watercolor Techniques by Richie Cheung
2025-07-31 13:30 - 15:30, 2025-08-07 13:30 - 15:30, 2025-08-28 13:30 - 15:30 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
Dates:Thursdays,24, 31 July and 7, 28,August 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Cost: 1,800THB plus materials for four sessions

Description
This watercolor course is appropriate for beginner or intermediate students who have had little experience with watercolor painting.
Learn watercolor basics and wet-on-wet technique for soft, natural effects. Attendants will try out different watercolor effects and will be challenged with a monotone watercolor piece, using techniques learned.
Attendants will then be introduced to try rocks and tree trunks using wet on dry techniques. Master wet-on-dry for crisp, defined shapes like rocks, tree trunks.
Students will try brush control and textures with studies of vegetables and fruits. Attendants will be challenged to paint live objects, concentrating on the textures, shapes and shadows of the object.
And, they will learn color mixing and light/shadow, perspective and human figures. There will be an option to continue with more advanced watercolor techniques for an additional four weeks.
Materials Needed

Watercolor paper 8K/4K A4/A3 (cold press, 300 gram)
Watercolor paints (student- or artist-grade pan/tube set)
Brushes (round sizes 2, 6, 12; flat brush optional)
Palette, water container, paper towels, pencil, eraser
Masking tape/board for securing paper
Optional: Masking fluid for highlight

Presenter: Richie Cheung
Richie Cheung has been teaching art for over 12 years in art studios, NGOs, universities and has held private art lessons. He was also commissioned in mural paintings and portrait painting works, and had held workshops for private companies and institutes.
Richie can instruct in English and Chinese.
COST:1,800THB plus materials for four sessions

Tigers and Tiger-Men
2025-08-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
Description:
During the early 20th century, the north of Siam was known for its teak forests and their dangers. In addition to tigers, so-called “tiger-men,” or ruthless bandits, loomed large in the imagination. Titles such as that of Reginald Campbell’s 1931 novel Death in Tiger Valley (which was turned into a Hollywood film) sought to draw on and exploit such fears.
But what was the truth about tigers and tiger-men in northern Thailand a century ago? How were they depicted in news reports, magazine articles, fiction and film? And what might the true significance have been of the fact they loomed so large in the imagination?
Overcome your darkest fears, and join us for this illustrated talk based on contemporary sources about tigers and tiger-men.
Presenter:
Graham Jefcoate, retired librarian and a resident of Chiang Mai for the past 15 years, is the editor of Enchanted Land: Foreign Writings about Chiang Mai (2023) and author of the forthcoming book (2026) Tales of the Teak Forest: The Image of North Siam in the Early 20th Century (working title). Graham is well known to the LLL community both for his detailed and entertaining lectures and for leading excursions to “off the beaten path” locations.
COST :350 THB

The Magic of indigo
2025-08-05 08:30 - 16:00 | Studio Chiangdao Blue, 290, เชียงดาว, Tambon Studio Chiang Dao Blue, Chiang Dao, Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50170, Thailand
Description:
Studio Chiangdao Blue is a natural dye studio rooted in the principles of self-reliance and sustainability. The founders and staff members are dedicated to preserving traditional techniques and utilizing local materials. Traditional wisdom is blended with appropriate technologies to protect the environment, while sharing knowledge about natural Indigo and plant-based dyes.
Led by Siripohn, who has studied with masters in Thailand and Japan, Studio Chiangdao Blue is fueled by a team of passionate local mothers, who bring their expertise and love for indigo dyeing to participants.
In this workshop, you will discover real indigo plants, seeds and leaves and learn how to grow, harvest and ferment them into dye. You will watch live demos on dye vat making and resist techniques including Shibori (tie-dye) and Ita-Jime (clamp dyeing). You will create two items: 1 Bandana (70 x70 cm) and either a T-Shirt (S-XL) or a scarf (110 X 180 cm). You will also enjoy a homemade lunch in a beautiful setting.
COST : 2,000 THB
Includes transportation from LLL Center and lunch

Chiang Mai Photographers - Pictures with Reflections
2025-08-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand

Stars and Stupas: The Ancient Astronomy of Prathat Doi Suthep
2025-08-21 10:00 - 11:30 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
Description:
This lecture introduces the connection between the Lanna Kingdom and the night sky. Dr. Prissana will present findings from the growing field of archeo-astronomy. She will focus on how Chiang Mai’s Old City and the Prathat Doi Suthep Temple were planned to align with particular stars and constellations.
You will gain a deeper understanding of how societies built their sacred spaces in relation to celestial events, beliefs, traditions, and calendars, highlighting the often overlooked sophistication of ancient civilizations.
You will explore Vedic architectural principles for harmonizing living environments with the cosmos that are intertwined with indigenous astronomy and cultures.
Dr. Prissansa will discuss the pioneering archaeoastronomy research underway in Thailand and now expanding to other Southeast Asian civilizations. Archaeoastronomy in Eastern culture often involves stellar alignments, which, while more complex than solar alignments, provide significant benefits in site dating by accounting for the precession effect on stars. Archaeoastronomical dating is non-invasive to the ruins, providing insights into the past through astronomical phenomena that are authentic and cannot be altered by human intervention, unlike dating by art and architecture alone
*Archeoastronomy definition = The study of how people in the past understood and used
Celestial phenomena, as well as their cultural significance. It combines astronomy, archaeology,
and other disciplines to examine how ancient societies viewed and interacted with the night sky. This interdisciplinary field explores the astronomical knowledge, beliefs and practices of past civilizations, including their use of stars and other celestial objects for calendars, navigation, and religious purposes
Presenter:
Dr. Prissana Tamboon earned her PhD in Applied Science and Engineering from the University of California, Davis, followed by postdoctoral research on femtosecond laser-matter interaction at Harvard University. After returning to Thailand, she taught Physics and Math at Mae Fah Luang University, then conducted research with relativistic electron beams at Chiang Mai University. She then briefly pursued freelance writing and translation, which sparked an interest in multidisciplinary subjects, including archaeoastronomy. She rejoined CMU as a researcher in the Quantum Technology group, and later, in 2003, she became part of the Archaeoastronomy group, which includes researchers from CMU and the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT).
COST : 350 THB

Stretch for Balance
2025-08-23 10:00 - 11:30 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
Dates: Saturdays, August 23, 30, 2025
and September 6, 13, 20, 27, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 pm
Cost: 1,700THB For six sessions
( includes honorarium for instructor )
Description
This 6-week course, is designed to improve agility and balance and correct posture through gentle stretching & strengthening exercises. The instructor, Khun Thanase, received very positive reviews when he offered a similar course at LLL Payap in 2024. We welcome both previous and new students to attend this course.
This is course is unique because it specifically targets senior individuals and provides structured exercises to enhance both static and dynamic balance. The exercises are simple, safe, and effective for improving overall well-being.
Balance is a crucial aspect of fitness that tends to decline with age. As you get older, your ability to balance diminishes, both statically and dynamically. Achieving and maintaining balance requires a combination of flexibility, strength, core stability, and agility.
Engaging in stretching exercises is an important starting point in addressing these physical components. Stretching not only improves balance but it also reduces the risk of injury caused by improper muscle use. It promotes muscle relaxation that rejuvenates the body and energizes the mind.
This class introduces effective stretching exercises and games designed for seniors with the goal of increasing flexibility, strengthening muscles, and improving movement, in order to improve your balance and reduce the risk of falls.
There will be both sitting and standing exercise according to the participant’s physical condition. Anyone concerned about their mobility and balance is encouraged to join this group class of 10-20 participants.
About the instructor:
The classes will be taught by Thanase Chatchawanchaisup, an experienced fitness and balance instructor for seniors. This is the second course he has offered for LLL Payap. He helps seniors stay active and prevent falls with simple stretching and strengthening routines.
Education : Department of Physical Therapy
Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences
Chiang Mai University, Thailand (2006-2009)

Licensed Physical Therapist (2009-2024)

Physiotherapist at Sansai Hospital, Community base Rehab (2009-2023)

Physiotherapist at Sansai Hospital, Neurological Department (2023-2024)

Committee of Chiang Mai Physical Therapists Club (2010-2024)

Committee of Caring for Osteoarthritis Knee and Falling Risk in Elderly, Chiang Mai Physical Therapists Club (2015-2023)

Committee of Caring for the Elderly Chiang Mai Province, Chiang Mai Provincial Public Health Office (2015-2023)

Registration open now, open for payment Aug 1
COST:1,700THB For six sessions

Mobile Phone Support Workshop
2025-08-29 10:00 - 12:00 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
Description
An opportunity to get individualized help with using your iPhone or Android mobile phone. Attendees will get 30 minutes of one on one help from a coach.
What will participants gain/ learn from this course?
Get your questions answered by volunteers from Chiang Mai Geeks Club, on issues such as:

Phone settings and functions
Installing and configuring Apps
Customizing your phone
Using the camera and managing pictures
Security and privacy settings
Backing up your data and cloud storage
Accessibility features
QR and Prompt Pay payments
Paying bills

COST: FREE

Stretch for Balance
2025-08-30 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-09-06 10:00 - 11:30 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
Dates: Saturdays, August 23, 30, 2025
and September 6, 13, 20, 27, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 pm
Cost: 1,700THB For six sessions
( includes honorarium for instructor )
Description
This 6-week course, is designed to improve agility and balance and correct posture through gentle stretching & strengthening exercises. The instructor, Khun Thanase, received very positive reviews when he offered a similar course at LLL Payap in 2024. We welcome both previous and new students to attend this course.
This is course is unique because it specifically targets senior individuals and provides structured exercises to enhance both static and dynamic balance. The exercises are simple, safe, and effective for improving overall well-being.
Balance is a crucial aspect of fitness that tends to decline with age. As you get older, your ability to balance diminishes, both statically and dynamically. Achieving and maintaining balance requires a combination of flexibility, strength, core stability, and agility.
Engaging in stretching exercises is an important starting point in addressing these physical components. Stretching not only improves balance but it also reduces the risk of injury caused by improper muscle use. It promotes muscle relaxation that rejuvenates the body and energizes the mind.
This class introduces effective stretching exercises and games designed for seniors with the goal of increasing flexibility, strengthening muscles, and improving movement, in order to improve your balance and reduce the risk of falls.
There will be both sitting and standing exercise according to the participant’s physical condition. Anyone concerned about their mobility and balance is encouraged to join this group class of 10-20 participants.
About the instructor:
The classes will be taught by Thanase Chatchawanchaisup, an experienced fitness and balance instructor for seniors. This is the second course he has offered for LLL Payap. He helps seniors stay active and prevent falls with simple stretching and strengthening routines.
Education : Department of Physical Therapy
Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences
Chiang Mai University, Thailand (2006-2009)

Licensed Physical Therapist (2009-2024)

Physiotherapist at Sansai Hospital, Community base Rehab (2009-2023)

Physiotherapist at Sansai Hospital, Neurological Department (2023-2024)

Committee of Chiang Mai Physical Therapists Club (2010-2024)

Committee of Caring for Osteoarthritis Knee and Falling Risk in Elderly, Chiang Mai Physical Therapists Club (2015-2023)

Committee of Caring for the Elderly Chiang Mai Province, Chiang Mai Provincial Public Health Office (2015-2023)

Registration open now, open for payment Aug 1
COST:1,700THB For six sessions
( includes honorarium for instructor)

The Use of Thai Elements in Western Music Composition
2025-09-04 10:00 - 11:30 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
Description:
This presentation explores how composer Chaipruck Mekara weaves Thainess—encompassing Thai music, culture, philosophy, language, instruments, and daily life inspiration—into his Western music compositions. Participants will gain insight into his creative process and the unique cross-cultural dialogue present in his works.
Through the lens of Chaipruck Mekara’s work, they will explore techniques for integrating Thai musical modes, cultural symbols, instruments, and broader aspects of Thai philosophy and daily life—including the way of life and language—into original compositions. The presentation also encourages personal creative development and cultural reflection.
The presentation will include excerpts from some of Dr. Mekara’s compositions and will be followed by a Q & A session.
Presenter:
Chaipruck Mekara is a native of Chiang Mai, Thailand. After graduating from Payap University, he earned a Master of Music degree, double majoring in Music Composition and Clarinet Performance, from Roosevelt University, where he studied under Dr. Robert Lombardo. In 2003, Mekara received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Music Composition from Northwestern University.
Like many Asian composers who pursued education abroad, Mekara realized the value of his native culture while in a foreign land. His music seeks to blend the aesthetic philosophies of the East with the compositional techniques of the West. His works have been performed by the Thai Youth Symphony Orchestra, the Chiangmai Philharmonic Orchestra, Northshore Symphony Orchestra, Whitworth Wind Symphony, Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra, at the China-ASEAN Music Week (2015), and by various ensembles including the TIMF Ensemble (Korea) and TICF artists-in-residence (Thailand). His compositions have also premiered at the World Choir Games (2012, Cincinnati, OH), the International Trumpet Guild (2011, Minneapolis, MN), the Thailand International Composition Festival, and the Asian Young Musicians’ Connection.
Mekara was invited as a conductor and composer in residence for the prestigious China-ASEAN Music Festival from 2015 to 2019, held in Nanning, Quangxi, China. In 2005 he founded the Chiangmai Philharmonic Orchestra Foundation- The Chiangmai Philharmonic Orchestra and The Chiangmai Philharmonic Band, where he still serves as conductor and music director. In 2016, Mekara co-founded the Chiangmai Ginastera International Music Festival and Competition, assuming the roles of festival director and conductor. He also holds the positions of music director and conductor for both the Chiangmai Philharmonic Orchestra and the Chiangmai Philharmonic Band. Additionally, he is an assistant professor at the College of Music, Payap University, where he teaches Music Composition, Clarinet, Saxophone, and other subjects.
COST : 350 THB

Chiang Mai Photographers - Rain and Water Pictures
2025-09-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand

Data and Cybersecurity: Staying Safe in a Digital World
2025-09-08 10:00 - 11:30 | Lifelong Learning Payap Center, Lifelong Learning Payap Center Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus, Unnamed Road, Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand
Description:
In today’s connected world, protecting your personal information is just as important as locking your front door. Whether you’re browsing the web, using online banking, checking email, or connecting with loved ones on social media, you’re leaving digital footprints. Those footprints can be targets for scammers and cyber criminals.
This friendly and engaging session will avoid technical jargon and no prior knowledge is required. You’ll learn:

What cyber threats look like and how to spot scams before they spot you
Simple ways to protect your personal data including passwords, devices, and online accounts
How to stay safe while still enjoying technology email, social media, shopping, and beyond

A little knowledge goes a long way. This presentation will empower you with the confidence and tools to enjoy the digital world without fear.
Come join us for a practical, eye-opening session that will leave you smarter, safer, and ready to navigate the digital age with ease.
Presenter:
Doug Mann relocated to Chiang Mai following a 35-year career as a Computer Systems Engineer for a major US corporation. In addition to his corporate role, he served as an adjunct faculty member for Aspen University for over a decade, where he developed and taught graduate level Information Technology courses. Currently, Doug is active running the Chiang Mai Photographers Group, facilitating weekly AI meet-ups for digital nomads, and participating in the Chiang Mai Geeks group. He has led regular mobile phone workshops at Payap LLL and presented an informative and well received session on “An Introduction to AI” in June.
COST : 350 THB
