91-year-old Thai woman earns bachelor’s degree

The Associated Press

BANGKOK — A 91-year old woman in Thailand has earned a college degree after spending more than 10 years studying for it and has received her diploma from the country’s king.

Public television broadcaster Thai PBS says Kimlan Jinakul was granted the Bachelor of Arts degree in human and family development Wednesday at the government-run Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University just outside Bangkok.

“If we do not study, do not read, do not know, then we won’t be able to speak and make sense,” she said.

Her diploma was handed to her by King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, who took the throne last year. Diplomas at Thailand’s public universities are traditionally handed out by members of the royal family.

“I am happy and honored that the king has graciously shown such limitless mercy,” Kimlan said, using a phrase meant to show utmost respect to Thai royalty.

Kimlan traveled with her family from their home in Phayao province, 725 kilometers (450 miles) north of Bangkok, to attend the graduation ceremony.

“Sometimes she felt weary because of her body,” Kimlan’s son, Mongkol Jinakul, told Thai PBS. “But we as her children tried to cheer her on and mom studied until the end and it was a success.”

The Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, which has courses catering for the elderly, this year had 199 students who are over 60 years old. It offers part-time and remote learning.

“For the elderly, we focus on practicality rather than the academic aspect,” professor Panumas Kadngaongam, acting dean of the university, said. “So the subject can be studied and put to use immediately.”””

In this Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, photo, Kimlun Jinakul, 91, attends her graduation ceremony from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University where she received a bachelor’s degree in human ecology from Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun. (AP Photo)

SportsPlus

McNeese Sports

Cowboys drop opener to Jackrabbits

Local News

Sulphur water quality conversations to be held this week

Crime

11/4: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

UPDATE: Helicopter crash victim was a student pilot

McNeese Sports

Cowgirls roll in front of loud crowd

Local News

PHOTO GALLERY: Calcasieu fifth-graders fill Legacy Center

Crime

Allen correctional officer arrested for inappropriate contact with inmate

Local News

UPDATE: Family of three killed in copter crash identified

Local News

Supreme Court will weigh in on new mostly Black Louisiana congressional district after election

Local News

Tropical Depression 18 forms in Caribbean, expected to enter Gulf of Mexico

McNeese Sports

Davey back to form in Cowboy win

life

‘Kids need adults who care,’ says Calcasieu Kiwanis Club’s McGinley

Business

Names in the News: People shaping the future of Lake Area business

McNeese Sports

Cowboys enjoy Happy Homecoming

Local News

Iran’s supreme leader threatens Israel, U.S. with ‘crushing response’ to Israeli attack

Local News

It’s a fight to the finish in races that will determine control of Congress

Local News

BREAKING: Shooting reported near Prien Lake Mall

McNeese Sports

Cowgirls set for a noisy start

life

Listen up: Colossus chime newest feature at Millennium Park

McNeese Sports

Cowboys open against tough foe

Jim Beam

Jim Beam column: Don’t wait up to see who won

life

Gators are back: Refurbished Alligator Cypress Pond reopens to visitors

Local News

BREAKING: Helicopter crash kills 3 in Iowa

high-school Sports

Field of dreams: Lacassine High to soon have home field advantage