Mount Hutt College hosted the Thai Ambassador to New Zealand last week.
Waravuth Pouapinya was accompanied by other dignitaries for the visit, which aimed to strengthen bonds between Thailand and Methven.
Mount Hutt College international director Ole Wallis said the visit laid a strong foundation for future cooperation, both for student exchanges and tourism promotion.
‘‘Both sides expressed enthusiasm for ongoing dialogue and partnership,’’ Wallis said.
This year the college’s international students numbered 13 full-time equivalents, both short and long term stays. About half were from Thailand, while the remainder were mostly from Japan.
The school was planning on growing the number of international students to 25 full-time equivalents within 10 years.
Pouapinya was accompanied by the former Thai ambassador to Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines and Russia, Thanatip Upatising, and his wife Monthip Upatising, and the Thai Consul Tajasarn Hanhiran.
The day began with a traditional Maori welcome at Mount Hutt College, followed by a meeting with members of the Methven Community Board at the Mount Hutt Memorial Hall.
The dignitaries gained insight into alpine tourism and Mid Canterbury agriculture as they toured the Alpine and Agricultural Encounter based at the hall.
The day concluded with a visit to Opuke Thermal Pools and Spa, the relaxed and scenic setting providing an ideal backdrop for further informal discussions and relationship-building.
