Grandpa, 88, Gets Law Degree

 Sa-nguan Sunthornwong has realised a long-cherished dream - the 88-year-old has graduated from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University with a degree in law.


 
Sa-nguan Sunthornwong, 88, receives his law degree at his homein Suphan Buri’s Song Phi Nongdistrictfrom Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University rector Pranee Sangkakhawat, right. Watching on are Grandfather Sanguan’s wife Mrs Boonlert and university vicerector Suchin Visavatheeranond. KOSOL NAKACHOL
It took the man everyone knows as Grandfather 12 years to complete the course to become the university's oldest new graduate, and he can see even more study days ahead.

"It's not over," Grandfather Sa-nguan said after receiving his degree yesterday at his home in Song Phi Nong district, Suphan Buri.

"I will continue studying until the end of my days."

The university arranged a personal graduation ceremony after ill health prevented Grandfather Sa-nguan from joining commencement day ceremonies on Jan 23.

"Studying law is easy if you have good attention, and none of the subjects were difficult for me," the retired veterinarian said.

"Although I used to do up to 12 mock tests per subject, I never became discouraged."

Grandfather Sa-nguan said everyone had an equal right to education, and age was just a number.

He also believed the law is basic knowledge that everybody should know to protect themselves and others, and to maintain justice.

That is why he decided to study.

He said he now intended to study towards a master's degree if he has the time.

Mathee Sunthornwong, his son, said that when his father was healthy and had to sit an exam, he would drive the 30 minutes to Sa-Nguan Ying School in Muang district of Suphan Buri.

Last year, after completing his last exam, he was admitted to hospital for emergency surgery.

He was hospitalised for 39 days and was unable to walk or speak, but was so encouraged when his exam results came out that his health was restored and he hoped to attend commencement day in Bangkok.

But this could not be.

Mr Mathee said his father had to watch his fellow students receive their degrees on television, all the time with a tear in his eye.

Source - The Bangkok Post