Accessibility links

Breaking News

91-year-old Thai Woman Earns Bachelor's Degree


Kimlan Jinakul, 91, attends her graduation ceremony at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University where she received a bachelor's degree from Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, near Bangkok, Aug. 9, 2017.
Kimlan Jinakul, 91, attends her graduation ceremony at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University where she received a bachelor's degree from Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, near Bangkok, Aug. 9, 2017.

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 ThaiPBS 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.

Kimlan says “if we do not study, do not read, do not know, then we won't be able to speak and make sense.”

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

XS
SM
MD
LG