Monday June 21, 2023 – Khon Kaen University Student Union held the “Home Mun Khwan Kaen” ceremony to welcome new freshmen at the 50th Anniversary Sport Center of Khon Kaen University. Assoc. Prof. Piansak Pakdee, Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relation presided over the ceremony.
The welcoming activity was full of smiling faces of the seniors who were waiting to welcome the new class of students at 15.00 p.m. This year, over 5,000 freshmen registered online to participate in the ceremony that was organized in accordance with the Isan tradition, the “Bai Sri Su Khwan”. Before the ceremony began, all dined together (Kin Khao Pa Lang) in circle groups as normally practiced in Isan so that the students would get to know their new friends.
At 18.00 p.m., the parade of dancers dancing the Bai Sri Su Khwan led by KKU executive team, deans, lecturers and student representatives from all faculties entered the venue. This parade also celebrated the 60th Anniversary of KKU, the 60 years of creativity and social development. Assoc. Prof. Piansak Pakdee, Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relation then congratulated the freshmen, the so-called “60th Kalaphruek bouquet”, in his opening address, welcoming the students to the prestigious institution and the first university in Isan region.
It was an important event that Khon Kaen University held this “Home Mun Khwan Kaen” ceremony, in which all the freshmen will be tied on their wrists with the sacred thread, believed to call their spirits and empower the new students with the “power of the mind”. This was the traditional reception in Isan.
“I’m pleased to welcome all freshmen to KKU and wish you all happiness, will power, and intellect for your studies in this university.”
Mr. Morakot Pittarat, President of Khon Kaen University Alumni Association also gave a welcoming speech to the 2023 freshmen and gave all of them moral support so that they will dedicate themselves to their studies. He believed that all will become part of the quality products from this university and bring reputation to KKU in the future.
Mr. Kawin Pradapchat, President of 2023 Student Union said in his welcoming speech that he was pleased with the new freshmen and wished them all happiness in their studies and activities. He then invited all to join all of the fraternity activities.
At the Bai Sri Su Khwan ceremony, Mr. Chalad Songserm or Po Chaladnoi, a national artist in the field of Mo Lam Performance in 2005 led the ritual before singing Lam Klon as the blessings for the newcomers to Khon Kaen University. This was followed by administrators, deans, lecturers and senior students tying the sacred threads on the freshmen’s wrists. The ceremony ended with the Mo Lam show by Mae Wandee, Isan Heritage Artist of 2016. The performance impressed the freshmen on their first day as KKU students.
Miss Suwakhon Thammasaeng, a first year student of the Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy said with a smile that she was happy to join this ceremony. She believed this ceremony was sacred and she had never seen one before. She really liked the warm welcoming and that atmosphere that demonstrated the Isan culture.
Another student, Miss Yarinda Yudeepanao, a first year student of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences who came from Nakhon Ratchasima said she was very happy to be joining this great welcoming party.“Khon Kaen University’s official welcoming ceremony does not force all students to join, but everyone wants to be part of the activity that lets them get to know new friends and the seniors. I’m very impressed.”
See more photographs at:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=kkuthailand&set=a.645776564252035
Photos: Natthawut Jaruwong, an audio-visual academic officer
News: Phanit Khatanak
