On the auspicious occasion of Wednesday, December 18, 2024, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua graciously appointed Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn as Royal Representative to confer degrees upon graduates of Khon Kaen University for the academic year 2024 at the Golden Jubilee Convention Center, Khon Kaen University.
Upon the Royal arrival at 13:05 hours, Her Royal Highness was respectfully received by distinguished officials including Mr. Yutthaporn Pirunsarn, Deputy Governor of Khon Kaen Province; Lieutenant General Boonsin Pardklang, Commander of the 2nd Army Region; Police Lieutenant General Chatchai Surachetpong, Commander of Region 4 Provincial Police; Mr. Thanarat Thangthong, Chief Judge of Region 4; Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee, Chairman of the Khon Kaen University Council; and Associate Professor Dr. Chanchai Phanthongviriyakul, President of Khon Kaen University. They were joined by Dr. Uanjit Panthongviriyakul, the President’s wife, and Ms. Nuannarumon Pirunsarn, Vice President of the Khon Kaen Red Cross Chapter, who presented garlands to Her Royal Highness. Members of the university council and senior administrators were also present to welcome Her Royal Highness.
Her Royal Highness graciously proceeded to the ceremonial hall where She performed the ceremonial lighting of candles and incense before the Buddha image, Phra Buddha Nawarajbopit. Subsequently, Her Royal Highness bestowed the prestigious Golden Phra That Phanom Award upon Phra Rajawatcharathamsophon Kosonboriharnworrakij Yatikanissorn Bowornsangkaram Khamwasi (Sila Sirichonto) and conferred a degree to a monk who had completed his studies.
Following this, Mr. Suraphon Phetwara, Vice Chairman of the Khon Kaen University Council, introduced Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai Phanthongviriyakul, the university president, who reported on the graduates for the academic year 2024 and presented the honorary doctorate recipients and other awardees. Her Royal Highness conferred honorary doctorates to five distinguished individuals:
Mr. Attaphon Laokajon – Honorary Doctorate in Engineering (recipient of the 2023 award).
Prof. Dr. Alexander Constantine Loukas – Honorary Doctorate in Medicine (Tropical Medicine).
Prof. Dr. Tsuyoshi IMAI – Honorary Doctorate in Science (Biotechnology).
Dr. Ratreesriwilai Bongsitthiporn – Honorary Doctorate in Arts (Cultural and Artistic Research and Design).
Mr. Payong Srivanich – Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration.
Her Royal Highness also presented the Golden Phra That Phanom Award for the group and organizational category to the Royal Dental Unit under His Majesty the King. Other awards included:
Prof. Dr. Sopit Wongkham – Distinguished Professor Award in Biochemistry.
Ms. Ramrung Worawat – Outstanding Alumni Award.
Mr. Peerapong Jaroon-ek – Outstanding Alumni Award.
Assoc. Prof. Vichai Senthong, M.D. – Outstanding Alumni Award.
Assoc. Prof. Paradee Auvichayapat, M.D. – Sri Mor Din Daen Award (Academic Category).
Ms. Ubonrat Toimamueang – Sri Mor Din Daen Award (Support Staff Category).
Mr. Tanapat Tanomdamrongsak – Sri Kalaphruek Award.
Her Royal Highness then conferred degrees on graduates from various faculties, including the Graduate School, College of Graduate Study in Management, College of Local Administration, Faculty of Nursing, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Education, and Faculty of Medical Technology.
Her Royal Highness also delivered a royal address to the graduates, stating:
“His Majesty the King has graciously appointed me to represent him in this graduation ceremony of Khon Kaen University for the academic year 2023. I extend my congratulations to all the distinguished individuals and graduates who have achieved this honor and success.
The success of the graduates today reflects their dedication and perseverance in their studies. This achievement brings pride to the graduates and their families. Moving forward, if each graduate applies the knowledge they have gained to develop themselves and society, uses their specialized skills to build their careers, and solves challenges in life and work effectively, they will achieve even greater success in terms of qualifications, living standards, and careers. The highest honor and success, however, is the ability to create lasting benefits, happiness, and prosperity for oneself, society, and the nation. This can only be achieved by living and working with integrity, confidence in goodness, and perseverance in the face of challenges. I urge all graduates to reflect on these words and use them as a guide for their future endeavors. In the name of His Majesty the King, I wish all new graduates and attendees of this ceremony happiness and prosperity.”
For the academic year 2023, a total of 7,845 graduates were approved for degrees, including 225 doctoral degrees, 149 higher graduate diplomas, 944 master’s degrees, and 6,527 bachelor’s degrees. The graduation ceremony for Khon Kaen University for the academic year 2024 is scheduled over two days, December 18–19, 2024.
This year marks the 61st anniversary of Khon Kaen University’s establishment. The university continues to pursue its vision of becoming a “world-class research and development university.” The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation has recognized Khon Kaen University as a leading institution in global research development. The university supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in line with national policies, earning it the top ranking in Thailand for SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 4 (Quality Education) in the THE Impact Rankings. Globally, it ranks 97th overall.
Khon Kaen University is also committed to being a Green University, a hub for research and educational innovation in the ASEAN region, a center for medical and health solutions in northeastern Thailand, and a leader in developing livable and smart cities. The university continues to reflect its core value of “Social Devotion” through its contributions to community strength and societal well-being.