Khon Kaen University is once again opening the stage for young talents across Northeast Thailand through the 7th annual Kaen-Isan-Wat Creative Youth Theater Competition 2025, under the theme “HUG (ฮัก)”—a word in the Isan dialect symbolizing love, care, and compassion. This year’s theme aims to foster environmental consciousness and appreciation for nature among secondary school students. The event is led by the KKU Art and Culture Center and includes a five-day practical workshop on “The Creation and Development of Stage Plays” held from June 2–6, 2025.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Niyom Wongpongkham, Vice President for Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, explained that Kaen-Isan-Wat, now in its 7th year, is not just a competition but a vital mechanism for nurturing youth with a deep sense of both cultural and environmental awareness.
“The use of the word ‘ฮัก’ (HUG) is deeply meaningful. It reflects the emotional bond between young people and their environment, nature, and community. This project aligns with KKU’s Strategic Plan 2025–2028, which emphasizes community-focused academic services and the creative economy for cultural and local wisdom preservation. We aim to nurture new generations with artistic souls, green minds, and compassionate hearts.”
Mr. Warasak Woryot, Director of the Art and Culture Center, shared that the workshop prepares the 14 finalist teams—selected from 20 participating schools—for the final performance stage.
“We have strong collaboration from faculty in Performing Arts at the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, as well as a Core Team of alumni and current students who serve as mentors. The workshop equips teachers and students with tools to create performances that reflect their thoughts, feelings, and deep connections to nature and their communities. This is more than a platform for performance—it’s a space to nurture a generation that dares to express, think critically, and care for our world in all dimensions.”
Asst. Prof. Dr. Phachaya Akkapram, a lecturer in Performing Arts and project chair, emphasized that the core goal of Kaen-Isan-Wat is to promote cultural education through theater. The project also serves as a hub for the exchange of knowledge, creativity, and experience among students, teachers, and theater experts.
“This year’s special focus on the environment stems from a growing awareness that natural resources are fundamental to human life. We hope to spark a sustainable network of theater-enthusiastic teachers and students across the Isan region—using the power of performance to communicate pressing social and environmental issues.”
The 14 participating schools include:
- Kalasin: Rong Kham School, Anukoolnaree School
- Khon Kaen: Kanlayanawat School, Nong Ta Kai Suksa School, Pracharat Wittayaserm School, Kaennakhon Witthayalai School
- Chaiyaphum: Ban Taen Witthaya School
- Nakhon Ratchasima: Ubonrat Rajakanya Rajawittayalai Nakhon Ratchasima School
- Maha Sarakham: Khwao Rai Suksa School
- Sisaket: Kanthararom School
- Udon Thani: Udon Pittayanukoon School, Wang Sam Mo Witthayakharn School
- Ubon Ratchathani: Tansum Phatthana School, Sawangweerawong School
All final performances will be showcased from July 25–27, 2025, offering students the chance to creatively express their perspectives and share the message of “HUGging the Earth” with the broader public. The event aims to inspire further development in both theater arts and environmental consciousness across Thailand.
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