Khon Kaen University Announces Grand “Sithan Festival 2025,” Emphasizing “Sithan Navatara Himalayan” Concept, Integrating 5 Nations’ Cultures Over 3 Days, Anticipating Over 700 Million Baht in Circulation

22 October 2025
11:42

On October 22, 2025, Khon Kaen University (KKU), in collaboration with Khon Kaen Province, the Khon Kaen Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO), and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Khon Kaen Office, held a press conference for the “Sithan International Festival 2025: Boon Somma Bucha Naga” event. The festival’s theme is “Sithan Navatara Himalayan”.

The press conference was attended by Mr. Kharom Khamphithun, Deputy Governor of Khon Kaen Province, Ms. Thanawan Kasee, Director of the TAT Khon Kaen Office, Mr. Thossapol Wongsalee, representative of the Khon Kaen PAO, and Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University. A large crowd of faculty members, students, media representatives, and interested individuals attended the event at the Art Gallery, Center for Arts and Culture, Khon Kaen University.

Mr. Kharom Khamphithun, Deputy Governor of Khon Kaen Province, expressed the province’s pride in KKU organizing the Sithan International Festival 2025, Boon Somma Bucha Naga. He noted that the event serves to inherit and build upon Thai culture and beliefs passed down through generations. The festival not only reflects the unique identity of the Northeast (Isan), which adheres to the 12 Traditions and 14 Customs (Heet Sib Song Khlong Sib See), but also transforms the image of the traditional Loy Krathong celebration into a spectacular, world-class international event.

“Based on last year’s assessment data, the Sithan Festival generated over 701 million baht in economic activity for Khon Kaen Province and attracted more than 300,000 tourists over the three days. Khon Kaen Province is fully prepared in all dimensions—accommodation, tourist attractions, and security—thanks to cooperation from the Khon Kaen Provincial Police, Si Phatcharin Camp, and the 8th Infantry Regiment, Siharat Dechochai Camp. This supports our vision, ‘Khon Kaen: A Livable City, Heading Towards the ASEAN Metropolis.’ We welcome all tourists to join the event from November 3 to 5, 2025.”

Ms. Thanawan Kasee, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Khon Kaen Office, stated that as the representative of TAT, she is profoundly proud of the collaboration between Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen Province, the Khon Kaen PAO, Khon Kaen Municipality, and various government and private sectors in organizing the Sithan International Festival 2025, Boon Somma Bucha Naga.

“The Sithan International Festival is an outstanding example of integrating ancient culture with modern culture, resulting in a spectacular contemporary activity. It transforms the traditional format of Loy Krathong, making it compelling and encouraging greater public interest in cultural depth. This is an activity that TAT should support and commend, as it promotes high-quality cultural tourism and creates added value for Khon Kaen Province and the Northeast region.”

Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, mentioned that for over 62 years, Khon Kaen University has used science and technology as a foundation for education and regional development while integrating local arts and culture—the region’s heritage and wisdom—into courses and activities. This year marks another significant step as KKU elevates the event from a regional to an international level under the theme “Sithan Navatara Himalayan,” meaning “The Mountain Range of Pure Streams at Sithan.”

“The concept for this year’s international event is ‘The Journey of Water and Faith,’ from the downstream land to the upstream land. The water melting from the sacred snows on the Himalayan peaks forms the Mekong River, which acts as the main artery of Isan culture. Originating from the Tibetan Plateau in the Himalayas, it flows through several countries, nourishing the Isan region of Thailand and giving rise to the culture of the river basin. Elevating the event this year includes new and diverse activities, giving KKU community members, citizens of Khon Kaen, and people across Thailand the opportunity to experience the beautiful cultural atmosphere of both the downstream and upstream territories.”

“We are proud to have international cooperation from five countries: the Kingdom of Thailand, the People’s Republic of China, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. This makes the Sithan Festival 2025 more than just a tradition; it is a platform for international cultural exchange and friendship among the people of the region.”

The Sithan International Festival 2025, Boon Somma Bucha Naga, will be held from November 3-5, 2025, at Bueng Sithan (Sithan Pond), Khon Kaen University, for 3 full days and nights.

Key Highlights Include:

A replica of the Himalayas (8 meters high, 40 meters wide).
A ceremonial pavilion dedicated to the sacred Buddha relics, combining Thai and Bhutanese art styles.
A grand parade to enshrine the Buddha relics, featuring Tibetan, Bhutanese, and Thai arts.
Special performances from the winners of the 1st KKU DANCE TROUPE Contemporary Isan Dance Contest, vying for the Royal Trophy from Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
A contemporary Phi Bak Huad performance featuring over 100 participants.
An extravagant Krathong float parade competition involving over 22 teams.
The Midnight Art Gallery: CREATIVE ECONOMY Isan Mutelu activities.
Khon performance and contemporary dance.
The first-ever International Mask and Puppet Festival in Isan.
A Himalayan Fire Boat (Ruea Fai) over 20 meters long floating in Bueng Sithan.
A Himalayan Giant Krathong over 20 meters long, designed with Tibetan, Bhutanese, and Eight Auspicious Symbols art.
The lighting of over 15,000 ground lanterns (Krathong Bok).
Over 16,000 decorative lanterns (Tiew Khom Fai).
Various competitions, including the participation of special guests: Anna Suengam-iam (Miss Universe Thailand 2022) and Mu Ham Chotinapha Kaewcharun (Miss Thailand 2025) as Nang Noppamas (The Goddess of Krathong myth).