The Khon Kaen University (KKU) Student Organisation organised the project, “Khon Kaen University Student Homage to Phra That Phanom for Academic Year 2025,” at Wat Phra That Phanom Woramahawihan in That Phanom District, Nakhon Phanom Province. Held between 22 and 23 November 2025, the event was marked by a profound atmosphere of faith and cooperation as new students from all faculties participated, fulfilling the university’s commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of the Northeast (Isan) region.
During the opening ceremony, Mr. Sitthiporn Kumpasi, the Second Vice President for Policy and Strategic Planning of the KKU Student Organisation, articulated the event’s objectives. He emphasised the Student Organisation’s role in promoting virtue, experiential learning, and creating a space where students could closely engage with the cultural values of the Mekong basin community. He also presented an overview of the two-day programme, which was designed to allow participants to learn about local traditions, indigenous wisdom, and contemporary arts and culture under the concept of “Warapakarn Wantha Yo Sakkan Maha Chetuyang” (A time for paying homage and worshipping the Great Stupa).
Following this, Associate Professor Pensri Jaroenwanit, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialization, presided over the opening ceremony. The Vice President praised the efforts of the Student Organisation and the active participation of the students.
In her remarks, Associate Professor Pensri explained that Khon Kaen University’s selection of the revered Phra That Phanom Stupa as the university’s official emblem signifies more than just devotion. It serves as a constant reminder to all students and personnel of their duty to inherit and pass on cultural legacies, fostering a sense of good citizenship and public consciousness. These qualities are crucial for sustainable coexistence in a multicultural society.
“This activity is an important component for facilitating cultural and historical exchange, whilst also building skills for collaborative work with local communities and creating an understanding of cultural diversity among participants. This will fully enrich the identity of Khon Kaen University students,” the Vice President stated.
Following the opening ceremony, the students participated in four learning bases: the EGGS MODEL base (explaining the KKU Student Identity); the Phra That Phanom offering base; the ancient Kanom Naep (preserved banana delicacy) base, featuring local wisdom; and the ancient Kala Mae (taffy) base, featuring a significant local product. Participants also attended a special lecture on the history of Wat Phra That Phanom and toured the historical hall, gaining an in-depth understanding of the origins and value of this sacred site.
In the evening, a grand procession commenced, featuring the offering and wrapping of the Phra That Phanom Stupa with a ceremonial robe (Wian Pha Hom), demonstrating the strong unity of hundreds of students. This was followed by a ceremony to offer large monastic necessities (Maha Sangghathan) and the four necessities to the Sangha, dedicated as a royal merit to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother. The evening concluded with cultural performances by the That Phanom community, a Phu Thai Renu Nakhon cultural show by Renu Nakhon Wittayanukul School, and an elaborate Molam celebratory performance by the KKU Sinsai Pong Lang Band.
On the morning of 23 November, students travelled to Renu Nakhon Wittayanukul School for cultural exchange activities and a seminar titled, “The Power of Culture Drives the Economy: Deep Dive into Local Soft Power.” This session highlighted the significance of the Phu Thai identity within the creative economy context. The project culminated in the traditional Isan Bai Sri Su Khwan (Blessing for good fortune) and wrist-tying ceremonies, concluding the event with smiles and lasting impressions.
