KKU Faculty of Architecture Co-Hosts Global Event, Reaffirming Khon Kaen as a World Craft City for Ikat (Mudmee)

4 December 2025
16:37

The Faculty of Architecture at Khon Kaen University Served as Co-host for the World Ikat Textiles Symposium 2025, Celebrating the City’s International Status.

The Faculty of Architecture (APDS) at Khon Kaen University (KKU) served as a co-host for the World Ikat Textiles Symposium 2025, held from 3 to 5 December 2025. This event celebrated Khon Kaen Province’s prestigious status as a “World Craft City for Ikat (Mudmee),” a designation conferred by the World Crafts Council on 4 December 2018.
This international recognition has propelled Khon Kaen into the centre of handicraft textiles in the Northeast (Isan) region, fostering networks among Mudmee producers and entrepreneurs, expanding market opportunities, and promoting tourism in line with the province’s role as a MICE City.

The World Ikat Textiles Symposium 2025 took place at the Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre. The opening ceremony was presided over by Ms. Sabida Thaiseth, Minister of Culture, and attended by Mr. Yutthaphon Phirunsarn, Deputy Governor of Khon Kaen Province, alongside representatives from government agencies, the private sector, and public organisations.

The symposium was held under the concept, “TIES for TOMORROW: Weaving Heritage into Sustainable Futures,” and was a collaborative effort between the Thai Handicraft Trade Association, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), and Khon Kaen Province.

The KKU Faculty of Architecture was integral to the planning and execution as a co-host from the project’s inception. The faculty’s team was led by Associate Professor Kitapatr Thapalabutr, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty; Dr. Chanasada Chullasastean, Assistant Dean for Academic Services and Arts and Culture; and Dr. Akkapon Lamuang, Assistant Dean for Student Development and Corporate Communications.

The symposium also featured the exhibition, “DECODE: The Aesthetic Codes of Isan Ikat,” organised by the Creative Economy Agency (CEA). Dr. Akkapon Lamuang and Lecturer Pitchrawee Surareekul served as curators, collaborating with Mr. Suksih Pholsantikul, Director of the Northeast Office, CEA. The exhibition presented a contemporary decoding of the aesthetic sensibilities of Isan Mudmee, aiming to expand knowledge and establish international networks in silk textiles and design.

The Faculty of Architecture’s role as co-host reflects its commitment to elevating local cultural capital to the international stage and supporting the sustainable development of the Mudmee textile industry. This contribution further strengthens Khon Kaen Province’s worldwide standing as a “World Craft City for Ikat.”