KKU Upholds Luang Por Koon's Legacy, Hosting 7th Anniversary Merit-Making Ceremony for Royal Cremation of Great Master Phra Thep Witthayakhom

KKU Upholds Luang Por Koon’s Legacy, Hosting 7th Anniversary Merit-Making Ceremony for Royal Cremation of Great Master Phra Thep Witthayakhom

30 January 2026
15:28

On 29 January 2026, from 09:00–12:00 hrs., Khon Kaen University (KKU), in collaboration with the Sangha and institutional partners, organised a merit-making ceremony to mark the seventh anniversary of the Royal Cremation of the Great Master Phra Thep Witthayakhom (Luang Por Koon Parisuttho). The ceremony was held at the Phra Thep Witthayakhom Luang Por Koon Parisuttho Memorial in Khon Kaen Province, acknowledging the immense contributions of the revered monk who exemplified dedication to Buddhism, education, and society.
The ceremony was gracefully presided over by Phra Ratchaprasitthikhun (Sunan Suphacharo, P. Th. 7), Advisor to the Ecclesiastical Governor of Region 9 and Abbot of Wat Thep Buranaram, as the monastic chair. Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, served as the lay chair. They were joined by university executives, faculty members, staff, students, and devout Buddhists, creating an atmosphere of deep reverence, serenity, and spiritual faith.

The ceremony included the presentation of noon offerings (Pattaharn Phel), a commemorative Thaksinanupathan rite dedicated to Great Master Luang Por Koon, the offering of Jatu Patchai Thai Tham (necessities for monks), and a Dharma sermon (Dharma Sammothaniya Katha). These observances were conducted to honour Luang Por Koon’s famous mantra, “Give and give forever,” and his unparalleled academic generosity, particularly his decision to donate his remains for medical education—an act that has delivered profound benefits to the medical profession and social learning in Thailand.

As a leading educational institution in the region, Khon Kaen University consistently adheres to Luang Por Koon’s philosophy and legacy. His principles of morality, ethics, and selfless dedication to the public good are integrated into the university’s missions regarding education, research, and academic services to the community. This commitment aligns directly with KKU’s strategic goal of Societal Contribution via Cultural Involvement and Community Integration, aiming to develop the university as a source of knowledge that seamlessly combines academic excellence with spiritual and moral value.

This merit-making ceremony thus served not only as an expression of gratitude to the Great Master of the land but also reaffirmed Khon Kaen University’s role as an intellectual, faithful, and moral centre. KKU continues to help drive Thai society towards sustainable development, maintaining a crucial balance between academic rigour, cultural preservation, and public consciousness.