Khon Kaen University’s Division of Legal and Corporate Communications and the Corporate Communications Division recently organised the “KKU Promotes Livable Communities” activity, part of the wider Khon Kaen University Network Relations Project. The initiative included a practical workshop titled “Promoting Self-Reliance in Healthcare,” held for over 100 community members at the Wooden Pavilion (Sala Mai), Wat Wuttharam, Khon Kaen Province.
The event took place on 10 February 2026, between 09:00 hrs and 12:00 hrs.
Participating local communities included the Non-Formal and Informal Education (NFE) community, Kaen Nakhon community, Non Nong Wat 1-4 communities, Khum Wuttharam community, and Nong Wat Patthana community. The practical workshop focused on delivering essential knowledge and skills necessary for participants to manage and promote their own health, fostering greater self-reliance within the local community context.
The event was honoured by the presence of Mrs. Nuchareewan Dordileart, Deputy Mayor of Khon Kaen Municipality, who delivered the welcoming address. Assistant Professor Natsamol Tanakulrungsarit, Vice President for Legal and Corporate Communications, subsequently offered the opening remarks and outlined Khon Kaen University’s mission to enhance community strength. 
Following the opening, participants engaged in practical training sessions on “Active Movement for a Comfortable Life: The Thai Way” and “Mutual Support through Traditional Thai Massage.” These sessions were led by Ajarn Chaweelak Pakdeecharoenwat and assistant trainers from the Thai Traditional Medicine Research and Service Centre, Faculty of Public Health.
Mrs. Natsamol Tanakulrungsarit, Vice President for Legal and Communications, highlighted the University’s dedication to translating academic knowledge and expertise into tangible community development outcomes. This commitment is realised through academic service projects and quality-of-life initiatives spanning health, career creation, lifelong learning, and environmental development.
“Khon Kaen University has increased the frequency of these activities from quarterly to at least bi-monthly to ensure comprehensive accessibility across all 95 communities within Khon Kaen Municipality,” said Assistant Professor Natsamol.
She also announced that the University’s major annual academic service event is scheduled for 6 March 2026 at Khon Kaen Railway Station, where over 50 internal and external agencies will collaborate to provide free services, including health check-ups, vaccinations, dental care, career development workshops, and knowledge transfer to the public.
The Vice President further elaborated that these efforts underscore Khon Kaen University’s role as a higher education institution committed to connecting knowledge with society. These projects also encourage communal participation in identifying needs, enabling the University to design services that genuinely align with local contexts. This work directly supports Khon Kaen University’s strategic pillars of sustainable social development and its mission to operate as a Smart University driven by good governance and social responsibility. 
Mrs. Nuchareewan Dordileart, Deputy Mayor of Khon Kaen Municipality, remarked that the day’s activities reflect Khon Kaen University’s crucial role in producing and disseminating practical knowledge to communities, especially in health matters.
“Health is a vital foundation for improving quality of life, fostering strong and sustainable communities, and aligning with the municipal policy to establish Khon Kaen Province as the ‘Metropolis of Happiness’,” stated the Deputy Mayor.
She concluded that the workshop promotes accurate and continuous self-health management and strengthens cooperation among the University, government agencies, local partners, and communities to drive genuinely livable neighbourhoods surrounding KKU.
The training atmosphere was warm and highly collaborative, with active participation from community leaders, VHVs, and residents. Participants agreed that the activities provided practical, applicable knowledge for household and community-level health self-reliance.
Feedback from participants also expressed strong confidence in Khon Kaen University’s role as an authentic source of knowledge accessible to the public. They requested continuous activities of this nature to bolster the capacity of local volunteers and health networks, leading to sustained improvements in public quality of life and community strength.
The established collaboration among the University, government agencies, local partners, and residents forms a crucial mechanism for strengthening and improving the livability of the surrounding communities. This aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Khon Kaen University affirms its belief that continuous collaborative efforts will ultimately lead to enhanced quality of life for the people and long-term sustainable social development.
