The Faculty of Architecture at Khon Kaen University, in collaboration with the Khon Kaen Chamber of Commerce, Khon Kaen Creative Design Center, and other partner organizations, organized the “Khon Kaen Mor Lam Opera Hall” architectural concept design competition. The aim was to find a prototype concept for a “Center for Performing Arts and Development of the Mor Lam Creative Industry” that could be further developed into a real project in the future.
The project stems from the immense economic potential of “Mor Lam,” a significant cultural heritage of the Isaan region, which can be extended to create economic value in performing arts, tourism, and creative industries. However, there is a lack of a central hub for systematic development. This led to the idea of a Mor Lam Opera Hall in a mixed-use format, combining performance spaces, learning areas, and creative business areas in one location.
The competition invited students, alumni, and the public to submit designs as teams. Five finalists were selected to present their work to a panel of nine distinguished judges on April 3, 2026, at the 1st Floor of the TCDC Khon Kaen Auditorium.
Assoc. Prof. Niyom Wongpongkham, Ph.D., Vice President for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy and event chairman, stated that this project is a crucial step in integrating culture with economics to create new opportunities for artists and entrepreneurs. It also provides a platform for the new generation to design the future of Isaan art in a contemporary style. This marks a significant move to elevate Mor Lam from a “local culture” to a “Soft Power” capable of generating economic value and sustainability. 
Assoc. Prof. Pornsawas Piriyasattha, Head of the Project, emphasized that the finalist entries reflected deep creative potential and an understanding of the Isaan context. Similarly, Mr. Suchart Inphrom, CEO of New Gen Entertainment, highlighted that the collaboration between academic creativity and practical experience is a significant force for driving the community economy. “Mor Lam is not an end, but a beginning,” he remarked, noting its potential to generate massive circulating capital for Khon Kaen.
Mr. Suchart Inphrom, CEO of New Gen Entertainment and one of the judges, commented, “When the creativity of the new generation combines with practical experience, it becomes a significant force in driving the project.” As an entrepreneur, Khon Kaen, as the center of the Northeast, can utilize “Mor Lam,” a strong cultural asset, to further develop the creative economy and distribute income to all sectors, including merchants, entrepreneurs, and service businesses, especially if activities are continuously designed throughout the year. 
Mr. Suchart further elaborated that another crucial factor is the collaboration with the Faculty of Architecture at Khon Kaen University, which complements the creative dimension from the new generation, combined with practical experience, leading to concepts that are both innovative and actionable.
Mr. Suchart emphasized that the success of the project depends on the “belief and cooperation” of all sectors, similar to planting a tree that requires time and care to grow and yield sustainable benefits in the future. “Mor Lam is not an end but a beginning of driving the community economy and can generate a massive amount of circulating money for Khon Kaen” if developed continuously. 
From the perspective of Mr. Channarong Burisatrakul, President of the Central Isaan Provincial Chambers of Commerce Group (Roikaensarasin) and a judge, this project has the potential to elevate Mor Lam to a global creative economy level. However, it requires an “architectural structure” to make culture tangible and serve as a center for learning and tourism. 
He suggested that this project should be integrated into the government’s strategic plan to concretely support funding and implementation. Having a clear central hub will help elevate Mor Lam from a decentralized activity to a significant destination in the region and move towards national and international stages in the future. “Mor Lam is not just entertainment but a growing economic opportunity,” Mr. Channarong concluded.
For the competition results, the “Speed Team” won the first prize. The team members included Miss Supitcha Phonchaturat, Miss Wiromon Techapinyachaya, and Mr. Jetsada Saiwaew. The Speed Team collectively expressed their feelings about this competition: “We want to make Mor Lam visible and tangible through architecture.” Our team’s design addresses real functionality, aligns with the local context, and does not abandon the original community but rather extends its value. It also reflects effective teamwork that integrates diverse ideas into a single successful work. “Architecture is about transforming ideas into tangible forms and creating real benefits for society,” the Speed Team members stated in conclusion. 
Regarding the awards, the winner received 15,000 Baht and a certificate, and there were five honorable mention awards, each receiving 5,000 Baht and a certificate. The five winning teams, namely Kids Thueng Tiang, To be Number 1, Easy Pace, Jangwa Paphern, and Speed Team, will have their works displayed in an exhibition at TCDC Khon Kaen from April 3-30, 2026, open to the public for free. 
Overall, the “Khon Kaen Mor Lam Opera Hall” project is more than a design competition; it is the cornerstone of a new cultural and economic infrastructure. It represents a vital step in merging architectural innovation with heritage and the creative economy. By generating new value for the region, this initiative elevates Mor Lam into a primary driver of the regional economy, reshaping the image of Isaan culture for both national and international stages and ensuring its sustainable growth for the future.
