A delegation of 13 students from Khon Kaen University actively promoted Thai heritage and connected with international audiences during the Songkran cultural festivities in the United Kingdom.
LEEDS, UNITED KINGDOM — Cultural heritage serves not only as a reflection of national identity but also as a powerful catalyst for intercultural understanding, bridging gaps across different languages, beliefs, and lifestyles. This soft-power potential was vividly demonstrated at the annual Songkran Festival held at Wat Buddharam Leeds on 26 April 2026. The event transcended its role as a gathering for the Thai diaspora, serving as a prominent international platform for showcasing Thai arts and culture to the global community.
The festival attracted over 300 attendees—Thai expatriates and international visitors drawn by Thai traditions—from Leeds and the neighbouring cities. The lively atmosphere highlighted the enduring global appeal of Thai cultural traditions and their capacity to bring diverse communities together.
The afternoon religious ceremonies were presided over by M.R. Narisa Chakrabongse. The event was further honoured by the presence of several dignitaries, including Ms Chonthipa Vinyoonawan, Consul at the Royal Thai Embassy in London, representing the Royal Thai Ambassador to the UK, and Assoc. Prof. Apisak Theeravisit, PhD, Deputy Director of the Management and Organisational Development Group at the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO).
Senior administrators and leading academics from the University of Leeds also attended. The academic delegation included Professor Emma Cayley, Head of the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies; Professor Graeme Gooday from the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science; and Professor Martin Seeger, Professor of Thai Studies. The participation of these British scholars underscores the sustained academic and cultural interest in Thailand within international higher education.
Amidst this environment of cultural exchange, a group of 13 students from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Khon Kaen University (KKU)—each representing a different academic major—participated under the “Ukind: Good Academic Standing and Public-Mindedness Scholarship to England” programme. This initiative allowed the students to transition from traditional classroom learning to active cultural ambassadors on an international stage.
Led by Associate Professor Orathai Piayura, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, the students took on various logistical and hospitality responsibilities. Their duties included venue preparation, guest welcoming, supporting the monastic rituals, providing cultural information to international visitors, and managing food and beverage services. Though working primarily behind the scenes, their contributions were vital in projecting a positive and memorable image of Thai hospitality to the global audience.
Modern cultural diplomacy extends beyond formal stage performances or static exhibits; it relies heavily on interpersonal communication and shared experiential learning. The participating students drew on their foreign language proficiency, cultural awareness, and cross-cultural communication skills to engage meaningfully with visitors from diverse backgrounds.
Through this hands-on experience, the students applied their English language skills in a practical, real-world setting—explaining the stories, beliefs, and values underlying Thai traditions to an international audience. The festival also gave them the opportunity to develop essential soft skills, including teamwork, real-time problem-solving, and global adaptability, none of which can be readily replicated within the classroom alone.
The event at Wat Buddharam Leeds successfully demonstrated how cultural capital can be harnessed to foster international goodwill. It also provided a valuable experiential learning platform for the next generation of Thai students to serve as cultural ambassadors, effectively communicating the beauty, identity, and values of Thailand to the international community.
