KKU Welcomes 63rd Batch of Kalapruek Students with Spectacular Orientation President Debuts as 'DJ Pluamjai' with an EDM Performance, Offering New Students Four Key Concept Words for University Success

KKU Welcomes 63rd Batch of Kalapruek Students with Spectacular Orientation President Debuts as ‘DJ Pluamjai’ with an EDM Performance, Offering New Students Four Key Concept Words for University Success

18 June 2026
14:46

Khon Kaen University (KKU) officially hosted its annual new student orientation, “Welcome KKU Freshmen 2026”, to welcome its 63rd batch of undergraduate students. Held at the Golden Jubilee Convention Centre, the event featured a remarkable opening where Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, surprised attendees by adopting the persona of “DJ Pluamjai”. The President mixed contemporary electronic music and led the executive team in an aerobic dance session alongside the freshmen. This dynamic, EDM-inspired executive introduction created an enthusiastic and approachable atmosphere that generated significant excitement among the audience.

During the formal proceedings, Associate Professor Panthongviriyakul expressed his congratulations and delivered an inspiring address to the freshmen. He highlighted four central concepts destined to shape their journey at the university, stating:

“Khon Kaen University is immensely proud to welcome all new members to our community. Throughout the four to six years you will spend here, the university has ensured comprehensive preparedness across academic instruction, extracurricular activities, sports, and student welfare to foster your development into well-rounded graduates. Your time at university will serve as a vital period for gaining essential life experiences.

“I encourage everyone to utilise this period for self-development and to step courageously beyond your comfort zones. The conditions of life here do not accommodate the word ‘if’, but demand ‘effort’ to achieve results. We must refuse to capitulate to fate and instead confront every challenge, transforming failures into ultimate triumph and success.

“The core principles I wish to impart comprise four words you will inevitably encounter: Change, Growth, Challenge, and Transcendence. ‘Change’ requires the courage to face the unfamiliar and to act on matters previously met with hesitation. ‘Growth’ occurs when you engage in activities you have never attempted before at this university. ‘Challenge’ signifies confronting difficulties in both academic studies and extracurricular activities that may appear impossible, yet must be accomplished. Finally, and most importantly, ‘Transcendence’ means overcoming fear and failure. True capability is not a matter of innate talent, but is forged by repeatedly persevering through obstacles until success is achieved.”

Impressions from the 63rd Batch of Kalapruek Freshmen

The newly admitted students attending the orientation expressed great excitement and appreciation for the welcoming activities:

Ms Aungrisa Murray (Left) Ms Saranphon Wikanchai (Centre) Ms Piyada Naksopa (Right)

Ms Saranphon Wikanchai (Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy): “I am delighted and proud to study here because Khon Kaen University is the top university in the northeastern region. I particularly enjoyed the mini-concert today; it was incredibly fun. The President’s performance as a DJ scratching discs was executed perfectly. The senior students have also taken excellent care of us, leaving a wonderful impression.”

Ms Aungrisa Murray (Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy, Tourism Innovation Management major): “I chose this major because I aspire to be a flight attendant and enjoy service-oriented work. Today, I was most impressed by the traditional Mor Lam performance, which was highly entertaining. The atmosphere felt friendly rather than overly rigid or academic. Moving forward, I intend to do my best and embrace new experiences. Although I worry about adjusting, I will remain positive and follow the President’s advice.”

Ms Piyada Naksopa (Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy): “Coming from Buri Ram, I naturally feel homesick. However, having chosen this path, I must look to the future and accept leaving certain things behind to grasp new opportunities. Prior to this event, I attended the Baisri Su Kwan welcoming ceremony, which was deeply moving, and today’s orientation was equally impressive. Life at KKU is exactly what I dreamed of after seeing it continuously on TikTok, but experiencing the grand scale of the actual event was even more spectacular. The President’s surprise DJ appearance was delightful. I am determined to focus more on my studies and manage my time effectively.”

Mr Jarukit Phakdiwan (Left) Mr Korawich Siriwichai (Centre) Mr Manasak Sansom (Right)

Mr Jarukit Phakdiwan (Faculty of Science, Statistics major): “I chose statistics because of my academic background in science and mathematics. I have participated in all of the university’s welcoming activities since the Baisri ceremony. I am highly impressed by the senior students’ performances and the overall university environment. For today’s orientation, the Mor Lam performance was my absolute favourite. It was authentic and extremely enjoyable. I highly appreciate this style of event organisation.”

Mr Korawich Siriwichai (Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy): “I selected this faculty because of my interest in management and accounting, alongside my goal of working abroad. From my perspective, KKU is an expansive institution with a unique identity. I was thrilled the moment I learned of my admission. I am fully prepared to engage in both academics and activities. Today, I appreciated everything from the creative initiatives to the advice given by the President. My favourite sight was seeing the students so visibly happy and engaged in the activities.”

Mr Manasak Sansom (Faculty of Education): “I enjoy teaching children and felt that the Faculty of Education suited me best. Having attended every event since 15 June, I was delighted today by the Mor Lam performance and by seeing the university executives so engaged. The most memorable image for me was dancing in front of the stage, as I have never seen such a massive gathering of students dancing together before. I would like to encourage my peers to live their university life to the fullest, as these four years will pass quickly, and such great opportunities do not come often.”

Upcoming Institutional Welcome Traditions

The welcoming initiatives for the 63rd batch of Kalapruek students will continue with two major institutional events. On Saturday, 20 June 2026, the university will host the traditional ceremony to pay homage to the Mo Din Daeng Shrine, a sacred institutional site.

Following this, on Sunday, 21 June 2026, the KKU Student Organisation will convene the official university relations event at the KKU 50th Anniversary Stadium. The highly anticipated highlight of this gathering will be the formal Kalapruek flower pinning ceremony, serving as the symbolic induction that marks the students’ full entry into the Khon Kaen University student and alumni community.