Over 7,000 freshmen gathered at the 50th Anniversary Stadium to celebrate institutional pride, perseverance, and solidarity through a grand cultural showcase.
On 21 June 2026, Khon Kaen University organised the annual “Welcoming the New Kalapruek Bouquet, Uniting Our Hearts, and Strengthening Mor Din Daeng Bonds” Ceremony for the 2026 academic year. Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, honoured the event by presiding over the ceremony, which was attended by university executives and over 7,000 incoming students at the 50th Anniversary Stadium.
The atmosphere of the event began at 18:00 hrs as the new students marched in procession into the 50th Anniversary Stadium. This was followed by performances from the university cheerleaders, the collective singing of institutional songs, and a welcoming parade from the Student Organisation and student clubs of every faculty moving into the football field.
The major highlight of today’s performance was the dramatic dance production of “The Churning of the Ocean of Milk” under the title “The Grand Nectar of Success: The Magnificent Kalapruek United in Victory,” accompanied by the ceremonial procession of the Golden Kalapruek Bouquet and the Rom Phaka Kal umbrella performance. The inspiration behind this performance was drawn from ancient Indian beliefs; the churning of the ocean of milk represents an epic of collective cooperation between deities and demons in pursuit of the elixir of immortality, which symbolises value, hope, and success. Even though the path was filled with obstacles, through perseverance and the power of collaboration, numerous priceless things were born from that ocean.
This directly parallels the entry into Khon Kaen University, where all new students today embark on a journey to discover knowledge, experience, friendship, and their own self-worth through learning and growing together. The performance aimed to convey this story of creating value and beauty that arises from mutual cooperation and unity.
Following the performance, Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, honoured the event by performing the pinning ceremony of the 63rd Kalapruek bouquet onto the Golden Kalapruek Tree, and presented the batch flag to the representatives of the new students to officially welcome the new Kalapruek bouquet into the Mor Din Daeng family.
Mr. Sorawit Kingkaew, President of the Khon Kaen University Student Organisation for the 2026 academic year, who was behind this grand and warm activity, stated: “On behalf of the Khon Kaen University Student Organisation, managed by the Brick-Red Blood Group, I am extremely delighted to welcome the 63rd Kalapruek batch to the Mor Din Daeng family. The university will provide you with knowledge, activities will provide you with experience, and hands-on living will give everyone a clear identity. I would like all of you to applaud your own success, enjoy learning, and may all your dreams bloom beautifully within these brick-red walls.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Sittiphorn Kumpasee, President of the Khon Kaen University Student Council, said: “Congratulations to all new students on stepping into Khon Kaen University. This is the beginning of a valuable journey, a time for everyone to open up their world of learning and develop their potential. I hope you enjoy your studies, bravely face every challenge, and reap both friendship and growth during this most beautiful period of your lives.”
The new students expressed their profound impressions, with Mr. Khluithai Kenmee (Khlui) from the Faculty of Education saying: “The freshman welcoming activities of Khon Kaen University are very spectacular, grander than anywhere else, and warmly welcoming. It is exactly as I imagined in every way. Participating in activities with friends makes me very happy. Thank you to the senior students who stayed up late and dedicated themselves to organising this event for us.”
Ms. Nattatida Silpachai (Ruang Khao) from the Faculty of Agriculture revealed her feelings: “I travelled all the way from Uttaradit because I felt that Khon Kaen University is a place that can provide me with both academic knowledge and fun, choosing it as my first priority. The freshman welcoming event at Khon Kaen University was exactly as I thought; it was very fun and warm. I expect that studying Animal Science will be difficult, but I will intend to study hard until graduation. I hope that these four years will allow me to harvest happiness, good friendships, and that after graduation, I will secure a job to help others in society further.”
For the Kalapruek Bouquet Pinning Ceremony, the objective is to welcome new students and instil pride in the institution. The Kalapruek (Pink Cassia) tree is the official tree of Khon Kaen University, which His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great (King Rama IX) and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother graciously planted on 20 December 1967 on the occasion of their royal visit to preside over the official opening ceremony of the university.
The Kalapruek blossoms bloom simultaneously into a beautiful bouquet, comparing to the new students who step in as a “new Kalapruek bouquet” ready to grow, develop their potential, and bloom into quality graduates to serve society in the future.
After the presentation of the batch flag in the middle of the field, the final impression was the new students of the 63rd Kalapruek batch and thousands of senior students on the grandstands singing the institutional song together until it resonated throughout the 50th Anniversary Stadium. This image of united hearts reflects the bond of faith and solidarity of the Mor Din Daeng people from generation to generation with great pride. The “Welcoming the New Kalapruek Bouquet, Uniting Our Hearts, and Strengthening Mor Din Daeng Bonds (Bouquet Pinning)” Ceremony for the Year 2026 thus concluded with an atmosphere of happiness and deep warmth that the siblings of the brick-red walls will share forever.
ชมภาพ พิธีประดับช่อกาลพฤกษ์ ประจำปี 2569
