KKU ready for Sithan KKU Festival 2022, Loi Krathong after Covid that nurtures the culture, enhances economy and uses silk-cocoon krathong

November 2, 2022

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October 31, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. – Khon Kaen University met the press for releasing the news on the Sithan KKU Festival 2022. Miss Taneeya Naipinit, Khon Kaen Deputy Governor; Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University; Mrs. Kamonrat Simmakham, Khon Kaen Cultural Head Officer; Mr. Noppakul Panyakaew, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Khon Kaen Provincial Administrative Organization; and Mr. Teerasak Teekayupan, Khon Kaen Mayor jointly presided over the ceremony. Among attendants were executives from governmental and private sectors, students, lecturers, the public and news correspondents. The event took place at the KKU Art Gallery by Sithan Lake, Khon Kaen University.

Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University explained that one of Khon Kaen University’s missions is to nurture art and culture, according to the creative economy strategy. This follows the intention of Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee, Chairman of Khon Kaen University Council, who is an economist. Dr. Narongchai’s idea for Sithan Festival is: “Pass Legend, Future tense” (Towards the future of the past). This means not to be obsessed with the past and not to be gullible with modernity. Development of art and culture in a new way is to use the cultural foundation as the strength for extension towards the future. The festival this year will be one of full options after Covid has faded. The Sithan KKU Festival 2022 is expected to be a learning resource that adds a creative zone for the student and the public. It is the event that promotes Thai art and culture and enhances tourism and economy at the regional and national level, and finally the international level.”

Miss Taneeya Naipinit, Khon Kaen Deputy Governor said that the Sithan KKU Festival 2022 is an event that nurtures Thai art and culture and promotes the provincial economy. It is the biggest event in the Northeast. The province is attempting to make this event one of the national major events and finally an international event in the future. Isan culture and art possess the trait of fun and beauty. Khon Kaen people, students, the public, business people, hotel entrepreneurs, police officers will jointly host the festival. All will demonstrate that Khon Kaen is a pleasant place to live and will become a big city of ASEAN. It is expected that economy of Khon Kaen will be invigorated.

Mrs. Kamonrat Simmakham, Khon Kaen Cultural Head Officer said that Thai’s graceful art and culture are emphasized as the Soft Power to be witnessed by visitors at the event. The cultural lawn will be organized to be different but modern and full of indigenous identity and art. There will be local performances and plays, Mo Lam, demonstration of krathong making from cocoon that will help reducing global warming. At the present time of the digital and online age, the activities will be broadcast ‘Lives’ on Khon Kaen Cultural Office Page all through the 3 days of festival so that people in other regions and around the world will see the art and culture of Isan.