In a vibrant showcase of cross-cultural creativity, young filmmakers and content creators captured the essence of Thailand’s northeastern hub in the “Where is Khon Kaen?” 孔敬在哪儿？ Chinese video contest. The competition, which culminated in an exciting finale at Focus Arena on January 21, 2025, brought together 32 talented teams who transformed their love for Khon Kaen into compelling digital narratives for Chinese audiences.
“What we witnessed today wasn’t just a contest – it was a celebration of cultural bridge-building,” remarked Ms. Yang Tingting, Commercial Consul of the Chinese Consulate General. “These young storytellers have managed to capture Khon Kaen’s soul in a way that speaks directly to Chinese viewers.”
Among the standout entries, Mr. Anucha Suaysom clinched the top prize in the general public category with his fresh take on local lifestyle and culture; with Ms. Rinpa-orn Intarapanit and Mr. Panthong Masamee earned the first runner-up. The student category saw Ms. Karnteera Pidtatanung and her team from the Demonstration School emerge victorious, impressing judges with their youthful perspective on the city’s charm.
The competition, jointly organized by KKU ChIC and the Khon Kaen Chamber of Commerce, attracted an impressive mix of 22 student teams and 10 public teams. “The energy and creativity we’ve seen from these participants, especially our youth, has been nothing short of remarkable,” shared Mr. Channarong Buristrakul, President of the Khon Kaen Chamber of Commerce.
Dr. Sakchai Jarernsiripornkul, Dean of the College of Graduate Study in Management at Khon Kaen University, highlighted the broader impact: “This isn’t just about videos – it’s about building lasting connections between Thailand and China through the fresh eyes of our next generation.”
The winning creators will receive their awards at a grand ceremony during the Khon Kaen Chinese New Year Festival on January 25, 2025, with prizes totaling over 30,000 baht. Their works will gain international exposure through provincial media channels and the Chinese Consulate General’s platforms, showcasing Khon Kaen’s potential as a dynamic hub of culture, education, and innovation in Thailandงs Northeast.
The success of this inaugural contest has already sparked discussions about making it an annual event, promising to strengthen the growing ties between Thailand and China through the universal language of digital storytelling.
