On July 26-27, 2025, the Arts and Culture Center of Khon Kaen University, in collaboration with the Performing Arts Program of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, organized the 7th “Kaen Isan Wan” Creative Youth Drama Competition Finals for the Royal Trophy graciously granted by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn at the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts Theater, Khon Kaen University.
This year’s event was held under the main concept of “HUG” (ฮัก), which in the Isan dialect means love, care, embrace, and nurturing. This served as the core for creating stories, thought processes, and youth expression through theatrical arts, connecting deeply and powerfully with nature, environment, and communities in the Northeastern region.
Prior to this, a practical workshop was conducted from June 2-6, 2025, to prepare and enhance skills for teachers and youth participants. The program received cooperation from faculty members of the Performing Arts Program, along with a Core Team consisting of alumni and current students who served as mentors, providing guidance and “intellectual armament” while offering creative tools for theater-making to participants.
The works presented in the finals were the result of intensive and continuous learning through arts. This served not only as a platform for youth expression but also as a space to communicate with society about the importance of collectively “loving” this world, marking the beginning of nurturing new citizens with environmental consciousness.
Additionally, this year held special significance in opening space for teachers to co-create innovative teaching tools using theater. Teacher presentations were held on July 25, 2025, laying the foundation for establishing a “Northeast Secondary School Drama Teachers Network” to sustainably promote theatrical arts in secondary education development.
Results of the 7th Kaen Isan Wan Creative Youth Drama Competition:
Royal Trophy Award for Outstanding Kaen Isan Wan Drama granted by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (Drama recognized as the year’s outstanding work):
- “Bun Khet” by Talsum Phattana School, Ubon Ratchathani Province
Category Awards:
Awards 1-4 (Shields presented by Director of Contemporary Arts and Culture Office, presented by Ms. Sirada Malasai, Khon Kaen Provincial Culture Officer):
- Best Script Award: “Siao” – Ubon Ratchanee Rachgunya Rachawittayalai Nakhon Ratchasima
- Best Group Performance Award: “Staw(ber)ry 6/9” – Kaen Nakhon Wittayalai School
- Creative Innovation Drama Award: “Phanna” – Ban Thaen Wittaya School, Chaiyaphum Province
- Best Local Knowledge Research Award: “Bun Khet” – Talsum Phattana School, Ubon Ratchathani Province
Awards 5-8 (Shields by Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, presented by Mr. Sitthichai Serisongsan, Deputy Permanent Secretary): 5. Environmental Conservation Drama Award: “Gorn Hang” – Khewai Rai Suksa School, Maha Sarakham Province 6. Art Component Design for Sustainability Award: “Panang” – Rong Kham School, Kalasin Province 7. Environmental Awareness for Children and Youth Award: “Fon Gorn Reudoo” – Pracharat Wittaya Serm School, Khon Kaen Province 8. Isan Ecosystem Restoration Inspiration Award: “Praew Phrai” – Nong Ta Kai Suksa School, Khon Kaen Province
Awards 9-13 (Shields by Minister of Culture, presented by Ms. Ploy Thanikul, Assistant Minister of Culture): 9. Modern Isan Culture Promotion Award: “Ob Khwan” – Udon Phittayanukul School, Udon Thani Province 10. Isan Community Identity Promotion Award: “Hoy” – Gantharamon School, Sisaket Province 11. Isan Arts and Culture Promotion Award: “Bun Khet” – Talsum Phattana School, Ubon Ratchathani Province 12. Isan Pride Promotion Award: “RICE Heuan Nee Pluk Tae Khao” – Kalyanawatra School, Khon Kaen Province 13. Wisdom-Nature Conservation Connection Award: “Hoy” – Gantharamon School, Sisaket Province
Award 14 (Shield presented by Dr. Sakda Chaiphai, Director of Khon Kaen Secondary Educational Service Area Office): Learning Management Innovation Using Drama Award:
- Teacher Issaranuwat Khosit, Pracharat Wittaya Serm School
- Teacher Phatraphong Sirisawan, Talsum Phattana School
Award 15 (Shield by Minister of Social Development and Human Security): Hometown Love Awareness Award: “Fak Fai” – Wang Sam Mo Wittayakan School, Udon Thani Province
Awards 16-17 (Shields by Khon Kaen University Rector, presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai Panthongviriyakul): 16. Rising Star Kaen Isan Wan Award: “Rak” – Anukulnaree School, Kalasin Province 17. People’s Choice Award: “Rak” – Anukulnaree School, Kalasin Province
This event reflects Khon Kaen University’s concrete role in promoting arts for human and social development, while encouraging youth to grow with creativity, environmental stewardship spirit, and connecting Isan roots to future innovations.
See you next year for the 8th “Kaen Isan Wan”!
