Khon Kaen University, Thailand – On 21 January 2026 at 12:30 hrs, Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya graciously visited the exhibition of Thai fabric heritage and community handicrafts from the Northeastern Region, organised by the Department of Community Development, Ministry of Interior. The exhibition was held at the Golden Jubilee Convention Centre, Khon Kaen University (KKU), Khon Kaen province.
The delegation awaiting Her Royal Highness’s arrival included Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, university administrators, faculty members, and over 300 students from the Department of Textile and Fashion Design (Faculty of Architecture), the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, the Sinsai Ponglang Troupe, and staff from the Division of Student Development and the Division of Building and Grounds. The students participated to exchange knowledge, develop textile and handicraft designs rooted in local wisdom that align with contemporary contexts, and showcase their work in the exhibition.
During the visit, Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya viewed 33 booths featuring traditional Thai fabric heritage and community handicrafts. These displays were presented by OTOP entrepreneurs, Kru Silpacheep (Master Artists of the Support Foundation), Support Foundation members, and youths from various provinces in the Northeast. Her Royal Highness offered her insights and guidance for developing the products, aiming to elevate Thai handicrafts to modern standards and create sustainable added value.
A highlight of the exhibition was the design display hosted by the Faculty of Architecture, Khon Kaen University, in collaboration with the Creative Economy Agency (CEA). The exhibition, titled “THREADS OF ISAN: Fibres of Faith, Creative Handicrafts of Isan,” featured the project “MUDMEE DECODE: Decoding the Beauty of Ikat Fabric.” The curators of this exhibition were Assistant Professor Dr. Arkhaphon Lamuang and Ajarn Pichradawee Surareekul, along with Assistant Professor Dr. Warin Boonyaputthipong, Assistant Professor Dr. Natthaphong Promphongsathorn, Mr. Thanawan Phumsankhotr, Mr. Peeradon Konthong, and Mr. Tharathorn Khamthon, who all presented their work. Alumni and current students from the Faculty of Architecture, including Mr. Thaweesak Chatuwan and Mr. Thanawan Phumsankhotr, also showcased their work at the “Pha Thai Sai Hai Sanuk” (Fun to Wear Thai Fabric) booth, reflecting the transfer of knowledge from the academic institution to local communities and the creative industry.
On this occasion, Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya graciously bestowed the Royal Fabric Pattern for 2026—the “Pha Lai Khor Somdej Chao Fah”—to encourage Thai weavers and artisans across the country to creatively adapt the design. This initiative promotes blending ancient patterns with contemporary concepts, aligning with the Royal Initiative “Fun to Wear Thai Fabric,” which aims to integrate Thai handicraft arts into daily life, create value, generate income, and sustainably conserve Thai wisdom.
Assistant Professor Dr. Arkhaphon Lamuang, a lecturer in the Department of Textile and Fashion Design, Faculty of Architecture, expressed his deep appreciation for participating in the event and having the honour of a first audience with Her Royal Highness. He noted the Princess’s commitment to improving the well-being and career opportunities of the people. Following in the footsteps of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, Her Royal Highness drives the Soft Power concept to conserve and advance Thai fabric, leading the Support Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand (SACICT) and various designers to offer consultation to students and occupational groups throughout the Northeast.
“This event successfully integrated cooperation between government agencies, the Khon Kaen Provincial Community Development Office, and Khon Kaen University. The students who attended the Royal visit gained invaluable experience, learning both the front-end and back-end processes of the work closely. This is a crucial opportunity to enhance knowledge and inspire Thai youth to create value, generate income, and sustainably preserve Thai wisdom,” Dr. Arkhaphon concluded.
Students from the Department of Textile and Fashion Design, Faculty of Architecture, participated in workshops and received expert design consultations to develop textile and handicraft designs based on local wisdom. They were closely supervised and advised by Assistant Professor Dr. Chanatsada Chulalashtira and Dr. Kesinee Srisongmuang. Associate Professor Dr. Kitapatr Thapalabutr, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, also observed the activities and provided academic recommendations for the project.
Additionally, Her Royal Highness viewed the performance titled “Isan People Pay Homage to Sirivannadi Theloeng Sri Boromnat” presented in the Ponglang style by the Sinsai Ponglang band from Khon Kaen University, joined by other Ponglang troupes from institutions across the Northeast. This creative Ponglang performance, rooted in ancient belief, symbolically offered blessings and tribute. It gratefully reflects the profound royal benevolence of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, a vital role model for the restoration, conservation, and advancement of local arts and culture, whose royal endeavour in developing textile handicrafts and Thai culture is now continued and enhanced by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya.
Credit for the photographs: HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya
