Faculty of Architecture Highlights Emerging Talent at “Kleep Thee Det” 2026 Design Thesis Exhibition

30 March 2026
16:17

The Design Programme of the Faculty of Architecture provides a platform for final-year students to present their creative potential to the public, preparing them to enter the future world of design.

The Design Programme of the Faculty of Architecture, Khon Kaen University, hosted the ‘Kleep Thee Det’ Design Thesis Exhibition 2026 from 27–29 March 2026. Held at the Promotion Area on the 1st floor of Central Khon Kaen shopping centre, the event provided a public platform for a new generation of designers to showcase their potential and creative thought processes.

The official opening ceremony was held on Saturday, 28 March 2026, from 17:30 to 19:30 hrs. Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, presided over the ceremony, delivered the opening address, and presented the awards. He was joined by Assistant Professor Dr. Surakarn Ruaisungnoen, Head of the Programme in Architecture, Urban Planning, and Design at the Faculty of Architecture, who delivered a report and welcomed the guests. Mr. Sthira Tassanawat, Marketing Manager of Central Khon Kaen shopping centre, also attended the ceremony as a guest of honour.

Assistant Professor Dr. Surakarn Ruaisungnoen explained that the exhibition serves as a space to display the potential and thought processes that students have developed over their four years of study. The event featured thesis projects from four main disciplines: Graphic and Multimedia Design, Product Design, Textile and Fashion Design, and Interior Design. The concept of ‘Kleep Thee Det’ (Claw the Best) metaphorically represents the careful selection of outstanding student design works, inviting the audience to discover the unique ideas and creative energy of these emerging designers.

Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul congratulated the students, stating, “The works displayed in this exhibition reflect the power of our students’ creativity. They have cultivated knowledge, skills, and design processes to produce unique and high-potential projects that can be effectively developed into professional careers.” He affirmed that Khon Kaen University prioritises the development of graduates who possess knowledge, creativity, and the ability to use design to create value for society and the nation’s creative economy.

At the opening ceremony, the President, the Head of the Programme, and the representative from Central Khon Kaen jointly pressed a button to activate a claw machine, officially launching the event. This was followed by the presentation of the three Outstanding Design Thesis Awards for 2026:

Award for Ultimate Design Innovation: Ms. Nahathai Rodchanthuek
Award for Excellence in Sustainability: Ms. Yodtian Thanomthong
Award for Positive Social Impact: Mr. Thanawat Sophaphan

In addition to the thesis displays, key highlights of the event included a fashion show presenting works by students from the Textile and Fashion Design major. On the opening day, 24 outfits by fourth-year and second-year students were showcased, while the closing day featured 21 outfits by third-year students. The three-day event also included a dynamic drum performance by students from the Faculty of Architecture and interactive games with prize giveaways.

The closing ceremony took place on Sunday, 29 March 2026, from 17:00 to 19:30 hrs. Assistant Professor Dr. Surakarn Ruaisungnoen delivered the closing remarks, expressing his admiration for the students’ work. He was joined by Mr. Sthira Tassanawat in an official act of “closing” the claw machine, formally concluding the exhibition.

The Faculty of Architecture extends its sincere gratitude to all honoured guests, supporting organisations, businesses, and Central Khon Kaen for providing a valuable platform for students to exhibit their work for the past nine years.