Khon Kaen University continues its dedication to social devotion by driving community development through the application of research and lifelong learning.
Khon Kaen University (KKU) has moved forward with its mission as a “Social Devotion University” by contributing to community development and improving the quality of life for citizens through the deployment of knowledge, research, and creative activities. On 17 June 2026, Professor Dr. Thidarat Boonmars, Vice President for Enterprise and Societal Sustainability, accompanied by various university departments, attended the “Kick Off” launch event of the “Ban Pet Municipal Happiness Centre: Love and Harmony Yard for All Ages” at Ban Pet Municipality, Mueang District, Khon Kaen Province.
The establishment of the centre is a collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, the Khon Kaen Provincial Administrative Organisation, and Ban Pet Municipality. The project aims to drive policies for public quality-of-life development, generate social opportunities, and strengthen the community in a tangible manner. The Happiness Centre is designed to serve as a central public space connecting welfare assistance, lifelong learning, and capacity building for citizens across all generations.
Mr. Nikorn Somklang, Minister of Social Development and Human Security
The opening ceremony was presided over by Mr. Nikorn Somklang, Minister of Social Development and Human Security. During the event, the Minister presented welfare privileges and financial aid to vulnerable groups in the local area. These provisions included family allowances for low-income households, occupational group subsidies, funding for the “Sufficiency House” project, community organisation support, assistive devices for people with disabilities, and housing environment improvements tailored for the elderly and underprivileged.
On this occasion, Khon Kaen University transferred its expertise in community development and lifelong learning through hands-on creative workshops. The Coordination Centre for Royal Initiated Projects at KKU organised a workshop on “Stone-Dyed Fabric Bag Decoration” from Wiang Kao District, Khon Kaen Province. This activity aimed to showcase and pass on local wisdom, promoting the creative utilization of community resources while simultaneously fostering vocational skills and sustainable income generation.
Mr. Prachuap Rakphaet Vice Governor of Khon Kaen Province
Miss Piyawan Chittamai Mayor of Ban Pet Town Municipality
Concurrently, the Natural History Museum and Lifelong Learning Centre at KKU created an educational space for children and youth through a “Dinosaur Painting” workshop. This initiative was designed to stimulate imagination, creativity, and the learning of science and natural history in an enjoyable and accessible format.
Mr. Nikorn Somklang stated that the establishment of the Ban Pet Municipal Happiness Centre serves as an important blueprint for implementing the national policy of “Creating a Well-being Society with Opportunities for All Thais”. He emphasized that the initiative integrates operations across all sectors via the Happiness Centre mechanism to elevate the quality of life in every dimension, encompassing welfare, career development, income generation, debt management, and equitable access to state benefits. Furthermore, the Centre aspires to be a lifelong learning hub for all segments of the population, particularly children, youth, the elderly, people with disabilities, and vulnerable groups, sustained through multi-sectoral partnerships.
The participation of Khon Kaen University in this event reflects its institutional commitment to social devotion by utilizing academic knowledge, research, and innovation for public benefit. By supporting lifelong learning, occupational training, and quality-of-life enhancement, the University actively advances sustainable development alongside its networks and partners.
This initiative directly aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 1 (No Poverty) through the provision of welfare and economic opportunities for vulnerable populations; SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by promoting equal access to rights and opportunities; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), reflecting the collaborative synergy between government agencies, local administrative organisations, universities, the private sector, and civil society in fostering sustainable, resilient communities.
