On Sunday, June 22, 2025, from 6:00–10:00 PM, Khon Kaen University held the highly anticipated event “Home Hub Kalapapruek: United in Love, Bonded by Mor Din Daeng, Celebrating the 62nd Kalapapruek Cohort” at the university’s 50th Anniversary Sports Stadium. The ceremony was presided over by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, KKU President, and attended by over 5,200 people—including university executives, faculty and staff from all faculties, new students, senior students, and alumni.
The event began with a grand procession of student union representatives from all 22 faculties, leading the ceremonial Kalapapruek flower and the cohort flag into the stadium. The highlight was a stage performance by the university’s drama club, creatively blending local culture with modern flair to warmly welcome the freshmen.
The most memorable moment was the Kalapapruek Flower Pinning Ceremony for Cohort 62, during which the President personally pinned the symbolic flower and handed the cohort flag to the new students. This was followed by the spirited Boom KKU chant and the unified singing of the KKU anthem—strengthening bonds across generations.
In his address, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul expressed his pride: “I commend the student organizers and all departments involved in creating such a meaningful event. This Home Hub Kalapapruek is not only a welcome for our new students, but a symbolic moment to instill the values of leadership, which will drive sustainable development in the Northeast. These freshmen are the future of our nation. As a leading university in the region, KKU is committed to cultivating capable and ethical individuals. The pinning of the 62nd cohort’s flower is not just a ritual—it is a continuation of our mission to nurture a new generation of leaders.”
Sorawit Tangpakdee, a fourth-year engineering student and President of the KKU Student Union, added: “This year’s Home Hub Kalapapruek was designed to blend tradition with modernity, allowing freshmen to feel that KKU is truly their second home. The Flower Pinning Ceremony marks a hopeful beginning filled with student energy and potential. Today, new ‘bricks’ have been laid to make our university stronger. We transformed the stage into a celestial Kalapapruek tree, and prepared for over 48 hours to ensure this moment was unforgettable—because you only get to be a freshman once. Our musical performance tells the story of the golden Kalapapruek tree, making every new member feel part of its legacy.”
Kanyarat Kaewkanha, a first-year student from the Faculty of Public Health, shared: “I was so excited to join this event. I finally feel like a real KKU student. I’m deeply touched by how much effort our seniors put into welcoming us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Chalida Wanyosirithap, a first-year student from the Faculty of Agriculture, said: “It all started with bonding activities with our faculty friends. It was so fun and memorable. I never thought I’d get to stand here and be part of Cohort 62. It was worth the wait!”
Siraphop Uansri, a first-year student from the Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy, reflected: “I’m so happy and proud to be a KKU freshman. The seniors were kind and the event was spectacular. Even with the rain, we didn’t let it stop us—it felt symbolic of life’s challenges. I feel like this place isn’t just a university—it’s truly a second home. The seniors cared for us like family.”
The event was held under the theme “United in Love, Bonded by Mor Din Daeng” to strengthen KKU identity and foster pride in being part of a leading educational institution. This year’s celebration introduced new, modern elements, incorporating digital technology and hands-on experiences aligned with 21st-century education trends.
View more photos from the event here:
