On Friday, June 27, 2025, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Khon Kaen University hosted “ISAAN PRIDE 2025: Smart Pride and Environment.” The event was opened by Associate Professor Dr. Pensri Charoenwanit, Vice President for Student Development and Innovation, joined by Professor Dr. Thidarat Boonmars, Vice President for Enterprise and Social Sustainability. Together with university executives, faculty members, students, partners, and members of the public, the celebratory parade began at the former Royal Pavilion at KKU.
The event opened with a powerful statement from Mr. Bossapakorn Ruangsane, President of the Student Council, who emphasized that diversity is not just a call for recognition but a force for real change. He declared that youth are not merely the future, but the active present, using wisdom and compassion to drive society forward.
Associate Professor Dr. Orathai Phiaura, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, explained that the university’s Center for Gender Studies organized this event to promote awareness of sexual and gender diversity, equity, and inclusion. The event served as a safe space for LGBTQ+ students to express themselves and connect, especially as KKU welcomes its new incoming students.
She added that the event also helps build a collaborative network between internal and external partners working on gender diversity and equity.
In her opening remarks, Associate Professor Dr. Pensri noted that the celebration is not only symbolic but also reflects structural efforts to promote inclusion. It ties directly into the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5 on gender equality, reducing inequality, and promoting ethical environmental care. She described ISAAN PRIDE 2025 as a platform for integrating knowledge, policy, and pride in diversity, all contributing to a sustainable world where no one is left behind.
“This is a reaffirmation that gender diversity and identity are essential to sustainable development, not only environmentally but also in creating a just, safe, and open society for all,” she said.
The vibrant parade began at 4:30 p.m. from the Student Union Building and ended at the former Royal Pavilion, with hundreds of students, staff, and community members dressed in colorful attire, proudly celebrating equality and inclusion.
The event featured a range of performances, including a Rainbow Catwalk, cover dance routines, live music, and a traditional Isaan folk concert that filled the evening with joy and energy.
Participants such as Kantaphat Mabao, Teerapat Booncham, Anon Mueang, and Anachumphol Deesomsakulkan, all KKU students, shared that they had attended ISAAN PRIDE for three years in a row. They appreciated it as a safe space that allows everyone to freely express their identity. “It really feels like our university is a second home,” they said. “Everything today was fabulous, well done, and beautifully executed.”
