On July 6, 2025, the Office of Enterprise and Social Sustainability, through the Center for Enterprise and Social Sustainability Promotion, Khon Kaen University, hosted the event “Kued Hod Ban Phai” at Lang Wat Coffee (Wat Buranasit Phra Chao Yai Phue Bang), Hua Nong Subdistrict, Ban Phai District, Khon Kaen Province. The event aimed to deliver outcomes from the project “Local Material Management for Occupational Group Development in Ban Phai District” to the community.
The project handover was led by Prof. Thidarut Boonmars, D.V.M., Ph.D. Vice President for Enterprise and Societal Sustainability, along with Assoc. Prof. Niyom Wongpongkham, Ph.D. Vice President for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, representing Khon Kaen University. On behalf of the community, Lieutenant Colonel Pichai Wanta, Chief District Officer of Ban Phai, and local leaders received the project outcomes. The event welcomed participation from students, youth, local residents, and partner networks.
This initiative aligns with Khon Kaen University’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan, specifically the mission to deliver academic services that benefit society and promote the creative economy through integrating cultural capital with innovation for sustainable community development.
Prof. Thidarut Boonmars, D.V.M., Ph.D. noted that the “Kued Hod Ban Phai” event exemplifies KKU’s tangible commitment to social engagement.
“We do not see communities merely as recipients of support but as high-potential development partners. Utilizing cultural capital and local materials as a foundation for occupational development helps add value to community resources. At the same time, this promotes learning that concretely supports sustainable development goals (SDGs) and prepares communities for the creative economy era—where local youth will play a key role in driving progress.”
Lieutenant Colonel Pichai Wanta, Chief District Officer of Ban Phai, added: “The university plays a vital role in social advancement by working directly with real communities, applying knowledge, research, and innovation to generate real benefits. KKU scholars serve as companions to the community, addressing challenges, supporting livelihoods, boosting local economies, and sustainably improving quality of life. This is not research that sits on a shelf—it’s real action with visible outcomes and lasting impact. I sincerely thank Khon Kaen University and all sectors for joining hands to drive our community forward with the power of knowledge and genuine collaboration.”
Asst. Prof. Kham Chaturongakul , Ph.D., project leader, shared that the initiative focuses on transforming leftover materials and local resources into value-added products that generate income.
“We collaborated with local youth to develop products such as paper made from aquatic weeds in Kaeng Lawa, vases and coin banks from cardboard, and plant pots from paper pulp and coffee cups. Each product is not only beautiful and functional but also eco-friendly—this is what real circular economy looks like.”
The event featured various activities, including an art exhibition showcasing the identity of Ban Phai District to promote cultural and eco-tourism. The exhibit was created by students from KKU’s Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts. Other highlights included the “Kued Hod Ban Phai” panel discussion, hands-on workshops producing items from recycled materials (e.g., weed paper, cardboard vases and banks, paper and cup plant pots, pencil boxes from paper cores, and paper masks), and over 10 booths selling community-made products.
The “Kued Hod Ban Phai” initiative underscores Khon Kaen University’s role in becoming a “University for Communities and Society” through practical and impactful engagement. It emphasizes the creation of shared value and positive local impact—economically, socially, and culturally—while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This effort also serves as a key mechanism to prepare communities for the creative economy, a crucial direction for future development.
