On Thursday, July 31, 2024, at 09:30 a.m., Khon Kaen University organized the Wai Kru Ceremony for Academic Year 2025 under the theme “Grow Green, Grow Together: Gratitude for Sustainability” at the Golden Jubilee Convention Hall. The ceremony was presided over by Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, and attended by university executives, distinguished guests, and students in a warm and respectful atmosphere.
The event aimed to preserve the Thai cultural tradition of honoring teachers, pay tribute to past and present educators, and integrate environmental consciousness through tree planting and conservation activities on campus.
Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul emphasized that the Wai Kru ceremony has been creatively organized to retain its profound meaning while reflecting the theme of gratitude and sustainability:
“This year’s concept integrates the traditional values of respect and appreciation for teachers with environmental responsibility. It symbolizes the bond between teachers—who nurture and guide students, like tender seedlings—and the students themselves, who will grow into strong trees contributing to society. At the same time, it highlights our shared responsibility to care for the Earth, fostering harmony between humanity and nature, and promoting a spirit of cooperation and unity within the university.”
Assoc. Prof. Pensri Jaroenwanit, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialization, explained that the initiative reflects KKU’s core identity, with a strong focus on sustainability:
“We aim to instill a distinct identity among Khon Kaen University students through the EGGS model, where the ‘S’ stands for Sustainable Focus. This year’s theme underscores gratitude toward parents, teachers, and the planet—reminding us to cherish and sustain the environment for present and future generations.”
The ceremony also featured the winner of the EGGS Identity Logo Design Contest, Mr. Jetsadaporn Thumma, a student from the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts. He shared insights about his design, which incorporates four core attributes: creativity (represented by a gear), global knowledge, growth (symbolized by an upward arrow and tree), and sustainability (depicted as a leaf).
“I am delighted to contribute to promoting sustainable values among students. This project raises awareness about environmental responsibility and social entrepreneurship,” said Jetsadaporn.
The event concluded with a series of meaningful activities, including a choral performance of “Phra Khun Tee Sam”, traditional offerings of floral garlands and ceremonial trays to teachers, an Edutainment Talk Show on “ECO Life Application” by actor and host Top Pipat Apirakthanakorn, and a tree-planting activity around the convention center to reinforce the theme of sustainability.
