Khon Kaen, Thailand – The Faculty of Dentistry at Khon Kaen University (KKU) recently hosted its annual retirement appreciation ceremony, titled “Journey to Retirement: A Proud Endeavor,” to honor nine retiring staff members for their dedicated service. The event took place on September 30, 2025, at the Golden Jubilee Convention Center, Khon Kaen University.
Associate Professor Dr. Anoma Rattanacharoenthum, Vice Dean for Administration, and Mr. Kitiporn Chaiyokul, Director of the Faculty’s Administrative Division, led faculty members and personnel in attending the ceremony. The event recognized the significant contributions of the retirees to the faculty and the university.
The nine individuals honored this year were: Associate Professor Dr. Waranuch Pitiphat, Associate Professor Dr. Charin Paphankrit, Ms. Yuwadee Srisiri, Mr. Mongkol Khamsawat, Ms. Pitsamai Wijarn, Ms. Arunrat Chamnankit, Ms. Sakonpat Hitachart, Mr. Thongmak Khuiranhya, and Mr. Wilas Ajanong.
The ceremony was presided over by Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, who was joined by university executives, faculty, and staff.
Associate Professor Dr. Waranuch Pitiphat, a former Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, was selected to speak on behalf of the academic retirees. In her address, she expressed gratitude to the university for providing opportunities to serve society. She highlighted the collective spirit of service instilled at KKU, referencing the university’s achievement of the Thailand Quality Class Plus (TQC Plus): Societal Contribution award in 2024, making it the first university in Thailand to receive such recognition.
Dr. Pitiphat emphasized that this award not only validated current management but also honored the sacrifices and dedication of personnel from the past to the present who have continuously upheld the mission of social service. “We, as retirees, feel honored and immensely proud to have been part of this great journey,” she stated. She added that every project, knowledge transfer, and research effort they contributed to were small cogs driving the university towards its valuable goals. While their official work may conclude, she affirmed that the bond and spirit of social service fostered by KKU would remain with them, and they would continue to share experiences and encourage younger colleagues.
The appreciation ceremony served as a tribute to the retirees’ unwavering dedication and commitment to the university and society, aiming to inspire new generations of staff to carry forward Khon Kaen University’s mission of social service.
