Khon Kaen University (KKU) has announced the recipients of the 2025 honours, recognising individuals and organisations that have made outstanding contributions to society and the University. The chosen recipients of The Sri Kalaphruek Prize and The Sri Mo Dindaeng Prizes for 2025 have demonstrated exceptional commitment and continuous self-sacrifice for the development of the University and the broader community.
All award recipients will be formally presented with their prizes during the Royal Degree Conferral Ceremony, Khon Kaen University, held on Thursday, 18 December 2025, and Friday, 19 December 2025, at the University.
The Sri Kalaphruek Prize 2025
This prize is awarded to individuals or organisations that have significantly benefited Khon Kaen University or society at large.
Individual Category:
Assoc. Prof. Songsak Kiatchoosakun, M.D., Faculty of Medicine
Assoc. Prof. Kiatchoosakun is honoured for his resolute commitment and sacrifice over more than 35 years in pioneering and developing cardiac treatment in the Northeast Region of Thailand. He was the first to introduce non-surgical heart treatment technology (Interventional Cardiology) at the Queen Sirikit Heart Center of the Northeast, including percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and mitral valve balloon dilation. Furthermore, he pioneered the use of radiofrequency ablation to treat patients with heart arrhythmias, standardising treatment quality to a level equivalent to medical schools in Bangkok. His work has prevented patients in the Northeast from having to travel long distances, significantly improving their quality of life, reducing hospitalisation time, and minimising post-treatment pain.
Additionally, Assoc. Prof. Kiatchoosakun played a critical role during the COVID-19 crisis. He established a five-level patient management plan, set up the first field hospital in Khon Kaen Province, and initiated the Home Isolation system, including drug delivery services, to reduce hospital overcrowding. His meticulous decision-making and efficient resource management during the crisis demonstrated authentic leadership, profound morality, and genuine responsibility towards society.
Juristic Entity or Organization Category:
Puparn Royal Development Study Center, Sakon Nakhon Province
The Puparn Royal Development Study Center is recognised for creating a paradigm of success in agricultural development throughout the Northeast Region. The Centre functions as a “Living Natural Museum” and a “Hub Centre” for researching and developing agricultural models tailored to the region’s challenging topography and climate. Its findings and models have been widely disseminated to 14 provinces in the Northeast.
The Centre has successfully developed livestock breeds resistant to diseases and the harsh climate of Isan, such as the Phupan Black Chicken and the Phupan Black Pig, which are now widely recognised and adopted, creating supplementary income for farmers in arid areas.
Furthermore, the Centre is internationally acknowledged as a successful agricultural learning resource, attracting more than 80,000 Thai and international visitors annually. It is also listed as one of the top ten ‘Thai way of life’ tourist destinations in Sakon Nakhon Province. The Centre plays a crucial role in job creation, income generation, and enhancing the quality of life for farmers, adhering steadfastly to the principles of the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy and reflecting its vital role in fostering sustainable and robust community development.
The Sri Mo Dindaeng Prizes 2025
This prize is awarded to outstanding Khon Kaen University staff members.
Academic Staff Category:
Prof. Monchai Duangjinda, Ph.D., Faculty of Agriculture
Prof. Monchai Duangjinda, Ph.D., is honoured for his long-standing dedication to academic work in agriculture and animal breeding. He served as the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies from 2020 to 2024 and was the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture from 2012 to 2019. His significant achievements in genetics and animal breeding have been recognised at the University, national, and international levels.
His numerous global accolades include the Woo-gene B&G Award (2024) from the Asian-Australasian Association of Animal Production. Other notable awards include the Distinguished Alumnus Award in Academics (2019) from the Kasetsart University Alumni Association, the “Outstanding Animal Breeder” Commemorative Plaque from Kasetsart University (2014), the Distinguished Researcher Award (Gold Level in 2022 and Silver Level in 2018) in Science, Technology, and Health Science from Khon Kaen University, and the Commemorative Plaque for “Outstanding Executive” (Gold Level) in Science and Technology for 2016 and 2015 from Khon Kaen University. He also received the “Outstanding Research, TRF” Commemorative Plaque (2012) and the Commemorative Plaque for “Teaching Staff with Excellent Performance” (2010), among others.
On the international stage, he led the use of the Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) technique for genetic evaluation across several breeds, including native chickens and the swine industry. He developed computer programmes for livestock data storage used by the University, the Department of Livestock Development, and the private sector. Furthermore, he pioneered the application of biotechnology in animal breeding programmes, thereby promoting sustainable and efficient livestock production. His continuous contributions have brought honour and prestige to Khon Kaen University and the wider academic community.
Support Staff Category:
Ms. Benchamart Channual, Senior Professional Nurse, Faculty of Medicine (Head of Nursing Division, Srinagarind Hospital)
Ms. Benchamart Channual is recognised for her outstanding ability to develop nursing systems and patient care. She was the first person at Srinagarind Hospital to initiate and develop a service for patients using Home Mechanical Ventilation (HMV), which has since become a model for similar services in other hospitals.
Moreover, she has systematically applied academic knowledge to develop innovative solutions that address the Hospital’s operational challenges. Specific achievements include developing service systems at the Medical Equipment Service Centre, streamlining the piped oxygen service centre for greater efficiency, and improving the quality of drug delivery services within the Logistics Unit of the Nursing Division. Based on personnel feedback and analysis, she also introduced the single-use, closed-system prefilled disposable oxygen humidifier at Srinagarind Hospital. This innovation has successfully reduced costs and lowered the risk of respiratory infections, a system that remains in use today.
The recipients of The Sri Kalaphruek Prize and The Sri Mo Dindaeng Prizes will be honoured during the Royal Degree Conferral Ceremony, Khon Kaen University, on Thursday, 18 December 2025, and Friday, 19 December 2025, at Khon Kaen University. These awards symbolise the highest recognition for those who contribute significantly to society and the University, serving as role models and inspiration for others to continue developing the community and nation in a progressive and sustainable manner.
