KKU Joins Ceremony to Pay Homage to 10 Sacred Objects of Khon Kaen, Upholding Tradition and Offering Condolences to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother

29 November 2025
14:55

Khon Kaen University executives, staff, and students participated in the annual spirit offering dance, promoting cultural heritage and expressing profound respects to the revered Queen Mother.

Dr. Uanjit Panthongviriyakul, spouse of the KKU President

Khon Kaen – On 28 November 2025, Khon Kaen Province organised the annual spirit offering dance ceremony (‘Ram Buang Suang’) in honour of the 10 Sacred Objects of Khon Kaen, while simultaneously expressing profound condolences to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother.

Mrs. Natsamol Tanakulrungsarit, Vice President for Legal and Corporate Communications, and Dr. Uanjit Panthongviriyakul, spouse of the KKU President, led a delegation of over 200 university executives, faculty members, staff, and students representing Khon Kaen University (KKU) in the event. The ceremony, held at the Khon Kaen City Pillar Shrine, saw participation from over 50,228 citizens, government officials, merchants, and students from all 26 districts of Khon Kaen Province.

The 10 Sacred Objects of Khon Kaen honoured during the ritual include: (1) Phra Phuttha Apai Mongkhon Samangkee, (2) Phra Phutthaphra Lap, (3) Phra That Kham Kaen, (4) Chao Por Mor Din Daeng (KKU’s revered spirit shrine), (5) Khon Kaen City Pillar Shrine, (6) Phra Nakhon Sri Borirak, (7) Chao Por Mahesak Shrine, (8) Phra Phuttha Maha Chak Kaen Nakhon at Wat Nong Waeng Royal Temple, (9) Luang Por Yai at Wat Klang, and (10) Phra Phuttha Rangsi Yophas Suk Phiphat at Wat Pa Saeng Arun.

The ceremony commenced at 17:00 hrs. Mr. Khajohnkiat Rakpanichmanee, Governor of Khon Kaen Province, presided over the ritual, conducting the traditional offering of flower cones, incense, and candles before the Royal Portrait of His Majesty the King. Following the rite of reverence for the 10 Sacred Objects, the participants entered the main ritual dance. The Governor led the entire assembly of dancers in a moment of silent standing to express condolences to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. Subsequently, the gathering of over 50,228 people began the solemn spirit offering dance. KKU’s delegation, comprising over 200 participants, was an integral part of this ritual.

Mrs. Natsamol Tanakulrungsarit, Vice President for Legal and Corporate Communications, commented on Khon Kaen University’s long-standing participation in the ceremony. She stated that the spirit offering dance in honour of the 10 Sacred Objects of Khon Kaen is an activity that demonstrates the unified strength and solidarity of the people of Khon Kaen from all sectors. Furthermore, she highlighted that this was a communal act of expressing condolences to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. Mrs. Natsamol elaborated, “Khon Kaen University has continuously supported this programme for the seventh consecutive year, benefitting from excellent cooperation from our executives, personnel, and students. This year, nearly 200 people from the University participated. Our involvement not only expresses respect and faith in the sacred objects of the University and Khon Kaen Province but also reflects our commitment to preserving the cherished cultures and traditions of the local area. This activity fosters community engagement, which aligns seamlessly with the University’s mission to build networks and participate in community activities within the province.”

Mrs. Nantiya Boonpiang, Director of the Faculty of Nursing Administrative Division, added that this was her third year participating. “I wish to contribute to the preservation and promotion of Isan arts and culture at the faculty, university, and provincial levels. I also want to create lasting memories with my KKU colleagues before I retire in 2026.”

A representative from Ban Ped Municipal Community, located near the University campus, noted that they participate every year, this being their fifth turn. They mentioned that besides this ceremony, they also join Sitarnda Festival, Songkran, and the Kathina merit-making ceremony. They stated, “We feel very much a part of Khon Kaen University, and we commend the University for acting as a central hub for the community, excellently managing these events, and facilitating our participation in preserving various traditions. We are impressed by the staff and personnel who took such good care of us, from the rehearsals to arranging transportation, ensuring we returned safely to the University. We look forward to joining future constructive activities to help preserve cultural heritage.”

Assistant Professor Nannarin Teekhawiwat, a lecturer from the Faculty of Nursing, praised the University’s logistical efforts. “The Corporate Communications Division and relevant staff managed the coordination flawlessly. Their teamwork is impressive every year. Having the opportunity to participate in the dance again this year is considered a great honour for myself, the organisation, and the province. The logistics management was excellent, with shuttle services and refreshments provided. I thank the University for involving personnel in preserving Thai culture, which encourages me to join all future creative activities of KKU.”

The spirit offering dance in honour of the 10 Sacred Objects of Khon Kaen is traditionally held one day before the annual Khon Kaen Silk Festival, serving as a solemn celebration of the city’s founding, which this year marks its 228th anniversary. The ritual is performed to pay reverence to the sacred objects and the City Pillar Shrine, bringing auspiciousness to the city. This event, which involved 50,228 dancers this year, is considered the largest such ceremony in Khon Kaen Province. It also serves as a unifying act for the people of Khon Kaen to express respects to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother.

Dancers were advised to dress formally: men wore white shirts with black or dark trousers/sarongs, accessorised with a black or dark sash; women wore white shirts with a black or dark pha sin (traditional skirt) or trousers, accessorised with a black or dark sabai (shoulder cloth), with hair neatly tied and adorned with a Dok Koon (Golden Shower flower) for aesthetic variation.

The songs used in the ritual included Khon Kaen Wanni (Khon Kaen Today), Fon Phuk Sieo (The Buddy Bonding Dance), and Dok Koon Siang Khaen (Golden Shower Flower and Khaen Sound).