On Friday, 6 March 2026, the Faculty of Architecture at Khon Kaen University (KKU), in collaboration with public, private, and civil society partners, held a press conference to launch the “Mor Lam Opera Hall, Khon Kaen” architectural design competition. The event, held at the Faculty of Architecture, introduced a project aimed at creating a central hub for the performance and development of the mor lam creative economy industry. The conference was attended by KKU executives, local government officials, representatives from creative economy institutions, Isan heritage artists, and prominent figures from the mor lam community
The performance art of mor lam is a treasured cultural identity of the Isan region, encompassing language, music, local literature, fashion, and community life. Over the past decade, mor lam has significantly expanded its presence in mainstream media, online platforms, the entertainment industry, and tourism. This has cultivated immense potential for its development into a creative economy industry capable of systematically generating income, creating jobs, and nurturing a new generation of entrepreneurs. However, the sustainable economic mobilisation of mor lam still faces significant limitations, including the lack of a dedicated physical centre for performance and development, insufficient creative business infrastructure, and a shortage of spaces for research and the development of business models that connect mor lam’s potential to other industries.
The Mor Lam Opera Hall, Khon Kaen project was initiated to address these gaps. Its vision is to establish a cultural and economic infrastructure that will elevate mor lam from a traditional folk art to a key driver of the regional economy, propelling Isan’s identity onto the national and international stage. The project is conceptualised as a mixed-use complex designed to comprehensively serve every aspect of the mor lam ecosystem. It will feature an indoor performance space accommodating 1,000–2,000 spectators with fully equipped backstage facilities, and an outdoor stage for over 1,000 people. The complex will also include 700–1,000 square metres of permanent and temporary exhibition space, an academy for developing skills in performance, music, fashion, and business, and business zones for mor lam companies and startups. Additional amenities will include a business negotiation centre, retail shops, a food court featuring renowned Isan cuisine, and a multi-purpose public park. The proposed site is a prime 35-rai area in the heart of Khon Kaen, located on the edge of Kaen Nakhon Lake near the fountain plaza, opposite the Pung Tao Kong Ma Shrine, and encompassing the existing outdoor amphitheatre, Hoong Moon Mung Mueang museum, and car park.
The press conference featured a special panel discussion on the topic, “Mor Lam: Thailand’s Future Cultural Economy from Your Perspective.” The distinguished panel included six experts: Mrs. Jintana Yensawat, an Isan Heritage Artist of 2017; Assistant Professor Burin Plengdeesakul, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts; Assistant Professor Sirisak Laochankham, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Local Administration; Ms. Jintana Chupromwong, Senior Creative Space Strategist at the Creative Economy Agency, Khon Kaen; Mr. Nuttakorn Srinawakul, a member of the Khon Kaen Municipal Council; and Associate Professor Kitapatr Thapalabutr, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Architecture. The session was moderated by Dr. Phakinee Plengdeesakul, Chair of the Bachelor of Design Programme.
To discover the best architectural concept for the project, the Faculty of Architecture has organised an architectural design competition open to students, alumni, and the general public. Teams of up to three members can submit their design concepts as two A1-sized PDF files in portrait orientation. Submissions must include the design concept, site plan, floor plans for all levels, at least four sectional drawings and elevations, and both exterior and interior renderings. An optional presentation video of up to two minutes may also be submitted. The registration and submission period is open from now until 30 March 2026. The shortlist will be announced before 1 April 2026, with the final presentations and announcement of winners scheduled for 3 April 2026 at the Thailand Creative & Design Center (TCDC Khon Kaen).
The winner of the competition will receive a cash prize of 15,000 THB and a certificate. Five honourable mention awards of 5,000 THB each, along with certificates, will also be presented. The judging criteria will focus on the design concept, creativity, feasibility, presentation quality, and the ability to answer questions.
For more information or to apply for the competition, please contact: Ms. Tassawan Kaewradee, Head of Academic and Research Affairs, Faculty of Architecture, Khon Kaen University Telephone: 081-574-5933 Facebook Page: คณะสถาปัตยกรรมศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยขอนแก่น APDS KKU Website: https://arto.kku.ac.th/mT6k Email: morlamkhonkaen@gmail.com
