KHON KAEN – Khon Kaen University’s Center for Art and Culture held a prestigious ceremony on Thursday, April 2, to honor artists and cultural contributors from Thailand’s northeastern region. The event, held at the university’s Science Park Auditorium, recognized recipients of the “Isan Heritage Artist” and “Outstanding Cultural Relations” awards.
The ceremony was part of the nationwide celebration of Thai Heritage Conservation Day, which coincides with the birthday of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Chotika Akkarakitsophakun, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, presided over the event.
The proceedings began with a tribute to the Princess, followed by a traditional mor lam (Isan folk music) performance by Dr. Chaweewan Phanthu, a National Artist, and a khaen (bamboo mouth organ) performance by Pongsathorn Uppani.
The Isan Heritage Artist awards program was established by Khon Kaen University in 2005 to recognize and support individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the arts, culture, religion, and traditions of the region. The university stated that the initiative is part of its mission to preserve and disseminate cultural knowledge to communities within and beyond the university, including the Greater Mekong Subregion, and to foster academic collaboration.
Since its inception, the program has honored 14 “Amorn Silapin” (Immortal Artists), 197 Isan Heritage Artists, and 210 individuals for Outstanding Cultural Relations.
Sanya Kunakorn, a well-known host and actor who was honored as an Isan Heritage Artist in the performing arts category, expressed his gratitude. “The art presented by everyone here—be it music, performance, sculpture, or poetry—is not just entertainment; it is a mirror reflecting the identity of those who call themselves Thai,” he said. “While we artists must evolve with the world, we must also look back to who we are. The pride and dignity of the Thai people are reflected in our civilization and art.”
Another recipient, Phukan Purisai, a mor lam performer also known as Boy Sirichai, was recognized for his outstanding cultural contributions. “I was born with the sound of the khaen and mor lam,” he remarked. “I never dreamed I would receive such a prestigious award. This reaffirms that I am on the right path.” He noted that his troupe, now in its tenth year, employs over 300 people dedicated to preserving Isan culture.
This year’s honorees included prominent figures across various fields. Among the 21 artists named Isan Heritage Artists were Rak Wattanaya and Mongkhon Utok (posthumously) for music, Prof. Thinnakorn Kasornsuwan for printmaking, and Sanya Kunakorn for performing arts. A total of 21 individuals and groups were also recognized for their Outstanding Cultural Relations work in fields ranging from agriculture and traditional medicine to contemporary sculpture and cultural communication.
The event concluded with performances by National Artists Dr. Chalard Songserm and Dr. Ratrisriwilai Bongsithiporn, as well as a concert by awardee Boy Sirichai.
