Khon Kaen University (KKU) officially joined the opening ceremony of the 42nd Thailand University Staff Games, loweringly known as the “SWU Games”, marking the commencement of the national athletic tournament for higher education personnel. The ceremony was presided over by Professor Supachai Pathumnakul, Ph.D., Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. Associate Professor Chonlawit Jiarajit, Ph.D., President of Srinakharinwirot University, welcomed the delegations and affirmed the host institution’s readiness, while Associate Professor Chusit Pradabpetch, Ph.D., Chairman of the University Sports Board of Thailand, delivered the event’s background and core objectives.
The official opening ceremony took place on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, at 15:00 hrs at Sports Complex 1, Srinakharinwirot University, Ongkharak Campus, Nakhon Nayok Province. The event brought together university executives, staff members, and athletes from higher education institutions across the nation, with total attendance exceeding 8,000 participants. The Khon Kaen University delegation was led by Warrant Officer Suphanat Siriaisoon Setthapongkorn, Chairman of the Faculty and Staff Senate, alongside university administrators, staff, and a full contingent of athletes.
Organised under the concept of “Health & Happiness”, this year’s tournament primarily focuses on promoting physical well-being and fostering happiness among university personnel nationwide. During the opening ceremony, the KKU athletes proudly marched into the stadium in a unified parade, exemplifying the strong spirit, solidarity, and identity of the “Mo Din Daeng” community. The host university further welcomed the visiting delegations with an impressive display of light, sound, and spectacular cultural performances.
Warrant Officer Suphanat Siriaisoon Setthapongkorn, Chairman of the Faculty and Staff Senate, stated that the “SWU Games” features more than 8,000 athletes and personnel competing across 19 sports categories. He emphasised that the tournament serves as a premier platform for KKU personnel to demonstrate their athletic capabilities, whilst simultaneously exchanging experiences and building enduring networks of friendship with colleague institutions.
The Chairman concluded by inviting the entire KKU community to extend their encouragement and follow the progress of the university’s sports delegation, urging the athletes to compete with sportsmanship and bring academic and athletic honour back to the university throughout the competition.
For further updates and results from the 42nd Thailand University Staff Games, please visit the official Khon Kaen University communication channels.
