The annual tradition integrates Isan textile heritage with academic excellence and gratitude, drawing over 2,000 students and staff members.
Khon Kaen University (KKU) held its annual Wai Kru (Teacher Homage) Ceremony for Academic Year 2026 under the theme “Weaving Wisdom, Honouring Teachers at Mor Din Daeng” on Thursday, 22 July 2026, at the Golden Jubilee Convention Hall. Organised by the Khon Kaen University Student Union, the event aimed to preserve the long-standing tradition of expressing gratitude to educators while fostering moral consciousness and institutional pride among students. Over 2,000 students, faculty members, and university staff attended the ceremony in a warm and respectful atmosphere.
The ceremony was presided over by Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, alongside university executives, deans, and academic staff. During his address to the student body, Associate Professor Panthongviriyakul emphasized the enduring significance of the Wai Kru tradition in higher education:
“The Wai Kru ceremony is a noble tradition that serves as a vital platform for students to demonstrate respect and appreciation to the educators who impart knowledge and guidance. Higher education goes beyond acquiring academic expertise for future careers; it is a holistic process of cultivating complete human beings. Humility and deep respect for teachers serve as foundational values that enrich both academic pursuits and social life.”
The President further highlighted this year’s central theme, which pays homage to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother and her historic dedication to preserving and promoting Thai woven textiles on the international stage. KKU integrated this royal vision into the ceremony through student-designed trays (phan wai kru) woven with local fabrics and the wearing of traditional Isan textiles. This concept encourages students to take pride in their cultural heritage while pursuing global academic excellence.
As part of the event, the Student Union conducted student competitions aligned with the theme. In the Glawn Lum (traditional Isan poetry) Competition honouring teachers, Mr. Nattakan Moomoontun was awarded first place, receiving a trophy, certificate, and a prize of 5,000 baht. In the Wai Kru Tray Design Competition, the “Silp Sueksa” team from the Faculty of Education secured the top honour, winning 10,000 baht and a certificate for their creative design, which elegantly combined gratitude with local artistry. Both competitions provided students with opportunities to demonstrate teamwork, creative innovation, and appreciation for local wisdom.
In addition to the ceremonial rites, the university held an academic recognition ceremony to present certificates of honour to 32 outstanding undergraduate students who achieved the highest cumulative grade point average (GPAX) in their respective faculties and colleges for Academic Year 2025.
The 2026 Wai Kru Ceremony reflects Khon Kaen University’s ongoing commitment to holistic student development, cultural preservation, and community engagement, reinforcing a strong sense of unity and shared identity across the university.
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