On 18 August 2026, Khon Kaen University (KKU) took part in a royal homage ceremony to lay wreaths at the Royal Monument of His Majesty King Rama IV (Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poramenthra Ramathibodi Sri Sinthon Maha Mongkut Phra Chom Klao Chao Yu Hua). The university delegation was led by Ms. Natsamon Thanakulrangsarit, Vice President for Legal Affairs and Corporate Communications, acting on behalf of the President of Khon Kaen University, together with university staff. The ceremony marked National Science Week 2026 and convened at the Royal Monument roundabout, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University.

Mr. Yutthaphon Phirunsan, Deputy Governor of Khon Kaen Province, presided over the ceremony. The rites included the offering of a royal gold tray (Krueang Thong Noi), the laying of a garland in homage, and a royal eulogy to commemorate the King’s grace and his genius in science and astronomy. The ceremony paid tribute to King Rama IV, who laid the essential groundwork for the development of science in Thailand.

King Rama IV was renowned for his remarkable proficiency in astronomy, having accurately calculated in advance the occurrence of a total solar eclipse. He travelled to Wako Village in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province to observe this total solar eclipse on 18 August 1868. This event stands as concrete evidence of his scientific and astronomical genius. It led to the designation of 18 August each year as “National Science Day” in Thailand and to the bestowal of the royal title “Father of Thai Science” upon him.

This royal homage ceremony was organised to honour and commemorate the grace of King Rama IV, as well as to continue his royal vision for science, which serves as a critical foundation for education, knowledge creation, and national development.

This ceremony is part of the Regional National Science Week 2026, held from 17–19 August 2026, at the Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University. Organised under the concept “Intelligence Science for a Sustainable Future,” the event is a collaboration between the Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI). It aims to promote learning in science and innovation while inspiring youth and the general public throughout the Northeastern region of Thailand.