SUT: Support of arts and heritage

Sirindhorn Learning Park, Suranaree University of Technology (SUT)

The Sirindhorn Learning Park at Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) was graciously named and officially opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on November 1, 2011, at Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The Sirindhorn Learning Park serves as a learning resource showcasing the integration of knowledge, ethics, and wisdom, providing students, youth, and the general public with opportunities for learning outside the classroom. This is part of the university's University Social Responsibility (USR) activities and comprises: -The Museum of Ancient Thai Technology -The Thai Studies and ASEAN Culture Exhibition Hall -The Royal Butterfly Park -The SUT Botanical Garden

Museum of Ancient Thai Technology

The Museum of Ancient Thai Technology, located within the Sirindhorn Learning Park at Suranaree University of Technology (SUT), was established in 2004. Its focus is on preserving and disseminating historical evidence of Thai science and technology, reflecting the ingenuity of ancient Thai scientists and engineers who developed unique technological innovations. The museum showcases prototype mechanical technologies and various engineering innovations reflecting local wisdom, ranging from tools for daily life to technologies aiding agriculture and traditional industries. Furthermore, the museum aims to educate students, academics, and the general public about the historical value of Thai science and technology, fostering awareness of the ancestral wisdom and inspiring the development of modern scientific and technological knowledge, emphasizing the importance of learning from the past to drive future progress.

Thai Studies and ASEAN Culture Exhibition Room

The Thai Studies and ASEAN Culture Exhibition Room, established in 1993 at Suranaree University of Technology (SUT), serves as a specialized anthropology laboratory for the Northeast region of Thailand. Its aim is to promote understanding and awareness of the value of Northeastern Thai local wisdom and arts and culture, which form the foundation of local communities and the unique identity of the Isaan region. The room houses an exhibition of over 2,000 pieces of "Isaan Cultural Materials," including everyday tools, handicrafts, and various artifacts imbued with cultural meaning and history. These exhibited materials are still produced and used by villagers in their daily lives, allowing visitors to see the connection between the lifestyle and wisdom of the Isaan people through the displayed objects. Visitors have the opportunity to experience local knowledge reflecting the expertise, beliefs, and traditional ways of life of Isaan communities in depth. Furthermore, the room displays information providing knowledge about folk wisdom in various fields, including agriculture, craftsmanship, arts and crafts, and traditional beliefs – all invaluable aspects of Isaan cultural heritage.

Royal Butterfly Park

Established in 1995 at Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) to commemorate the 50th anniversary of His Majesty the King's reign, the Butterfly Park was part of the World Tech '95 exhibition. After the event, the park remained open to the public, aiming to instill environmental conservation values ​​and raise awareness of ecological relationships through learning about butterflies and various insects. The park showcases scientific knowledge about insects, emphasizing easy-to-understand and inspiring learning for visitors, from students to the general public interested in studying the relationship between animals and plants in ecosystems. Butterflies and insects are also used to explain the interconnectedness of living things with environmental factors that affect their survival and development within the ecosystem, including food, water, air, habitat, and other related factors. The insect and environmental knowledge building within the park is designed to simulate the habitats of insects and the ecosystems that support their growth and survival. It provides a space for in-depth scientific learning about ecosystems, fostering knowledge and a sustainable awareness of nature conservation among visitors.

Botanical Garden

Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) established the botanical garden in 2010 on over 80 rai of land to support the Royal Project for Plant Genetic Conservation under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, aiming to preserve Thai plant genetic resources. This botanical garden is designed as a comprehensive learning center for botany, encompassing conservation, research, and training for knowledge transfer. The SUT Botanical Garden serves as a research center for native plants, rare species, and plants valuable for maintaining the local ecosystem and environment. It also acts as a hub for disseminating botanical knowledge to youth and the general public through training activities, field trips, and exhibitions to foster learning and cultivate an appreciation for plant genetic resources. The botanical garden also provides an important green space for the university, contributing to the balance of the surrounding ecosystem, promoting an environmentally friendly atmosphere, and creating a recreational area for students, staff, and visitors. SUT's intention in establishing this botanical garden is to conserve and ensure the sustainability of Thai plant genetic resources. And to create a society that is aware of the value of natural resources, for their sustainable use in the future.