SUT: Record and preserve cultural heritage

In 2024-2025, Suranaree University of Technology organized various activities and projects to conserve and revitalize cultural heritage at the local, regional, and national levels. These initiatives provided opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and the general public to participate in preserving and maintaining Thailand's valuable and beautiful traditions for sustainable future in Thai society.

Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) continues to preserve and document Korat boxing, the art and science of Korat, contributing to the conservation of local cultural heritage.

Suranaree University of Technology (SUT), in collaboration with the Korat Boxing Association, presented a folk art and cultural performance titled "The Art of Korat, the Science of the Land" at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Fair 2025. This performance aimed to preserve, conserve, and promote Korat boxing, a valuable local heritage of Nakhon Ratchasima province. The show reflected the beauty of the art and fighting skills of traditional Thai boxing through a blend of martial arts (Kee Ta Muay Thai) and musical performance, presented by youth from Ban Si Mum School (Thawatchai Rat Anusorn). It expressed the strength, spirit, and identity of the people of Korat as the "City of Fighters."

This presentation of Korat boxing is part of the research project "Managing Creative Cultural Capital of Korat Boxing to Enhance the Grassroots Economy and Local Sense," conducted by the SUT Center of Excellence for Entrepreneurship (SUT Entrepreneurship) with research funding from the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) in fiscal year 2024.

This project aims to systematically collect, record, and develop a database of knowledge about Korat boxing, as well as to promote learning and community participation through performances, research, and creative media. The goal is to preserve and widely disseminate Korat boxing, contributing to the development of the creative economy and enhancing the country's soft power in the future.

Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) participates in preserving and documenting local cultural heritage through a grand Korat boxing performance celebrating the victory of Ya Mo.

Suranaree University of Technology (SUT), in collaboration with the Korat Boxing Association and partners, organized the "Grand Korat Boxing Dance Event to Celebrate the Victory of Ya Mo" on March 24, 2025, at the Thao Suranari Monument Plaza in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The event aimed to preserve and promote Korat boxing, a unique and valuable traditional martial art of the people of Korat. Over 2,000 people participated in the Korat boxing dance as a tribute to Thao Suranari.

Suranaree University of Technology (SUT), through its Center of Excellence in Entrepreneurship, under the leadership of Associate Professor Dr. Mallika Sangkhsanit, Vice President for Engagement, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, served as the main coordinating and managing center for all aspects of the event. This included the creation of learning materials for practicing Korat boxing for participants, ensuring they could perform the dance correctly and in unison. This constitutes a systematic and sustainable way of "recording and disseminating knowledge" about Korat boxing.

This event is a collaboration between several sectors, including Suranaree University of Technology, the Korat Boxing Association, the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Cultural Office, Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University, and Rajamangala University of Technology Isan. Mr. Somkiat Viriyakulnan, Deputy Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, presided over the opening ceremony and praised the significant role of this collaboration in promoting and preserving local cultural heritage.

Beyond commemorating the historical significance of Thao Suranari, this event marks the beginning of developing "Korat Muay Thai" into a soft power asset for Thailand. This is achieved through the documentation, transmission, and development of cultural knowledge to gain international recognition. Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) therefore plays a crucial role in preserving, documenting, and promoting local heritage, as well as creating sustainable economic value for the community.

Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) held a Baisri Su Khwan (traditional welcoming ceremony) and a Pa Laeng (traditional evening banquet) to welcome new students to the university family, following the traditional welcoming customs of northeastern Thailand.

Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) held a "Bai Sri Su Kwan" (traditional Thai welcoming ceremony) for new students of the 2025 academic year, under the theme "Eun Khwan Chao, Hub Khao Saed Thong" (Calling the Spirit, Welcoming the Golden Gates), to preserve and promote valuable Isaan local cultural traditions. The Bai Sri Su Kwan ceremony is a cultural heritage reflecting the bond, care, and warmth of the community. SUT adopted this ceremony to welcome new students, signifying the welcoming of new members to the university, which is considered their "second home."

The event was honored by the presence of Associate Professor Dr. Anan Thongra-a, President of Suranaree University of Technology, who presided over the ceremony. Numerous representatives from government agencies, local authorities, and the community also attended, creating an atmosphere of warmth and shared pride among the people of Nakhon Ratchasima.

These activities reflect the university's role as a center for the conservation and promotion of local arts and culture, fostering understanding and pride in the cultural roots of the Isaan region, and strengthening the positive relationship between the university and the community.

The 33rd offering of gold leaf to Ya Mo (a revered local deity).

Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) led its 33rd graduating class of new students, from various regions of the country, to pay respects at the Thao Suranari Monument and pass through the Chumphon Gate into Nakhon Ratchasima city. This marked their entry as descendants of Ya Mo (Thao Suranari) and the people of Korat, following the traditional "visiting and paying respects" custom, seeking blessings for their first day of studying and residing in Nakhon Ratchasima, which they considered their second home.

On this occasion, Associate Professor Dr. Anan Thongra-a, President of Suranaree University of Technology (SUT), along with the executive committee and the Student Administrative Organization, led representatives of new students for the academic year 2025 to pay respects and receive guidance from senior executives of organizations in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. They were honored by the presence of Mr. Chaiwat Chuenkosum, Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, and other distinguished guests who warmly welcomed the new students of SUT on June 21, 2025, at the Thao Suranari Monument Plaza in Nakhon Ratchasima Province.

Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) continues the Songkran tradition with "Joyful and Delightful Songkran Flowing Water at Suranaree," preserving Thai traditions and local arts and culture.

Suranaree University of Technology (SUT), through its Student Government Organization, held the "Suranaree Songkran Festival" on April 26, 2025, to celebrate and preserve the Songkran tradition, a valuable cultural heritage of Thailand. The event aimed to encourage students and staff to conserve Thai arts and culture while fostering unity and good relationships within the university community.

The morning activities include a Buddhist ceremony, offering alms of rice and dried food, and a traditional Thai water-pouring ceremony to show respect and gratitude to elders, at the Learning Park behind the Primary Care Unit of Suranaree University of Technology (PCU SUTH). The evening features cultural and arts activities such as a parade and Songkran beauty queen contest from various academic departments, a cultural performance by "Peep Thong Banterng Silp," a performance by the SUT Recreation Club, and stalls selling local products at the SUT Cultural Plaza.

This activity reflects the university's role as a center for the conservation and promotion of local arts and culture, through the participation of students, staff, and the surrounding community. It helps instill an awareness of preserving cultural heritage and fosters pride in Thai identity.