Naresuan University Expands “Home Kan Der” Festival to Revive Pak Thong Chai Cultural Heritage in Phitsanulok City
On June 25, 2025, an exhibition titled “Pak Thong Chai Festival (Co-creation): Home Kan Der – Pak Thong Chai in the Heart of the City” was inaugurated at Central Phitsanulok. This event, attended by Associate Professor Dr. Sarintip Tantanee, Acting President of Naresuan University, and Mr. Tawee Sermpakdeekul, Governor of Phitsanulok Province, aimed to engage the local community and promote cultural heritage.
Overview of the Exhibition
Dr. Charatdao Kongmuang, Vice President for Student, Alumni, and Art-Culture Development and principal investigator for the project titled “Ecosystem Development for Festival Economy by Uplifting Local Traditional Event ‘Pak Thong Chai’ towards National Level and International Awareness,” shared that this exhibition builds on the previous “Home Kan Der” cultural market event held on March 28, 2025, in front of the Nakhon Thai District Office.
Objectives of the Initiative
The primary objective of the initiative is to preserve and promote the Pak Thong Chai tradition, which is celebrated annually on the full moon day of the twelfth lunar month. This project is a collaborative effort between Naresuan University and cultural network partners in the Nakhon Thai District, aimed at increasing awareness and appreciation for the artistic and cultural elements associated with the Pak Thong Chai tradition. Additionally, it seeks to provide immersive cultural experiences, foster diversity and identity, and support local economic sustainability. Funding for the project has been provided by the Program Management Unit for Area-Based Development (PMU-A) under the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA).
Activities at the Exhibition
The exhibition includes a variety of activities such as:
- A showcase of Pak Thong Chai cultural heritage
- Displays of local arts and crafts
- Traditional Nakhon Thai cuisine
- Folk music and art performances
- DIY workshops, including eco-printing on glass and stencil/silk screen printing with natural dyes
- A presentation of 30 prototype products co-created by local artisans and designers
- A panel discussion on the “Pak Thong Chai Tradition,” featuring community leaders and cultural network representatives
Collaboration and Future Impact
The collaboration between Naresuan University and its cultural partners in the Nakhon Thai District aims for this exhibition to serve as a catalyst for advancing local festivals and enhancing the Pak Thong Chai tradition to achieve national significance and international recognition.
(Source: Naresuan University)
