Walailak University’s Contribution to Arts and Heritage through Public Performances
Walailak University’s Contribution to Arts and Heritage through Public Performances
Walailak University remains committed to serving as a cultural hub by engaging communities in the preservation, promotion, and revitalization of cultural traditions, fine arts, and applied arts. Guided by its 20-year Strategic Plan (B.E. 2561–2580), the University places strong emphasis on research, academic services, and cultural heritage preservation as important contributions to national development. In 2024, Walailak University collaborated with a wide range of internal and external partners to implement more than 30 arts and cultural programs. Delivered through both ad hoc activities and ongoing programs, these initiatives contribute to the promotion of local and national arts and cultural heritage while creating opportunities for community participation and cultural learning. Diagnostic assessments of community needs, cultural participation, and the challenges facing local traditions can help identify priorities for future programs and strengthen the relevance of cultural preservation efforts. Together, these efforts demonstrate the University’s continuing commitment to preserving cultural heritage, supporting community engagement, and ensuring that cultural traditions remain meaningful and accessible to future generations.
To guide its contributions to local and national arts and heritage, Walailak University has established four key objectives:
- Promoting Local and National Cultural Traditions – The university organizes programs, festivals, performances, and community activities that celebrate Southern Thai culture and broader national traditions. These activities encourage students, staff, and members of the public to participate in and appreciate Thailand’s diverse cultural heritage.
- Conducting Research in Arts and Culture – Walailak University undertakes research on traditional and contemporary arts, including performing arts, visual arts, and cultural practices. This research contributes to the documentation and preservation of cultural knowledge while supporting the development of new approaches to applying and revitalizing heritage in contemporary contexts.
- Strengthening Networks in Arts and Culture – The university works collaboratively with local communities, cultural organizations, educational institutions, government agencies, and other stakeholders to strengthen networks for the preservation and promotion of Thai arts and cultural heritage. These partnerships facilitate knowledge exchange, collaborative projects, and capacity-building activities.
Objective 1: Promoting Local and National Cultural Traditions
To preserve and promote local and national cultural traditions, Walailak University is committed to fostering cultural awareness, appreciation, and active participation among students, staff, and the wider community. Through a range of cultural programs and activities, the university supports the continued transmission and revitalization of traditional arts and cultural heritage. In 2023, Walailak University implemented a variety of initiatives that contributed to the promotion of traditional arts, cultural practices, and heritage preservation.
On 23 July 2025, during the Activity Open House, the WU Thai Classical Music Club presented a special performance titled “Twelve-Language Musical Suite.” The performance was part of the traditional “Twelve-Language Musical Suite,” which incorporates beautiful Chinese melodies, including “Jin Khim Lek,” “Jin Jai Yo,” and “Jin Ho Hae.” Through each musical note, the performers sought to convey the stories and emotions associated with the renowned battle scenes depicted in the repertoire.
On 28 July 2025, the WU Thai Classical Music Club presented a special performance titled “Thai Music for the Wai Khru Ceremony” at the Thai Buri Building.
3. Show & Share: 47 th Higher Education Thai Music Event
The WU Thai Classical Music Club organized the “Show & Share: 47th Higher Education Thai Music Event” as a concluding activity following its participation in the 47th Higher Education Thai Music Event at Chiang Mai University.
The activity provided members of the WU Thai Classical Music Club with an opportunity to share their experiences and reflections from participating in the event and performing Thai classical music alongside students from other higher education institutions. Through this activity, members shared their experiences of performing at Chiang Mai University and the knowledge and skills they gained from participating in the event.
The Walailak University Thai Dance Club shared the experiences of its members who had the opportunity to perform Thai classical music at Chiang Mai University as part of their participation in the 47th Higher Education Thai Music Event.
On 11 March 2025, Walailak University held the Annual Thuat Tum Pang Merit-Making Ceremony 2025 at the Tum Pang Archaeological Site. The ceremony was organized to pay respects to the sacred guardian of the university, bring blessings and prosperity to the university community, and encourage students and staff to recognize and appreciate the value of local cultural heritage. The ceremony was presided over by Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University, and attended by university administrators, faculty members, staff, students, distinguished guests, and members of the public.
The event featured both Brahmin and Buddhist religious ceremonies. The Brahmin ceremony was held at the ceremonial grounds of the Tum Pang Archaeological Site, while the Buddhist ceremony took place at the Southern Arts and Culture Learning Center. The program also included a Nora performance, “Nora Dance in Tribute to Thuat Tum Pang,” presented by the Walailak University Nora Training Center. The ceremony concluded with participants offering lunch and traditional savory and sweet foods to five Buddhist monks.
The Walailak University Thai Dance Club performed “Nora Dance in Tribute to Thuat Tum Pang” at the Annual Thuat Tum Pang Merit-Making Ceremony 2025, held at the Tum Pang Archaeological Site.
On 3 October 2025, Walailak University held a foundation-laying ceremony for the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Promotion Building to mark the auspicious beginning of construction of the new facility. The building will serve as an innovation business incubation center and contribute to the development of a knowledge-based economy at the regional level.
On 15 August 2025, Walailak University organized a Khon masked dance performance titled “Ram Ratcha Suriyawong” to commemorate the birthdays of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother.
9. Preserving the Traditional Hai Tan Fai Ceremony
On 25 December 2025, Walailak University organized the Hai Tan Fai Traditional Ceremony at the university’s Lan Tham (Dhamma Courtyard). The event aimed to promote awareness among students, staff, and members of the public of the valuable cultural traditions and Buddhist practices associated with the local community.
On 24 October 2025, Walailak University joined as a co-host of the Kathin Samakkhi Merit-Making Ceremony at Wat Nang Tra, Tha Sala Subdistrict, Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.
The activity aimed to raise funds for the construction of an environmentally friendly crematorium. In addition to supporting and preserving the traditional Buddhist Kathin merit-making practice, the initiative sought to strengthen positive relationships between the university and surrounding communities. As of 24 October 2025, the total amount of donations raised through the Kathin ceremony was 217,322 baht.
Walailak University participated in a Nora performance demonstration on the occasion of receiving an award recognizing organizations that have made significant contributions to the promotion and preservation of intangible cultural heritage and traditional knowledge in 2025.
Walailak University participated in the 2025 Makha Bucha Hae Pha Khuen That Festival at Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan Temple, a traditional Buddhist and cultural event that involves carrying a ceremonial cloth to the sacred stupa as an expression of faith and devotion.
13. “Thep Rattana Pok Fa, Puang Pracha Sae Song” Performance
The Walailak University Thai Dance Club presented the performance “Thep Rattana Pok Fa, Puang Pracha Sae Song” at the Sirin Museum.
14. “Mathupayas Nataya” Performance
Khao Yako is a traditional rice dish deeply rooted in Buddhist culture and local traditions. In Buddhist history, it is associated with Khao Mathupayasayaku, the rice dish traditionally believed to have been offered to the Buddha by Lady Sujata before his enlightenment.
Traditionally, the preparation of Khao Yako took place during the sixth or tenth lunar month. Over time, the tradition became associated with the 13th and 14th waxing days of the third lunar month, coinciding with Makha Bucha Day and the Hae Pha Khuen That festival in Nakhon Si Thammarat.
At Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, the preparation of Khao Yako begins with a ceremony paying homage to the Phra Borommathat Chedi, incorporating both Brahmin and Buddhist rituals. According to local tradition, the ceremonial stirring of Khao Yako for auspiciousness is performed by young women who have traditionally been regarded as symbolizing purity.
Drawing on this cultural tradition, the creator of “Mathupayas Nataya” uses the moral concept of “do good, receive good” as the central theme of the performance. Through dance and artistic expression, the performance interprets the cultural and spiritual significance of Khao Yako while conveying the values of goodness, faith, and the continuation of local heritage.
15. “Mountains, Forests, Rice Fields and the Sea” Performance
The Walailak University Thai Dance Club presented the Thai dance performance “Mountains, Forests, Rice Fields and the Sea” at the Sirin Museum.
16. “Southern Thai Women’s Dance”
On 24 July 2025, the Walailak University Thai Dance Club presented the traditional dance performance “Southern Thai Women’s Dance” at the reception for the Inter-Asia Cultural Studies Conference 2025 (IACS 2025), held under the theme “Geo-Social Connection: The Continuing Journey of Critical Inquiry.”
17. SURVIVE Dance Performance
On 23 July 2025, the Walailak University Thai Dance Club presented the performance “SURVIVE” during the opening ceremony of the Inter-Asia Cultural Studies Conference 2025 (IACS 2025), held under the theme “Geo-Social Connection: The Continuing Journey of Critical Inquiry.”
18. “Natyatum Pang in Tribute to Her Royal Highness”
The Walailak University Thai Dance Club presented the performance “Natyatum Pang in Tribute to Her Royal Highness” to commemorate the birthday of Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana.
19. Royal Birthday Commemoration Ceremony for Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn
On 4 July 2025, Walailak University held a royal tribute ceremony and Buddhist alms-giving ceremony to commemorate the birthday of Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana. The ceremony was organized to express loyalty and gratitude for Her Royal Highness’s dedication and contributions to the well-being of the Thai people and the nation.
20. “Saeng Walailak Nakhon”
The Walailak University Thai Dance Club presented the performance “The Radiance of Walailak City” at the Thai Buri Building, Walailak University.
21. Traditional Wai Khru Ceremony for Thai Dance and Music
Walailak University organized a traditional Wai Khru Ceremony for Thai Dance and Music to provide students studying Thai performing arts and music with an opportunity to express their gratitude and respect to their teachers and pay tribute to the masters and predecessors who have passed down their knowledge and artistic traditions.
22. “The Arts and Cultural Heritage of Nakhon Si Thammarat”
The Walailak University Thai Dance Club presented the performance “The Arts and Cultural Heritage of Nakhon Si Thammarat” at the 3rd General Assembly of the Council of University Presidents of Thailand (CUPT) 2025.
23. “Ligor Dance in Tribute to His Majesty”
The Walailak University Thai Dance Club presented the performance “Ligor Dance in Tribute to His Majesty” during the WU 2025 New Student Welcome & Freshy Night.
24. “Pathom Nora: Honoring the Revered Master”
The Walailak University Thai Dance Club presented the performance “Pathom Nora: Honoring the Revered Master” during the opening ceremony of the Southern Community-Based Research (CBR) Research Festival on 28 May 2025.
25. “Anuchon Si Sattha” Dance Performance
The Walailak University Thai Dance Club presented the performance “Anuchon Si Sattha” during the opening ceremony of the 13th Walailak University Annual Physical Therapy Academic Conference, held at Walailak University.
26. “Nora Chatri Nat Walai” Dance Performance
WU students from the Thai Performing Arts major presented the performance “Nora Chatri Nat Walai” at the Tum Pang Museum.
27. “Tumpang: The Roots of Walailak City”
WU students from the Thai Performing Arts major presented the performance “Tumpang: The Roots of Walailak City” during the opening ceremony of the 41st Thailand University Personnel Sports Games, “Tumpang Games 2025,” held at Tumpang Sports Stadium, Walailak University.
28. Tumpang Menorah Spirit
WU students from the Thai Performing Arts major presented the performance “Tumpang Menorah Spirit” during the opening ceremony of the 41st Thailand University Personnel Sports Games, “Tumpang Games 2025,” held at Tumpang Sports Stadium, Walailak University.
29. “Lotus Dance”
WU students from the Thai Performing Arts major presented the performance “Lotus Dance” during the opening ceremony of the 41st Thailand University Personnel Sports Games, “Tumpang Games 2025,” held at Tumpang Sports Stadium, Walailak University.
30. “Nari Nom Pranit Phra Borommasaririkkathat”
WU students from the Thai Performing Arts major presented the performance “Nari Nom Pranit Phra Borommasaririkkathat” during the opening ceremony of the 22nd National Biology Olympiad, held at Walailak University.
31. “Anuchon Si Sattha”
WU students from the Thai Performing Arts major presented the performance “Anuchon Si Sattha” at the International Conference on Knowledge Exchange on Cultural Heritage, Phra Mahathat, Life, and Stories of the Thai-Malay Peninsula, held at Walailak University on 28 March 2025.
32. “Walailak Songkran: Preserving Thai Traditions 2025”
Walailak University, in collaboration with surrounding communities, organized “Walailak Songkran: Preserving Thai Traditions 2025” to promote and preserve Thailand’s traditional Songkran customs. The event included a traditional water-pouring ceremony to seek blessings from older adults as an auspicious way to celebrate the Thai New Year, while also strengthening positive relationships and cooperation between the university and surrounding communities.
33. “Preserving the Loy Krathong Tradition 2025”
On 5 November 2025, Walailak University organized the “Preserving the Loy Krathong Tradition 2025” event at the Lan Ploen Ta waterfront, Thai Buri Building, Walailak University. The event aimed to preserve and promote the traditional Thai Loy Krathong festival, providing an opportunity for participants to express gratitude to Phra Mae Khongkha, the goddess of water, and to uphold beliefs and cultural practices associated with the tradition.
34. “Walailak Songkran Delivery: Spreading Thai New Year Happiness 2025”
On 1 and 3 April 2025, Walailak University organized “Walailak Songkran Delivery: Spreading Thai New Year Happiness 2025.” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Urai Jarepraphan, Vice President of Walailak University, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Marisa Phumiphak Na Nong Khai, Director of the Center for Cultural and Sports Promotion, led university staff from various departments in participating in the activities.
Objective 2: Conducting Research in Arts and Culture
Walailak University conducts field-based research to document, study, and support the continued preservation of traditional arts and cultural heritage. One area of focus is the study of Nora, a traditional performing art of Southern Thailand, including its role, practices, and continued existence in Tha Sala, Sichon, and Khanom Districts of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The university’s fieldwork includes visits to traditional Nora production and learning sites to collect information on the knowledge, skills, materials, and cultural practices associated with Nora.
As part of its efforts to document and preserve Nora knowledge, Walailak University also conducted fieldwork at Nora Ban 168, a Nora learning center located in the historic area of Songkhla Province and operated by Assistant Professor Dr. Thammanit Nikomrat, a National Artist in the field of Performing Arts (Nora). The fieldwork involved producing video documentation of the 12 traditional Nora teacher poses (Tham Khru) and taking photographs documenting the traditional costumes of both male and female Nora performers.
The collected materials serve as valuable resources for research, education, and cultural preservation and will be incorporated into exhibitions at the Southern Arts and Culture Learning Center. Through systematic field documentation, audiovisual recording, and the preservation of traditional knowledge, Walailak University contributes to safeguarding Nora as a living cultural heritage while making local artistic knowledge more accessible to students, researchers, and the wider public.
Objective 3: Strengthening Networks in Arts and Culture
Strengthening International Collaboration for Cultural Heritage Preservation
n 2025, Walailak University, in collaboration with the Center for Geosocial and Cultural Research for Sustainable Development (GSCR) and the Inter-Asia Cultural Studies Society, organized the 15th Inter-Asia Cultural Studies Conference, held for the first time in Thailand. Under the theme “Geo-Social Connection: The Continuing Journey of Critical Inquiry,” the conference brought together more than 450 researchers, artists, students, and cultural practitioners from over 15 countries across Asia, Australia, Europe, and the United States.
The conference served as a collaborative platform for exchanging knowledge, research findings, and experiences related to cultural studies, media, society, and regional knowledge production. By bringing together researchers and cultural practitioners from diverse geographical and cultural contexts, the event encouraged dialogue on how cultural knowledge and heritage can be documented, interpreted, transmitted, and sustained in changing social environments.
The participation of artists and cultural practitioners was particularly important in connecting academic research with lived cultural practices. Their contributions provided opportunities to share traditional knowledge, artistic practices, and local cultural perspectives with an international audience, while also encouraging researchers and students to engage more deeply with cultural heritage beyond academic settings.
Through its partnership with GSCR and the Inter-Asia Cultural Studies Society, Walailak University strengthened its international network for cultural research and knowledge exchange. These collaborations provide opportunities for joint research, academic exchange, documentation of cultural practices, and the development of new approaches to cultural preservation. They also help connect local and regional cultural knowledge with wider international networks, increasing opportunities for Southern Thai heritage and cultural practices to be studied, discussed, and shared across borders.
The conference therefore contributed to Walailak University’s broader commitment to arts and culture research by creating a sustained space for interdisciplinary and international collaboration. By connecting academic knowledge, artistic practice, and local cultural perspectives, the university supports the continued documentation, transmission, and appreciation of cultural heritage and contributes to keeping cultural knowledge relevant and accessible to future generations.
Strengthening International Collaboration for Cultural Heritage Preservation
In 2025, Walailak University participated in the 23rd Higher Education Arts and Culture Festival, “Yoyot Sippasin Narittaya Phiphat: Celebrating 120 Years of Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Rajabhat University,” hosted by Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Rajabhat University in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. The event brought together higher education institutions to exchange knowledge, experiences, and artistic practices, while encouraging young people to recognize the value of performing arts and local wisdom that have been transmitted across generations.
As part of the university’s contribution, Walailak University presented the creative performance “Natyabucha Nora: A Tribute to Thuat Tumpang,” developed through creative research by the Walailak University Nora Training Center under the research program “Enhancing Nora Intangible Heritage towards Sustainability.” The performance draws upon local beliefs and community reverence for Thuat Tumpang and adapts the traditional Nora performing art to communicate the cultural identity of Southern Thailand.
The creative process integrates traditional Nora dance movements, vocal performance, costumes, and Southern Thai folk music. The performance is structured into three sections: “Chatri Damnoen,” “Invoking the Blessings,” and “A Heartfelt Tribute.” Together, these elements reinterpret traditional cultural knowledge through a contemporary creative presentation while maintaining connections to the artistic forms, beliefs, and practices from which Nora has developed.
Participation in the festival provided an opportunity for Walailak University to share its research-based approach to cultural preservation with other higher education institutions and to learn from diverse artistic and cultural practices represented at the event. Such inter-university collaboration strengthens networks for knowledge exchange and creates opportunities for cultural practitioners, researchers, and students to work together in safeguarding traditional arts.
Through the combination of research, creative practice, performance, and knowledge exchange, Walailak University contributes to the continued transmission and revitalization of Nora and other forms of Southern Thai cultural heritage. The university’s participation also demonstrates how collaboration among higher education institutions can support the preservation of local wisdom while encouraging younger generations to understand, appreciate, and carry forward cultural heritage as a living and evolving tradition.
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