Walailak University: A Beacon of Cultural Preservation and Artistic Heritage

10Oct 2024 by Kittipong Bunlear

Sustainability and Stewardship

Walailak University is steadfast in its role as a cultural beacon, fostering community engagement through the preservation and revitalization of cultural traditions, fine arts, and applied arts. This mission is deeply rooted in the university’s 20-year strategic plan (BE 2561-2580), which emphasizes advancing research excellence, academic services, and safeguarding cultural heritage to support national development. In 2023, the university achieved remarkable progress by collaborating with various internal and external partners, launching over 30 impactful programs dedicated to contributing to local and national arts and cultural legacies and promoting both ad-hoc and ongoing programs. These initiatives, anchored by four key objectives, highlight Walailak University’s enduring dedication to cultural preservation and its vital role in sustaining heritage for future generations.

Objective 1: Promoting Local and National Cultural Traditions

To protect cherished local and national cultural traditions, WU is on fostering awareness, pride, and participation in preserving the local cultural heritage, which leads to the sustainable promotion of arts and culture. In 2023, the university undertook several initiatives to promote traditional arts and cultural heritage, as follows:

1. Evening Chant: On November 1, 2022, the Buddhist Club of Walailak University organized the “Evening Chanting” activity at the Dhamma Square, Walailak University. The event involved evening chanting and discussions on Dhamma with the participants, focusing on topics beneficial to students such as emotional states, feelings, and love. The aim was to provide insights that participants could apply to their daily lives.

2. Birth Month Merit Making: On November 23, 2022, at Wat Saeng Raeng, Pho Thong Subdistrict, Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat, a Unity Kathina Ceremony was held, with the participation including Walailak University staff, employees, and students in total over 70 participants. The event included meditation activities and “The Pinnacle of Dharma (religious and moral duties)” activities, designed to help participants reflect on the principles of Buddhism and gratitude—not only within the family but also toward the religion, society, and the nation. The program encouraged meditation to achieve inner peace, leading to mindfulness and wisdom for the participants. Following the religious rituals, there was a cake-cutting ceremony, and volunteers took part in cleaning the mats, sweeping the temple grounds, and cleaning the restrooms, contributing to public service.

3. New Year’s Sangha Dana: On December 12, 2022, Walailak University’s Buddhism Student Club organized the Christmas Blessing and New Year’s Sangha Dana event, which was attended by more than 30 participants. This event was part of the Christmas and New Year Festival project, aimed at promoting positive religious and cultural activities within the university. The event was a collaborative effort between the Student Council, the Christian Club, WU Cover Dance, WMC New, the Buddhism Student Club, and the Education and Liberal Arts Student Association at Walailak University.

4. WU Classical Thai Music Club Performance at the Higher Education Thai Traditional Music Festival: WU Classical Thai Music Club participated in a collaborative Thai music performance with 12 higher education institutions from Southern Thailand in preparation for a performance in the presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Her Royal Highness presided over the 45^th Higher Education Thai Music Performance at Buriram Rajabhat University, held from December 25 to 29, 2022.

5. Monastic Fire Offering Ceremony: On January 12, 2023, the Center for Cultural and Sports Promotion, through the Art and Culture Preservation Department, organized the annual Monastic Fire Offering Ceremony for the year 2023. This is a unique tradition observed by Buddhist devotees in Nakhon Si Thammarat. The event took place at the Dharma Square (Buddhist courtyard) of the Chor Pradu Food Center at Walailak University, aiming to raise awareness among staff and students about the importance of applying Buddhist preaching in their daily lives appropriately. It also seeks to preserve Thailand’s cultural heritage, traditions, and wisdom. More than 600 participants, including staff, students, and members of the public, joined the event.

6. WU Mask Dance in the Higher Education Thai Cultural Festival: From February 17-19, 2023, Walailak University sent students to participate in the 21^st Higher Education Thai Cultural Festival, titled “Yol Saeng-Sin (Feel the Highlighted Arts): The Land of Bliss,” at Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University, Ubon Ratchathani. The event featured participation from 94 educational institutions. Walailak University showcased the performance “The Mask Dance,” which was well-received and highly praised by the audience.

7. Annual Merit-making Ceremony at Toompang Archeological Site: On March 2, 2023, the Center for Cultural and Sports Promotion at Walailak University held the annual merit-making ceremony at the Toompang Archeological Site. The event was organized to bring blessings and honor the sacred sites of the university, encouraging students and staff to appreciate the value and cultural heritage of the site. The ceremony took place at the Toompang Archeological Site, Walailak University, with over 500 staff members and students in attendance.

8. Phra Bot Fabric Painting: On February 21, 2023, Walailak University organized the project “Walailak Vanta Makha Bucha (Buddhist All Saints’ Day) Phra Bot Fabric Painting” to encourage students to preserve religion, arts, and culture. The project also aimed to promote the preservation of Phra Bot fabric painting and to continue the tradition of the Hae Pha Khuen That Festival (Phra Bot procession) to Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat. Students and staff participated in painting the Phra Bot fabric, which was later taken to join the Phra Bot procession on Makha Bucha Day.

9. Hae Pha Khuen That Festival: On March 6, 2023, Walailak University, through the Center for Cultural and Sports Promotion, participated in the annual Makha Bucha’s Hae Pha Khuen That Festival. Over 50 faculty members, staff, and students from Walailak University joined the procession to carry the Phra Bot clothes in this significant cultural event.

10. Mask Dance in U2T Market Product Event: On March 16, 2023, Walailak University organized a Mask Dance performance, a form of traditional folk entertainment. This Thai contemporary performance was showcased at the Walailak U2T Market Product Event.

11. Walailak Songkran Joy Delivery: On April 3, 2023, Walailak University, in collaboration with the Satit Walailak Pattana Community Health Promotion Hospital, organized a water-pouring ceremony and presented gifts to the elderly in the Satit Walailak Pattana Community as part of the “Walailak Songkran: Preserving Traditions” event for 2023. The event aimed to foster good relations between the Satit Walailak Pattana Community and surrounding communities, while also showing respect and gratitude to the elderly through the traditional water-pouring ritual and seeking blessings for good fortune.

12. Walailak Songkran Festival: On April 10, 2023, the Center for Cultural and Sports Promotion, together with the Center for Academic Services at Walailak University, and local community members from surrounding areas, organized the Songkran Festival. The event included a water-pouring ceremony to honor the elderly, to preserve this beautiful Thai tradition. The event fostered unity and harmony within the community and aimed to preserve and continue the cultural heritage of the Songkran Festival. The event took place in the main hall of the Architecture & Design Building at Walailak University. The lively atmosphere was filled with the WU administrative team, faculty, staff, students, honored guests, and community leaders, all of whom attended in large numbers.

13. Community Off-season Robe Offering Ceremony: On April 26, 2023, the Center for Cultural and Sports Promotion at Walailak University co-hosted a community robe-offering ceremony at Wat Saeng Raeng, Pho Thong Subdistrict, Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat. The funds raised from this merit-making event will be used for the development of the temple and to establish a fund for the construction of a crematory.

14. Menorah Dance in the Parent Welcome Ceremony: On June 1, 2023, the WU Thai Classical Dance Club presented the Menorah dance to welcome the parents and new students of Walailak University for the 2023 academic year. This performance aimed to showcase the traditional art form that has long been intertwined with the way of life of the Southern Thai people to the audience.

15. Thai Traditional Dances in the Freshman Orientation Event: On June 3, 2023, during the Freshman Orientation for the academic year 2023, 26^th Class Students of Walailak University, the Thai Classic Dance Club performed Thai traditional dances.

16. Menorah Dance in the RSPG Information Exchange Event: On June 8, 2023, Walailak University’s Thai Classical Dance Club performed the Menorah Dance in homage to Phra That, showcasing the cultural heritage and traditions of Nakhon Si Thammarat. The performance took place during the knowledge exchange workshop for network members of the Plant Genetic Conservation Project under the Royal Initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (RSPG) at Prasarnsook Villa Beach Resort conference room, Sichon District, Nakhon Si Thammarat.

17. Thai Blessing Ceremony: On June 9, 2023, the Bai Sri Su Kwan Ceremony, an ancient tradition cherished by the people of Walailak University, took place. This exquisitely enchanted ritual is performed every year as a blessing for new students, known as Pradoo Chor Mai (Blooming blossoms). The ceremony featured the traditional Mae Sri Dance, a sacred Thai dance that invokes the spirit of Mae Sri. The dancer portraying Mae Sri is chosen from among the most beautiful and graceful young women in the village. She holds flowers while seated at the center, and others sing a song repeatedly, inviting the spirit of Mae Sri to enter her. Once the spirit takes hold, the dancer sets down the flowers and rises to dance.

18. Menorah Dance at Saard Phaderm Wittaya School: Walailak University organized a Menorah dance performance to showcase traditional local art and culture. On June 14, a youth Menorah training center was also established at Saard Phaderm Wittaya School in Chumphon, to emphasize the importance of and support for the preservation of this art and culture for the younger generation.

19. Menorah Dance at Thairath Witthaya 23 School: On June 26, 2023, Walailak University organized a performance of traditional local art, featuring the Menorah dance, at Thairath Witthaya 23 School (Wat Khok Nod) in Phatthalung. Additionally, the Young Nora Training Center was established at the school. This initiative aims to raise awareness and ensure access to the Menorah dance art form, particularly among the youth.

20. Wai Khru Ceremony: Over 1,500 students from Walailak University in Nakhon Si Thammarat participated in the Wai Khru Ceremony for the 2023 academic year, expressing gratitude and respect towards their teachers and reflecting on the teachers’ contributions to their students’ lives. The ceremony took place on June 29, 2023, at the main auditorium of Thaiburi Building, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat.

21. Thai Dance Performance at the THE Young University Rankings Celebration Ceremony: On July 3, 2023, Walailak University held a traditional Thai dance performance as part of the celebration for its recognition in the THE Young University Rankings 2023. The dance featured elegantly choreographed movements, uniquely designed to reflect aspects of human life and beliefs, with an emphasis on artistic harmony with nature. The performance took place at the Walailak University Hospital, showcasing a creative blend of Thai dances, passed down through generations.

22. The Mask Dance in the IMT-GT 2023: Walailak University participated in “The Mask Contemporary Dance” and the “Nakhon Si Thammarat Silapacheep Dance” at the 22^nd IMT-GT Varsity Carnival, held from July 8-12, 2023, in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. The university won the award for “THE BEST CULTURAL THEME PERFORMANCE.” This event not only provided an opportunity for cultural exchange but also brought recognition to Walailak University and Thailand.

23. Thai-Indonesian Practice on Angklungs: On July 18, 2023, Walailak University was honored to welcome His Excellency Rachmat Budiman, Indonesian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand, and Mr. Achmad Wicaksono, Education and Culture Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy. Their visit coincided with the Thai-Indonesian Culture Festival, co-organized by the university from July 17 to 18. The harmonious sounds of Indonesian Angklungs filled the Huataphan Chamber at Walailak University Hospital, as Thai and Indonesian students practiced under the guidance of their instructor, blending seamlessly with the instrument’s unique rhythm and charm.

24. Buddhist Lent Candle Casting Ceremony: On July 19, 2023, the Center for Cultural and Sports Promotion at Walailak University, through the Art and Culture Preservation Department, organized the annual Buddhist Lent Candle Casting Ceremony at the Dharma Square, Walailak University. The ceremony aimed to encourage students and staff to promote and preserve the traditions of Buddhism and this esteemed practice. The candles will be offered to five temples surrounding Walailak University, namely Wat Saeng Raeng, Wat Bon Thanon, Wat Khlong Din, Wat Khok Lek, and the Satit Walailak Pattana religious place.

25. Menorah Dance at WU Bota Green Market: On August 3, 2023, Walailak University held the second “Nora: Sleek Skill of the Southern Zone” event at the Bota Green Market Chic & Chill Thursday market. The event featured Menorah dance performances from external participants and included an award ceremony for the winners of the 2023 Online Menorah Dance Contest, under the theme ” Southern Speaks, Accent’s So Siick!”

26. Thai Traditional Dances at the 10^th Lunar Month Festival: On September 28, 2023, the Walailak University Dance Club performed at the opening ceremony of the 10^th Lunar Month Festival. The performance showcased Thai traditional dance art, demonstrating the knowledge and exquisite intricacy of classical Thai dance. This provided entertainment while inspiring the integration of artistic and cultural knowledge into various levels of societal development. The event was part of an international academic seminar aimed at fostering ASEAN cultural relations under the theme “ASEAN Dance and Song.”

27. Haew Morap Ceremony: On September 30, 2023, Walailak University participated in the Haew Morap procession as part of the annual 10th Lunar Month Merit-making Festival of 2023. Representing the higher education network, Walailak University joined the procession for the 10^th Lunar Month Merit-making and Nakhon Si Thammarat Red Cross Fair, under the theme “Knitting Loves, Weaving Hearts, Hundred Years of the 10^th Lunar Month Merit-making in Nakhon Si Thammarat.” The procession took place from Sanam Na Muang Public Park, Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan.

28. Traditional Southern Thai Cradle Song Competition Award: Walailak University, in collaboration with Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, organized the 6^th Traditional Southern Thai Cradle Song Competition for the Royal Trophy of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, in 2023. This competition was held during the 10th Lunar Month Merit-making and Nakhon Si Thammarat Red Cross Fair, from October 5-6, 2023, at the cultural exhibition square in Sanam Na Muang Public Park, Mueang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat.

29. Lak Phra Ceremony: On November 2, 2023, Walailak University participated in preserving and promoting the traditional Lak Phra ceremony at the Ploenta Square, Thaiburi Building, Walailak University. The event was aimed at teaching students, staff, and the public about the history, customs, and activities of the Lak Phra tradition. The university sought to foster understanding, awareness, and appreciation of this important Buddhist tradition among participants.

30. Kathina Festival: On November 19, 2023, Walailak University co-hosted the Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony at Wat Khlong Din, Hua Thapan Subdistrict, Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat, to support the construction of an almshouse. The event was attended by more than 500 participants, including faculty members, staff, students of Walailak University, and devout Buddhists.

31. Loi Krathong Festival: On November 27, 2023, Walailak University organized the Loi Krathong Festival and the Beauty Queen Contest. The event aimed to preserve and promote this beautiful Thai tradition while instilling values of environmental conservation and gratitude towards the Goddess of Water, Ganga Devi. The festival raised awareness about the responsible use of natural resources, fostering a sense of sustainability. Additionally, it served to strengthen unity and participation among students, faculty, staff, and the public who attended the event.

32. Beauty Queen Contest: The 2023 Beauty Queen Contest or Noppamas Queen Contest is a Thai traditional pageant that honors the timeless beauty of Nang Noppamas, a figure celebrated since ancient times. This event also helps preserve and promote Thai traditions, especially in terms of traditional Thai attire. The event was held on November 27, 2023, at the Loi Krathong Festival in front of the Thaiburi Building, Walailak University.

33. The Thai Lotus Dance at the 71st Student Arts and Crafts Competition: The Thai Lotus Dance showcases the way of life and craftsmanship of the people of Nakhon Si Thammarat. It was performed during the 71^st Student Arts and Crafts Competition, titled “Visiting Ligor, Favoring the Handicrafts of Nakhon” on December 6, 2023.

Objective 2: Arts and Culture Research

The university places significant importance on research in the fields of arts, culture, and archaeology to build knowledge, create added value through tourism and community products, and preserve cultural heritage. In 2023, the university undertook the following initiatives:

1. Survey on Community Readiness for Enhancing and Developing Local Wisdom: On January 13, 2023, the Center for Academic Services at Walailak University visited the Ban Mamung Plai Khaen Thai brocade group in Village No. 8, Tha-ngiew Subdistrict, Mueang Nakhon Si Thammarat District, Nakhon Si Thammarat. The purpose was to assess the community’s readiness to enhance and develop local wisdom and consider its selection for the GSB Yuwaphat Rakthin project 2023, under an academic collaboration agreement between Walailak University and the Government Savings Bank.

2. The 2^nd International Symposium in Management Studies 2023 (ISMS 2023): On March 28, 2023, the School of Management in collaboration with the Center of Excellence in Tourism Business Management and Creative Economy hosted the 2^nd International Symposium in Management Studies 2023, under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Management in the Digital Era.” The ISMS event took place at the Pattaratammaporn Conference Room, 9^th floor, Walailak University Hospital.

3. Research on Preserving and Continuing the Wisdom of Making Kapho Fans: On April 24, 2023, the research team from the “Kapho: Conservation and Sustainable Utilization in Nakhon Si Thammarat” project, under the Plant Genetic Conservation Project under the Royal Initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (RSPG), visited the communities in Village No. 5 and Village No. 8 of Thung Pho Subdistrict, Chulabhorn District, Nakhon Si Thammarat. The team surveyed the utilization of the Kapho Palm (Mangrove Fan Palm) and interviewed community members about their ways of life and the local wisdom involved in utilizing the Kapho Palm.

4. Publication of the Asian Journal of Art and Culture (online): The Center for Cultural Promotion and Sports at Walailak University published the Asian Journal of Art and Culture online, issuing two editions per year.

Objective 3: Building a Network in Arts and Culture

Walailak University has established cultural networks both internally and externally, aiming to integrate and promote local cultural traditions as well as the national arts and culture in many events, including:

1. Met with the Director-General of the Department of Cultural Promotion: On December 22, 2022, the Center for Cultural and Sports Promotion of Walailak University met with the Director-General of the Department of Cultural Promotion to report on the progress of creating the online Nora course and to collaborate on building a network for the sustainable promotion and preservation of Nora performing arts.

2. The Conference for Academic Cooperation Agreement on the Preservation and Promotion of Arts and Culture: Walailak University held a meeting to draft an academic cooperation agreement on the preservation and promotion of arts and culture in collaboration with the Department of Cultural Promotion, Ministry of Culture, Nakhonsithammarat College of Dramatic Arts, and PhatthalungDramaticsCollege on March 17, 2023, at Wat Khienbangkaew, Khao Chaison District, Phatthalung.

3. MOU on Arts and Culture between Walailak University, Ministry of Culture, and College of Dramatic Arts: On July 13, 2023, Walailak University signed a memorandum of understanding at the Huataphan Conference Room, 3^rd Floor, Building A, Walailak University Hospital, intending to become a central hub for promoting arts and culture at the local, national, and international levels.

4. Cultural and Language Learning Center “Indonesian Corner” Launched: On December 7, 2022, Walailak University signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta (UPNVJ). The collaboration involves student and faculty exchanges, joint research projects, and cultural exchanges at the Center for Library Resources and Educational Media, Walailak University.

Objective 4: Promoting Arts and Culture Skills for Students and Staff

WU encourages students, staff, and the general public to show their knowledge, talents, and skills in arts and culture through training sessions, contests, competitions, and exchange of knowledge. In 2023, the following activities were conducted:

1. Nora Online Performance Video Contest: Walailak University invites you to submit a clip for the Nora Performance Online Competition under the theme “Southern Speaks, Accent’s So Siick!” Team category: 7-10 members. Applications were opened from March 15 – April 20, 2023.

2. Organized the Short Cultural Course on Nora Dance: On June 17-18, 2023, the Center for Cultural and Sports Promotion at Walailak University organized the Short Cultural Course on Nora Dance to pass on cultural heritage and to exchange knowledge about the Southern folk performing art, Nora Dance, with students from five countries: Myanmar, Ethiopia, Zambia, the Philippines, and Thai students. The event took place at the Architecture & Design Building, Walailak University.

3. WU’s Thai Program Team Wins Extempore Poetry Championship in Southern Region and Two National Awards: On December 10, 2022, the “WU’s School of Liberal Arts, Program in Thai ” team participated in the National Extempore Poetry Championship in celebration of Poets’ Day, organized by the Poets Association of Thailand in collaboration with Siam Park Bangkok Co., Ltd., and Social Eyes Thailand. The event was held at the Siam Park Bangkok meeting space in Bangkok. The team was awarded a national commendation prize, a trophy, an honorable certificate, a 2,000-baht scholarship, and an additional commendation award in another category.

4. WU’s Students Win First Prize in Creative Video Contest at Tonkla Kwamdee Program (Years 2 and 3): On December 23, 2023, a first-year student from the Digital Content and Media program, Faculty of Informatics, Walailak University, won first prize in the creative video contest at the Tonkla Kwamdee Program. The student was awarded a cash prize of 10,000 baht, a trophy, and honorable certificates. Additionally, the student received the Popular Vote award, which came with a cash prize of 3,000 baht. The contest, organized by the Interlink Foundation, centered around the theme “The Good Deed I Want to Do.” The event was held at Cholapruek Hotel and Resort, Ban Phrao Subdistrict, Banna District, Nakhon Nayok.

5. WU’s Thai Program Wins National Extempore Poetry Award: On January 28, 2023, a first-year student from Walailak University’s School of Liberal Arts, Thai Program, participated in a national extempore poetry competition and received an honorable mention award, along with honorable certificates. The competition was part of the 14^th “Kru Thai Rak Phasa” (Thai Teachers Who Love Language) program, under the theme “Celebrate Poetry, Eloquently Salute Art, Long Last Thai Linguistics.” It was organized by the Faculty of Education, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Bangkok.

6. Tour Guide Training to Promote University Business and Distribute Income to Locals: On February 10, 2023, the Division of Corporate Communication organized a tour guide training to promote university businesses for 47 village health volunteers (VHV) from Tha Sala District at Walailak University.

7. Walailak University’s Songs Singing Contest in Celebration of 31^st Anniversary: On March 29, 2023, the Division of Student Support and Development, Walailak University organized a singing contest in honor of the university’s 31^st anniversary. Student representatives from all 16 schools and the Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College participated in the contest, held at the main auditorium hall of Thaiburi Building, Walailak University.

8. WU’s Thai Program Wins Second Place in National Oral Reading of Prose Contest, M.L. Boonlua Debyasuvarn Award: On July 26, 2023, second and third-year students from Walailak University’s School of Liberal Arts, Thai Program, participated in the national-level Oral Reading of Prose competition for university students. The event was organized by the M.L. Boonlua Debyasuvarn Fund (MBF) in collaboration with the Department of Thai, Faculty of Arts, Silpakorn University, Sanam Chandra Palace Campus.