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Walailak University, in collaboration with neighboring communities, organized the annual “Walailak Songkran – Preserving Thai Traditions” event to celebrate the Thai New Year 2025. The event aimed to uphold the beauty of Thai culture, foster intergenerational respect through a traditional water-pouring ceremony for the elderly, and strengthen the bond between the university and surrounding communities.

Held on April 9, 2025, the event was jointly organized by the Center for Cultural and Sports Promotion and the Center for Academic Service, together with Village 6 of Hua Taphan Subdistrict, Village 8 of Thaiburi Subdistrict, Satit Walailak Pattana Community Health Promoting Hospital, and various university units. The celebration took place at the central hall of the School of Architecture and Design at Walailak University.

Activities included a water-pouring ceremony to pay respect and seek blessings from the elderly, promoting the preservation of Thai traditions, arts, and culture. The event also fostered a sense of gratitude and reverence for elders and benefactors among younger generations.

Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University, presided over the ceremony and delivered his blessings. The event was attended by university executives, faculty members, staff, students, distinguished guests, local elders, and community leaders.

Professor Dr. Sombat emphasized that the annual Walailak Songkran event is made possible through the collective efforts of various university departments and the heartfelt participation of local communities. It reflects unity and a shared commitment to conserving and promoting Thai cultural heritage. Songkran, traditionally celebrated as the Thai New Year, is a time of joy, love, gratitude, and harmony. This event is particularly meaningful as it strengthens community-university relations in line with Walailak University’s vision of being a pillar of the community, while also promoting the use of cultural capital as a foundation for sustainable and prosperous local economic development.

“To everyone, I wish you happiness during the Thai New Year, good health, and continued prosperity throughout the year and beyond,” Professor Dr. Sombat concluded.

As part of the celebration, elderly community members—long-standing contributors to society—were invited to participate in the traditional water-pouring ritual. Other highlights included a Buddhist merit-making ceremony, a sacred Buddha image bathing ritual, a performance by students from Chumchon Mai School, a nostalgic Thai circle dance (ramwong), vibrant drum parades, and award presentations for the “Healthy Elder” and “Best Dancer of the Year.” Food and refreshments were generously provided by various university departments.