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How do stories shape societies, histories, and identities across cultures? This question takes center stage as the Walailak Research Convention 2026 begins, bringing together international experts to participate in and contribute to a series of academic forums hosted by various University’s Centers of Excellence.

Among the highlights is the International Conference on “The Power of Narrative: Reshaping Socio-Historical Landscapes and Gender through the Lens of World Literature,” organized by the Center of Excellence on Women and Social Security (CEWSS) in collaboration with the School of Liberal Arts and the School of Political Science and Public Administration.

Held on 24–25 March 2026 in a hybrid format, the conference brings together scholars and participants from across Asia and beyond to explore how narratives—through literature, myths, and collective memory—shape socio-historical understanding, cultural identity, and gender perspectives.

Assistant Professor Dr. Taweeluck Pollachom, Head of the CEWSS, emphasized that the conference serves as an interdisciplinary platform connecting literature, history, sociology, and related fields, while fostering international academic collaboration and strengthening global research networks.

The program features keynote lectures, plenary sessions, panel discussions, and parallel sessions addressing topics such as Thai literature and culture, gendered memory, trauma, and the transformative role of narratives in society.

 

The conference also draws on the enduring cultural narrative of Sri Prach, a legendary figure deeply rooted in the collective memory of Nakhon Si Thammarat, where the university is located.

The first day opened with a special panel titled “Ayutthaya in Nakhon: Narratives and Urban Memories,” which invited participants to reconsider Sri Prach not as a historical figure to be proven, but as a symbolic representation of cultural negotiation and power relations between Ayutthaya and Nakhon Si Thammarat.

Discussions explored several key themes, including Sri Prach as a representation of cultural negotiation and power relations, the cultural foundations of Nakhon Si Thammarat shaped by spirit beliefs, Brahmanism, Buddhism, and Mon influences, and the shifting political relationship between Ayutthaya and Nakhon Si Thammarat. They also addressed the impact of maritime trade in the 17th century and Sri Prach as a symbol of cultural resistance and continuity.

Complementing the academic discussions, the conference features a creative performance titled “Sri Prach Chom Nakhon: The Poet’s Journey through the Capital.”

The performance portrays a flourishing city through the eyes of Sri Prach, who journeys to admire the beauty of its people, way of life, nature, and artistic traditions. Importantly, the performance bridges past and present—demonstrating how Thai cultural and literary heritage continues to inspire contemporary creativity. 

 

A highlight of the conference is the keynote lecture by Professor Rachel V. Harrison from SOAS, University of London, titled “Thai Literature as World Literature: Thai Culture as World Culture.” In her lecture, Professor Harrison emphasized that Thai literature should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a broader global context. Rather than asking what the world can reveal about Thailand, she encouraged a shift in perspective—considering what Thai culture can contribute to understanding world culture.

She highlighted how literature, history, and cultural identity are deeply interconnected, particularly in the formation of the Thai nation, and noted that such processes reflect broader global patterns rather than being unique to Thailand alone.

A central concept in her lecture was cultural hybridity—the idea that cultures are continuously shaped through interaction, adaptation, and exchange. Through examples from literature, history, and everyday cultural practices, she demonstrated how Thai culture creatively engages with external influences while maintaining its distinct identity.

 

Professor Harrison also underscored the importance of comparative approaches in literary studies. She noted that emphasizing uniqueness alone can isolate Thai studies from global dialogue, whereas placing Thai literature in conversation with other cultures allows for deeper understanding and meaningful comparison.

In her concluding remarks, she emphasized that literature and culture are inherently hybrid, “impure,” and constantly evolving. They are always in dialogue with other cultures and shaped through encounters with difference. She further noted that Thai literature holds equal capacity to generate new theoretical and critical perspectives, and that comparison remains essential to understanding how cultures and literatures function across contexts.

A central theme of the conference is the exploration of gender through narratives across cultures. Discussions examine how literature reflects women’s roles, identities, and relationships within different social contexts.

“History does not always record the voices of women,” Dr. Taweeluck noted. “However, narratives and literature allow us to understand their presence, their roles, and their identities in society.”

The conference also explores cross-cultural perspectives, highlighting how narratives reveal deeper insights into identity, memory, and social structures.

 

During his opening speech, Associate Professor Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, Vice President for Research and Innovation at Walailak University, emphasized the significance of narratives in today’s rapidly changing world.

“In what is often described as a ‘post-truth’ era, narratives do not merely reflect reality—they actively construct, challenge, and transform it,” he stated.

He highlighted that literature serves as a dynamic social archive, enabling societies to revisit the past, interpret the present, and envision more equitable futures. He also stressed the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and international engagement in addressing global challenges.

The conference also features an international lineup of speakers and participants from Malaysia, China, India, Sri Lanka, Morocco, Iran, and Thailand, reflecting its global scope and diversity.

By bringing together local narratives and global perspectives, the conference highlights the enduring power of storytelling—not only as a literary form, but as a vital force in shaping history, identity, and human understanding—while reinforcing Walailak University’s role as a platform for global academic exchange.

 



News by Settaboot Onphakdee, Division of Corporate Communications