The School of Business and Communication Arts, University of Phayao, reaffirmed its commitment to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Lanna Kingdom by participating in the 11th Phra That Chom Thong Sacred Cloth Procession Ceremony 2026, held in celebration of the 16th Anniversary of the University of Phayao. The event aimed to preserve and promote traditional arts and culture, strengthen collaboration between the University and local communities, and ensure the continuation of this treasured cultural tradition for future generations.
On Saturday, 25 July 2026, Assistant Professor Dr. Tanyathip Kharuhayothin, Dean of the School of Business and Communication Arts, participated in the ceremony. The opening ceremony was presided over by Associate Professor Dr. Supakorn Pongsabangpho, President of the University of Phayao. Associate Professor Dr. Raksit Suthipong, Dean of the School of Education, delivered the opening report outlining the objectives of the event, while Mr. Satjawit Leelawanit, Mayor of Phayao Municipality, officially welcomed the participants.
The event was jointly organized through the collaboration of the School of Education, School of Liberal Arts, School of Political and Social Sciences, and the Lanna Arts and Culture Center, University of Phayao, in partnership with the Phayao Provincial Administrative Organization, Phayao Municipality, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Chiang Rai Office (Chiang Rai–Phayao Area), and the Fai Luang Community Network, University of Phayao. The initiative was designed to conserve, preserve, and promote the invaluable heritage of Lanna arts and culture while strengthening cooperation among the University, government agencies, and local communities in advancing the University's mission of cultural preservation through creative engagement.
One of the ceremony's most significant highlights was the sacred water procession, during which holy water was ceremonially collected from eight revered water sources: the Ping River in Chiang Mai Province, the Wang River in Lampang Province, the Yom River in Phrae Province, the Nan River in Nan Province, the Mekong River in Chiang Rai Province, the Ing River in Phayao Province, the Ganges River in the Republic of India, and Ang Luang Reservoir at the University of Phayao. Alumni from each respective region participated in the water collection ceremonies before the sacred waters were brought together for Buddhist chanting rituals and the ceremonial bathing of Phra That Chom Thong, symbolizing blessings, peace, and prosperity for all participants and the University.
The procession also featured the creative Lanna cultural performance entitled "Fon Panya Rueangrong Muang Thong Mor Phayao", presented by students from the School of Education, School of Liberal Arts, and School of Political and Social Sciences. The choreography was created by Mr. Arin Poolkasem, a recognized local master of traditional Lanna performing arts from Phayao Province. The cultural procession showcased ancient Lanna dance traditions alongside the ceremonial procession carrying a 36-metre sacred cloth, which was respectfully offered to drape Phra That Chom Thong, together with a seasonal robe presented to the principal Buddha image. These ceremonies reflected the participants' deep faith and their collective commitment to preserving the region's cultural heritage.
The 11th Phra That Chom Thong Sacred Cloth Procession Ceremony not only commemorated the 16th Anniversary of the University of Phayao but also served as an important platform for fostering collaboration among the University, government agencies, local communities, and alumni networks. Through their shared commitment to preserving and promoting Lanna cultural heritage, the event encouraged broad public participation, strengthened social and cultural values, and contributed to the sustainable preservation of local identity and community development.