The Faculty of Information and Communication, in collaboration with the Chiang Mai Provincial Office of Buddhism, the Chang Khueang Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Wat Lao Pa Tan, Ban Mae Pan School, Rajaprajanugroh 31 School, and the Princess Mother Demonstration Community Learning College of Phothivichalai SWU, Mae Chaem, organized a cultural preservation activity under the project "Grandparents Teaching Grandchildren: Preserving Traditions and the Way of Life in Mueang Jam" on January 6-7, 2025, at Wat Lao Pa Tan, Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province.
On this occasion, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somkiat Chaipiboon, Dean of the Faculty of Information and Communication, along with administrators, staff, student representatives, and students from Maejo University actively participated in organizing activities and filming a documentary. The documentary highlights the value of local arts and culture through various learning stations, including:
- Traditional snack-making (Tong Yong),
- Fermented soy (Thua Nao) production,
- Decorative flag crafting (Tung),
- Bamboo weaving,
- Rice crackers (Khao Kaep) preparation,
- Large drum (Klong Luang) playing,
- Traditional sweet-making (Kanom Med), and
- Monks’ drum (Klong Mong Seung) playing.
Additionally, activities included Tree Planting for Sustainable Dharma and a Cooking Competition featuring dishes like boiled pork (Laab Moo Suk), fermented soybean dip (Nam Prik Thua Nao Ta Daeng), and steamed vegetables. The ingredients were sourced from the Mae Pan-San Kiang Community Enterprise Group, and the competition saw participation from 11 community teams. These efforts aim to foster engagement and encourage participants to preserve and carry forward their rich cultural heritage.
Furthermore, the project aligns with the university’s 2025 development strategy, which emphasizes the conservation and promotion of arts and culture, as well as fostering Thai cultural values among future graduates. This initiative aims to instill a deeper understanding and appreciation of Thai culture, enabling graduates to contribute sustainably to society.