The Art and Culture Center of Khon Kaen University organized the 2026 Isan Heritage Artists and Distinguished Cultural Contributors Recognition Ceremony on April 2, 2026, at the Auditorium, Khon Kaen University Science Park. The event was held in celebration of the birthday anniversary of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and Thai Heritage Conservation Day, to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to arts and culture and who have played vital roles in preserving Isan local wisdom within Thai society.

The Isan Heritage Artist Award was presented to outstanding artists who serve as role models in Northeastern folk arts, demonstrating strong moral integrity and dedication. Their work has inspired future generations, contributed valuable bodies of knowledge, and continuously benefited the public through their commitment to preserving and developing Isan cultural heritage.

Lifetime Isan Heritage Artists (Amorn Silpin Moradok Isan) – 2 awardees:

1. Rak Watthana (Kru Khamhom Pho Hang Noi) – Luk Thung songwriter
2. Mongkol Uthok (Na Wong Caravan) – Songs for Life musician

Visual Arts – 3 awardees:

1. Sakchai Utthito – Painting
2. Professor Tinnakorn Kasornsuwan – Printmaking
3. Kittichai Triratwichcha – Sculpture

Literary Arts – 2 awardees:

1. Associate Professor Boonyong Ketthet – Contemporary Literature
2. Pramuan Phimsen – Contemporary Literature

Performing Arts – 14 awardees:

1. Ken Somchinda – Khaen Folk Music
2. Preecha Srithaban – Khaen Folk Music
3. Santana Supanyo (Chantana Kitiyaphan) – Singer and Actress
4. Parisana Phithak (Parisana Wongsiri) – Singer and Actress
5. Sanya Kunakorn – Master of Ceremonies and Actor
6. Morakot Kaewthani – Actor and Director
7. Chalermphon Malakham – Luk Thung Mor Lam
8. Nittaya Suphap (Pimpa Phonsiri) – Luk Thung Mor Lam
9. Dao Phanno (Mor Lam Dao Phanno) – Ritual Mor Lam
10. Sanan Phonginwong – (Mor Lam Sanan Lombon) – Mor Lam Klon
11. Om Sanoklang (Mor Lam Om Homhual) – Mor Lam Klon
12. Songsin Songwongla (Mor Lam Songsin Donkaithuean) – Mor Lam Klon
13. Sangwan Wisetsri (Mor Lam Sangwan Noi Daonuea) – Applied Mor Lam Klon
14. Mukda Kenti (Mor Lam Mukda Mueang Nakhon) – Mor Lam Storytelling Performance

In addition, the Distinguished Cultural Contributors Award was presented to individuals who have benefited communities and society through the application of knowledge in arts, traditions, culture, and Isan local wisdom, reflecting the importance of cultural communication through public service.

Agriculture – 2 awardees:

1. Banjong Saenyamun
2. Kaenkhamkla Philanoi

Thai Traditional Medicine – 1 awardee:

1. Pornsiri Itsaraphakdi

Cultural Ecology and Environment – 1 awardee:

1. Pannee Samerphak

Fine Arts – 8 awardees:

1. Pheng Jaiwan (Mor Lam Boonpheng Pakfai) – Mor Lam Klon
2. Usamanee Pruektaiyason (Mor Lam Khammuen Prasatthong) – Mor Lam Klon
3. Suwan Chokchai (Mor Lam Suwan Buanak) – Mor Lam Klon
4. Suphon Sridaporn (Mor Lam Suraphon Sridaporn) – Mor Lam Klon
5. Phukan Purisai (Boy Sirichai) – Mor Lam Storytelling
6. Suk Sarito (Phokru Suk Sarito) – Contemporary Sculpture Design
7. Amnuaysak Srisuk – Sculpture
8. Phloeng Watsan – Painting

Language and Literature – 1 awardee:

1. Phayat Phuwichai – Songwriter

Religion and Traditions – 1 awardee:

1. Phra Khru Phanom Preechakorn (Worawut Rattanawaro)

Food and Nutrition – 2 awardees:

1. Chongrak Charuphan-ngam (Mee Kin Farm) – Food for Sustainable Community Tourism
2. Nattaporn Khomjit (Huen Khamnang) – Food as Cultural Communication

Cultural Communication – 4 awardees:

1. Pairat Yamkosum
2. Khamphan Yapathang
3. Khamla Musika
4. Assistant Professor Theerawat Saenkham

One of the notable awardees this year was Sanya Kunakorn, an Isan Heritage Artist in Performing Arts, widely recognized as a master of ceremonies and actor who has played an important role in advancing Isan arts and culture for many years. His work stands out in communicating culture through performing arts media, program hosting, and continuously passing on knowledge of traditional performing arts to younger generations.

This event reflects Khon Kaen University’s strong commitment to being an educational institution that values the preservation, promotion, and continuation of cultural heritage. By honoring artists and cultural contributors, the university aims to inspire society to recognize the importance of Thai arts and culture and to continue preserving this valuable intellectual heritage for the future.

Additional photos available at:
https://kku.world/vvscje

Photo session gallery:
https://kku.world/wydqb5

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