On 29 May 2026, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) hosted a Buddhist merit-making ceremony to mark the upcoming Visakha Bucha Day (31 May 2026). The event also served as the official launch of the university’s campaign promoting the wearing of applied Thai dress and local fabrics every Friday, aligning with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation’s (MHESI) ‘Wear Thai with Pride’ campaign.
The ceremony was presided over by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Watthanakuljaroen, President of STOU. Key religious activities included:
- Offering alms and dried food to 9 Buddhist monks.
- Listening to Dhamma teachings and receiving blessings.
- A candlelit circumambulation (Wien Tien) around the Ho Phra Phut Ming Mongkhon Dhammasathan, which houses the university’s sacred Buddha image.
In addition to the religious ceremonies, STOU encouraged its staff to wear applied Thai traditional outfits or local fabrics. This initiative directly supports the MHESI policy that invites personnel to wear Thai textiles every Friday to honor and preserve the nation’s unique cultural identity.
To add a contemporary touch and promote Thai Soft Power, the organizing committee introduced “Bua Phab Rap Boon”—exquisitely folded lotus flowers for participants to use during the ceremony. Attendees were invited to take photos with their lotus flowers in front of the shrine while dressed in traditional attire.
This activity taps into the current social media trend where people enjoy dressing in traditional costumes to check in at cultural landmarks. The event successfully blended timeless traditions with modern lifestyles, beautifully reflecting STOU’s ongoing commitment to preserving and promoting Thai arts and culture to the public.
