Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU) plays a pivotal role in preserving and promoting both Thailand’s national heritage and the unique cultural identities of local communities. Through a range of initiatives, the university not only celebrates traditional Thai festivals but also actively engages with the rich cultural history of Thonburi and other displaced communities, including the Kudi Chin neighborhood. BSRU’s efforts to document, educate, and share these cultural stories ensure that heritage is passed down to future generations, fostering pride and unity among students, local residents, and the wider community. This commitment to cultural preservation is vital in maintaining a deep connection to both local traditions and global cultural exchanges.
1.Preserving Thailand’s Cultural Heritage: BSRU’s Commitment to Tradition and Identity
Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU) is deeply committed to preserving Thailand’s national heritage through various cultural projects that celebrate and sustain intangible cultural heritage. Each year, BSRU hosts events for Songkran, National Mother’s Day, and Loy Krathong, which are integral to Thai identity and tradition. The Songkran festival, celebrated in April, includes traditional water blessings, dance, and community rituals that honor the Thai New Year and promote values of respect and renewal. For National Mother’s Day in August, BSRU organizes ceremonies that pay tribute to motherhood and reverence for elders, fostering a sense of unity and gratitude within the community. During Loy Krathong, held in November, BSRU students and faculty participate in the tradition of floating krathongs on water, symbolizing forgiveness, renewal, and a deep connection to nature. Through these cultural events, BSRU plays a vital role in recording, celebrating, and passing on Thai customs, instilling cultural pride in the younger generation while ensuring that Thailand’s heritage continues to be preserved and cherished. For details of the projects of the Office of Arts and Culture, please scroll through the slideshow:
In 2023, the Office of Arts and Culture proudly presented the 22nd edition of the Cultural Vision Journal. This journal serves as a platform for scholarly exploration and the dissemination of academic articles focused on a wide range of cultural topics. It covers the preservation, promotion, and study of national, regional, and local cultural heritage, as well as the experiences and contributions of diasporic communities. Through its diverse collection of articles, the journal aims to foster a deeper understanding of cultural identities, histories, and their ongoing significance in the global context. You can read the journal for free in the website of Arts and Culture.
2.Preserving Thonburi’s Cultural Heritage through Community Engagement and Education
BSRU’s dedication to preserving Thonburi’s unique cultural heritage is seen through its community-focused initiatives that celebrate local traditions, arts, and identity. Located in a historically rich area of Bangkok, the university partners with local organizations to document and promote Thonburi’s distinct customs, dialects, and folklore. Events, exhibitions, and workshops highlight traditional crafts, cuisine, and music unique to the region, allowing community members and students alike to connect with Thonburi’s cultural roots. Through these preservation efforts, BSRU strengthens local pride, safeguards cultural knowledge, and ensures that Thonburi’s heritage continues to thrive across generations. For details of the projects of the Office of Arts and Culture, please scroll through the slideshow:
Moreover, one of BSRU library’s standout initiatives is the “Human Book” project, a unique program where BSRU collaborates with individuals from Thonburi and surrounding areas, inviting them to share their knowledge and expertise on various subjects. These “human books” are filmed discussing their areas of specialty, offering the public a chance to engage with valuable insights into the local culture, professions, and skills. This project serves to preserve local knowledge while creating meaningful interactions between the community and the university.
3.Preserving the Heritage of Displaced Communities: BSRU’s Initiatives in Thonburi and Kudi Chin
BSRU’s initiatives for supporting displaced communities focus on preserving the history and cultural significance of areas with mixed religious and cultural backgrounds, such as the Kudi Chin neighborhood. The “Thachphum” research project, conducted in collaboration with various academic and cultural organizations, investigates the intersection of three communities and three religions within Kudi Chin. The project involves training local scholars and researchers to understand the area’s rich cultural heritage through historical exploration and field visits. These activities include visiting the Kudi Chin Museum, Wat Kalayanamitr, the Kian An Keng Shrine, and cultural businesses in the region, providing participants with valuable insights into local history and culture.
Furthermore, the “Cultural Mobility” project engages with communities in the Thonburi region by offering walking tours to uncover the hidden gems of the area’s diverse cultures, such as the Buddhist, Christian, and Muslim communities living side-by-side. These tours provide participants with a deeper understanding of how different cultural and religious practices coexist in harmony, offering a unique perspective on the heritage of Thonburi and its significance to the broader community.
The “International Arts and Culture Festival” serves as a platform for scholars and artists from various countries, including Myanmar, to come together and enrich the cultural exchange in the region. A distinguished speaker from Myanmar will present the rich cultural heritage of the country, offering insights into its traditions, arts, and societal values. These diverse perspectives contribute to a deeper understanding of global cultural dynamics and ensure that displaced communities continue to preserve and share their unique cultural identities. By documenting and promoting the cultural stories of these communities, BSRU helps foster a sense of belonging and continuity for future generations.
