Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU) plays an essential role in safeguarding and promoting Thailand’s national heritage alongside the distinctive cultural identities of local and displaced communities. Through diverse cultural initiatives, the university not only honors traditional Thai festivals but also highlights the historical and cultural richness of Thonburi and the Mon community. By documenting, teaching, and sharing these cultural narratives, BSRU ensures that invaluable heritage and traditions are preserved for future generations. These efforts strengthen community pride, foster cultural understanding among students and residents, and support meaningful connections between local traditions and global cultural dialogue.
1.Preserving Thailand’s Cultural Heritage: BSRU’s Commitment to Tradition and Identity
In 2024, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU) reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding Thailand’s cultural heritage through a series of initiatives organized by the Office of Arts and Culture. The university continued to host annual celebrations of key national traditions such as Songkran, National Mother’s Day, and Loy Krathong—each serving as a platform for cultural education and intergenerational connection. The Songkran festival in April featured traditional water blessing rituals, music, and dance that highlight respect for elders and the spirit of renewal. In August, National Mother’s Day was marked by heartfelt ceremonies honoring motherhood and filial gratitude, reinforcing social harmony and community bonds. The Loy Krathong festival in November invited students and faculty to participate in the symbolic act of floating krathongs, expressing forgiveness and appreciation for nature. Through these activities, BSRU not only preserves and celebrates Thailand’s living heritage but also inspires cultural awareness and pride among students and the local community. For highlights of the Office of Arts and Culture’s 2024 projects, please scroll through the slideshow below.
In 2024, the Office of Arts and Culture continued its commitment to advancing cultural scholarship with the publication of the 23rd edition of the Cultural Vision Journal. The journal remains a vital platform for academic dialogue and the exchange of research on diverse cultural themes, encompassing the preservation, promotion, and interpretation of cultural heritage at national, regional, and local levels. It also highlights the cultural expressions and experiences of diasporic communities. By presenting a broad spectrum of scholarly articles, the journal contributes to a richer understanding of cultural identities, historical narratives, and their relevance in today’s interconnected world. The journal is freely accessible on the Office of Arts and Culture’s website.
2.Preserving Thonburi’s Cultural Heritage through Community Engagement and Education
In 2024, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU) reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Thonburi’s distinctive cultural heritage through community-centered programs that celebrate local traditions, arts, and identity. Situated in one of Bangkok’s most historically significant areas, the university continued to collaborate with local organizations to document, promote, and revitalize Thonburi’s unique customs, dialects, and folklore. A variety of cultural events, exhibitions, and workshops showcased traditional crafts, cuisine, and music, fostering deeper connections between students and community members and their shared heritage. Through these sustained efforts, BSRU not only strengthens local pride and cultural awareness but also helps ensure that Thonburi’s heritage remains vibrant and meaningful for future generations. For more information on the Office of Arts and Culture’s projects, please browse through the slideshow below.
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 Cultural Heritage of the Mon Community
In 2024, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU), through its Office of Arts and Culture, advanced its efforts to preserve the cultural heritage of displaced communities by supporting research and creative projects centered on the Mon community—one of Thailand’s oldest ethnic groups with deep roots in Thonburi. “Visiting the Mon Village: Remembering Luang Pu To” Festival at Wat Pradittharam (Wat Mon) in Thonburi District, Bangkok, from November 29 to December 1, 2024 festival served as a platform to record, preserve, and revitalize the intangible cultural heritage of the Mon community—a historically displaced ethnic group with a long-standing presence in the Thonburi area.
The event featured cultural tourism activities, traditional Mon cuisine, community-made products, and performances representing five Mon community networks. By integrating local knowledge, heritage-based crafts, and intergenerational participation, the festival promoted deeper public appreciation of Mon traditions and identity.
Asst. Prof. Santipap Siphueak, Deputy Director of the Office of Arts and Culture, presented research outcomes at the “Visiting the Mon Village: Remembering Luang Pu To” festival held from November 29 to December 1, 2024, at Wat Pradittharam, Thonburi District, Bangkok. His presentation showcased the community’s rich cultural capital, including demonstrations of traditional Mon cuisine such as khao chae, and the transformation of Mon cultural symbols—such as the swan (hong) and centipede flags—into textile patterns and souvenir products. The project also explored the Mon community’s historical heritage through temporal-historical research and youth engagement activities, encouraging young people to learn about Mon identity by designing digital LINE stickers inspired by Mon culture.
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.
