On October 8, 2024, at 18:59, Nakhon Phanom University staged its first night of illuminated boat displays on the Mekong River in Nakhon Phanom Municipality, accompanied by a grand display of 19 fireworks celebrating the university's 19th anniversary as part of the annual Nakhon Phanom Illuminated Boat Festival 2024.

The ceremony was attended by Professor Dr. Surasit Vajirakajorn, Vice President for Human Resource Management, Assistant Professor Dr. Thanom Thathong, Vice President for Planning and Budget, Assistant Professor Dr. Runglawon Eamkusolkit, Vice President for Special Affairs and Educational Quality Assurance, along with executives, staff, and students. They participated in a ritual seeking blessing from sacred entities, including the Naga spirits of the Mekong River, before lighting the boat lanterns in accordance with traditional beliefs for a smooth and safe procession.

This year's university boat features a Suphannahong (Golden Swan) design, measuring 40 meters in length and 14 meters in height, decorated with over 4,000 lanterns. The boat's design incorporates significant symbols of Nakhon Phanom Province, local sacred entities, and national institutions including:

• The Royal Cypher of King Rama X
• The number '10' representing the current reign
• The number '72' commemorating His Majesty's sixth cycle birthday anniversary
• Images of Phra That Phanom
• The Third Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge (Nakhon Phanom-Khammouane)
• A single-headed Naga representing local Mekong riverside beliefs

The design represents knowledge transfer between generations, with former Agricultural and Technology Faculty instructor Ajarn Sanoe Lapha collaborating with Raphiphat Rattana, a Faculty of Education student. This aligns with Acting President Professor Dr. Thawatchai Supadit's policy on cultural preservation and promotion.

The university's illuminated boat will be displayed for three days: October 8, 11, and 15, 2024, from 18:30 onwards along the Mekong River in Nakhon Phanom Municipality. The project received partial funding from the Nakhon Phanom Federation of Industries and drinking water support from Bena products. The university's booth will also feature musical and cultural performances by students and staff throughout the three-day event.

Photo credits: Sikharin Phokaew, Vuttikorn Prapatsarang, Chatchai Kopolrat, Pattana Pimnaen, Supawut Sirirak
News report by: Vanvachira Juntamethee