PSU Preserves Thailand’s Khon Heritage with the 14th “PSU Khon” Performance Harnessing Soft Power to Connect Arts, Culture, and Communities
Prince of Songkla University (PSU), through the Suvarnabhumi Institute Establishment Project, continues its commitment to preserving and passing on Thailand’s cultural heritage with the 14th “PSU Khon 2026” performance.
This year’s production presents an episode from the Ramakien, The Battle of Kumbhakarna: “Sugriva Uproots the Rang Tree.” The performance brings together master artists from Thailand’s Fine Arts Department, students, university staff, and local communities, creating an intergenerational learning platform while transforming cultural heritage into a source of Soft Power.
On 28 August 2026, PSU hosted a charity and media performance at the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne International Convention Center, PSU Hat Yai Campus. The event was presided over by Assistant Professor Dr. Pongthep Sutheravut, Vice President for Administration and Strategy and Acting Director of the Suvarnabhumi Institute Establishment Project.
Assistant Professor Dr. Pongthep explained that PSU Khon reflects the University’s commitment to serving communities and society through cultural participation and Soft Power. The initiative creates opportunities for people across generations to learn together, while using one of Thailand’s most sophisticated performing arts to cultivate discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and cultural appreciation.
Through close collaboration with master performers, younger generations also gain first-hand knowledge of traditional movements, performance techniques, and the aesthetics of classical Thai dance.
At the same time, PSU aims to create a “cultural ecosystem” in which communities move beyond the role of spectators to become active participants in learning and preserving cultural heritage. In this way, Khon becomes more than a stage performance—it serves as a process for transferring cultural wisdom and strengthening connections among the University, young people, artists, and communities.
Mr. Jaturong Luangphanang, PSU Khon instructor and production manager, explained that “Sugriva Uproots the Rang Tree” was selected for this year’s production because of its distinctive choreography, battle strategies, and moral themes.
Audiences will witness the dramatic confrontation between Kumbhakarna and Sugriva, including the technically demanding scene in which Sugriva uproots the Rang tree.
The story also explores themes of morality through Kumbhakarna’s loyalty and inner conflict, while the monkey army demonstrates the power of unity. At its heart is the timeless message that “righteousness ultimately triumphs over wrongdoing.” The production also provides students and young performers with valuable opportunities to train and learn the traditional Khon performance process alongside experienced professionals.
The performance is directed by Mr. Julsab Doungpattra, Senior Performing Artist from the Fine Arts Department, with performers and specialists from the Office of Performing Arts, Fine Arts Department sharing their expertise across major roles, including Rama, Tosakanth, Sugriva, Kumbhakarna, Hanuman, comic characters, as well as traditional narration and dialogue.
The production also features Mr. Pinyo Kaewchaeng, also known as Nora Pinyo Song Hing, a traditional Nora artist, adding a distinctive Southern cultural element to the performance.
Another highlight this year is the charity and media performance, which offered young people, older adults, and disadvantaged groups from Songkhla and neighboring areas the opportunity to attend free of charge. Participants were also invited to experience Khon costumes up close and meet the performers. A total of 12 organizations, educational institutions, and partner networks took part, reflecting PSU’s commitment to making arts and culture accessible to people from all parts of society.
PSU Khon 2026 will present three public performances at the Conference Hall of the PSU International Convention Center, Hat Yai Campus: 29 August 2026 at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., and 30 August 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are priced at 200, 300, 500, and 1,000 baht.
Now in its 14th consecutive year, PSU Khon goes beyond preserving one of Thailand’s most treasured classical performing arts. It brings together artists, teachers, students, young people, and communities as active participants in safeguarding a shared cultural heritage—while extending the value of Thai arts and culture into learning, human development, and sustainable Soft Power for society.