Research Project by Walailak University Wins Honorable Mention at Thailand Research Expo 2025
A Model for Transforming Faith-Based Waste into Thai Creative Soft Power
On 20 June 2025, at the Thailand Research Expo 2025, held at Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre, CentralWorld, Bangkok,
the research project titled
“Cultural Capital Management Based on Belief Systems Surrounding the Ancient Sand Dune”, also known as the “Srichon Project”, from Walailak University,
was awarded an Honorable Mention, accompanied by a cash prize of 20,000 THB and a certificate of recognition. The award was presented by Professor Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI).
The award was received by
Associate Professor Dr. Siwarit Phongsakornrangsin,
Vice President of Walailak University
and Head of the Digital Marketing and Branding Program, School of Management,
who also serves as the Principal Investigator of the project, along with his research team.
The project is a collaborative effort between Walailak University, Wat Chedi (Ai Khai), local communities, and regional networks, with support from the Program Management Unit for Area-Based Development (PMU-A). The core concept centers on faith as a foundation for developing high-value creative products, including:
🔸 “Firecracker-Tail Bag” – Crafted from 999 firecracker tails per bag, combining traditional weaving techniques with contemporary fashion.
🔸 “Merit Brick” – Eco-friendly construction bricks made from firecracker debris and plaster rooster remnants.
🔸 “Faith Rooster Art Toys” – Repurposed plaster rooster figures turned into collectible characters: Nong Ramruay (Richie), Nong Rai-Ram (Dancer), and Nong Ra-Rerng (Cheerful), inspired by Nora performing arts and Thai–Chinese culture.
The Srichon Project serves as a national model for creatively addressing waste generated by religious practices. It promotes Thai soft power through culturally meaningful products, provides economic opportunities for local communities, and offers a sustainable solution to temple waste management challenges.
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