Naresuan University, in collaboration with Nakhon Thai District, organized the “Hom Kan Der” Cultural Market to preserve local traditions, attract tourists and visitors from various regions, and generate income and sustainability for the local community. This initiative aims to elevate the Pak Thong Chai tradition of Nakhon Thai District into a nationally significant festival. The event garnered significant interest, drawing more than 1,000 attendees from neighboring areas and within Nakhon Thai District on March 28, 2025, at the Nakhon Thai District Office in Phitsanulok Province.
Dr. Charatdao Khongmuang, Vice President for Student Development, Alumni Affairs, and Arts & Culture at Naresuan University, and the lead researcher of the project “Festival-Driven Local Development for the Promotion of Pak Thong Chai Tradition in Nakhon Thai District, Phitsanulok Province, as a National and Internationally Recognized Festival,” stated that the “Hom Kan Der” Cultural Market was a resounding success. The event was made possible through strong collaboration with Nakhon Thai District’s network of partners, effectively promoting the Pak Thong Chai festival and showcasing its significance to both local residents and visitors.
The event featured exhibitions and vendor stalls highlighting the unique identity and cultural heritage of Nakhon Thai District, including:
- A selection of local delicacies sourced from various subdistricts in Nakhon Thai,
- Handicrafts and creative works reflecting local wisdom,
- Traditional folk games and contemporary music performances by students from Nakhon Thai School, and
- High-quality community products.
Beyond attracting tourists and participants from different regions, the event also contributed to local economic and social sustainability. By integrating the cultural market into the annual Pak Thong Chai Festival, the initiative plays a crucial role in driving the local economy through community-led cultural events.
The Pak Thong Chai Festival is a significant traditional event in Nakhon Thai District, Phitsanulok Province, deeply rooted in local history and beliefs about community unity in past battles against enemies. It symbolizes solidarity, local pride, and the preservation of cultural heritage. In line with this, Naresuan University launched the “Hom Kan Der” Cultural Market in front of the Nakhon Thai District Office as a platform for cultural exchange, community engagement, and the promotion of local heritage.
This initiative is part of the research project “Ecosystem Development for Festival Economy by Uplifting Local Traditional Event “Pak Thong Chai” towards National Level and International Awareness” supported by the Program Management Unit on Area-Based Development (PMU-A) under the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA).
