11.2.5 Arts and heritage contribution
Metric: Support of arts and heritage
Contribute to local arts, in terms of number of annual public performances of university choirs, theatre groups, orchestras etc… either ad-hoc or as part of an ongoing programme.
Prince of Songkla University (PSU) contributes to the preservation and promotion of local arts and cultural heritage through traditional and contemporary public performances. Through the Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Cultural Studies and other university units, PSU supports Khon (Thai masked dance drama), Nora (Southern Thai dance drama), traditional Thai music, orchestral performances, and multicultural folk arts.
These performances provide opportunities for university students, young performers, artists, and local communities to participate in cultural activities and preserve artistic traditions.
1. Public Cultural Performances in 2025
The following table presents selected cultural performances organised or supported by PSU during 2025.
| Date | Public Performance / Cultural Event |
|---|
| 9 March 2025 | Wiphitthatsana 2025 – Performances of Khon, Nora, Thai classical dance, and traditional Thai music |
| 2 June 2025 | Khon Performance: Phra Ram Crossing the Ocean – Battle Scene |
| 21 July 2025 | Khon Performance: Phra Ram Crossing the Ocean – Battle Scene |
| 21 July 2025 | Nora Dance Performance at the 32nd Cultural Festival |
| 21 July 2025 | Rong Ngeng Traditional Dance at the 32nd Cultural Festival |
| 21 July 2025 | Dikir Hulu Traditional Performance at the 32nd Cultural Festival |
| 21 July 2025 | Pencak Silat Cultural Performance at the 32nd Cultural Festival |
| 21 July 2025 | Anasyid Kumpang Musical Performance at the 32nd Cultural Festival |
| 8 August 2025 | Hulu Hansa Leela Cha Chak – Contemporary Southern Thai Cultural Performance |
| 14–16 August 2025 | Khon Performance at the 24th Khon Performing Arts Exchange |
| 19 August 2025 | Khon Performance from the Ramakien at PSU Academic Week |
| 6 September 2025 | PSU Orchestra: Symphony of New Beginnings |
| 12 September 2025 | ASEAN Cultural Performances – AUN-AYCF Thailand |
| 16 September 2025 | Khon and Traditional Thai Dance Performances at an Academic Conference |
| 18 September 2025 | Lagu Pattani – Musical Performance Celebrating Pattani’s Cultural Heritage |
| 19–20 September 2025 | Musical Performances at the Second Opening of the Historic House of Ammart Tho Phraya Phibun Phitthayaphak |
| 17 October 2025 | Nora Performance at a Cultural and Religious Celebration |
The table presents documented performance records identified for 2025. The final annual total is subject to verification of public accessibility, participating performers, and duplicate event records.
2. Annual Public Performance Statistics – 2025
Performance Indicator | 2025 Results |
|---|
Khon and Thai classical dance performances | 6 |
Nora and Southern Thai folk performances | 5 |
Traditional music and orchestral performances | 4 |
Other cultural and international performances | 2 |
Total documented performance events | 17 |
Based on the preliminary records compiled for 2025, Prince of Songkla University identified 17 cultural performance events, comprising six Khon and Thai classical dance events, five Nora and Southern Thai folk performance events, four traditional music and orchestral events, and two other cultural and international performance events. These figures are subject to final verification of event records and public accessibility.
3. Supporting Cultural Participation and Heritage Preservation
PSU supports public cultural performances through university programmes, student performing arts groups, and collaborative cultural initiatives.
In 2025, these activities included the Wiphitthatsana cultural performance programme, the inaugural PSU Orchestra concert, Khon performances, and Southern Thai folk performances presented at cultural festivals and university events.
By providing platforms for traditional and contemporary performances, PSU promotes cultural learning, strengthens community engagement, and contributes to the continued preservation of Southern Thailand’s performing arts heritage.