The “Wai Khru,” or Teacher Appreciation Ceremony, is a meaningful Thai tradition that fosters respect and gratitude toward educators, reflecting the cultural values of honour and humility. For graduate students in Early Childhood Education under the Faculty of Education, this ceremony serves not only as a symbolic rite of passage but also as a foundation for cultivating the professional identity and ethical spirit of future teachers. By aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, the project promotes inclusive, respectful, and value-based learning environments. It encourages students to embrace their roles as compassionate educators who contribute to the holistic development of young children and the sustainability of educational communities.
Project Coordinator: Assoc. Prof. Dr Siraprapa Phruttikul, Asst. Prof. Dr. Chaweng Sonboon, Asst. Prof. Dr. Sukanlaya Sucher and Dr. Chanasorn Nimnuan
Objectives:
- To support the university’s commitment to the SDGs Goals through the preservation and continuation of the Wai Khru ceremony as a meaningful cultural tradition.
- To cultivate awareness of the professional role and teaching spirit among graduate students, preparing them to become dedicated educators in early childhood development.
- To strengthen positive relationships across cohorts, between students and faculty members, fostering a sense of identity and pride within the academic community.
Program Activities:
The program proceeded as planned, beginning with a formal project report and concluding with an opening speech by the program chair, Associate Professor Dr Chaweng Sonboon. Students then recited the traditional Wai Khru chant, honouring teachers as revered mentors who impart knowledge, ethics, and practical wisdom. This was followed by a group performance of the song “Phra Khun Tee Sam” (The Third Grace) and the ceremonial garland offering to faculty members. Professors shared words of encouragement, after which students made a solemn pledge reaffirming their commitment to the professional values and responsibilities of early childhood educators, in alignment with the master’s program’s philosophy.
The ceremony concluded with group photographs and a formal closing. The implementation of the Wai Khru Ceremony project yielded significant and measurable outcomes. Quantitative data indicated that 100% of current graduate students in the Early Childhood Education master’s program participated in the event and were actively involved in its organisation, reflecting a high level of engagement and collaborative spirit. The post-event evaluation revealed that participants rated all aspects of the project at the highest level on the Likert scale. These aspects included:
(1) the promotion of activities aligned with the SDGs Goals,
(2) the preservation and transmission of valuable cultural traditions,
(3) the expression of respect and gratitude toward educators,
(4) the cultivation of professional awareness and the teaching spirit among early childhood educators, and
(5) the strengthening of intergenerational relationships and the development a strong sense of academic identity and pride in their current program of study.
Moreover, the satisfaction ratings collected from participants were consistently at the highest level across all evaluated dimensions. This reflects a strong positive reception of the event’s design, relevance, and impact. Qualitative feedback further highlighted the ceremony’s perceived value, with multiple respondents expressing a desire to institutionalise it and hold it annually as part of the program’s ongoing tradition. Such responses suggest that the ceremony not only fulfilled its immediate objectives but also contributed to long-term cultural and professional development within the academic community.
The Wai Khru Ceremony was successfully conducted with full participation from graduate students, reflecting strong engagement and cultural pride. The event reinforced core values of respect, professionalism, and educational purpose aligned with SDG 4 and SDG 16. Participants expressed deep appreciation for the tradition and its role in shaping teacher identity. Evaluation results showed the highest satisfaction levels across all dimensions. Feedback strongly supported its continuation as an annual institutional practice. The event took place in a heartfelt, respectful atmosphere, with enthusiastic participation from current students and alums, including those from the very first cohort.
Expected Outcomes (Impacts):
- Promote community engagement and the preservation of intangible cultural heritage to achieve the university’s mission and support the Sustainable Development Goals.
- The preservation and continuation of Thailand’s good culture will be maintained in a sustainable educational society.
- Develop learners who will take on the primary role of early childhood teachers and embody the spirit of educators, ready to be a vital force in advancing early childhood education and society.
Date of Implementation: October 25, 2025
