Yotchanan launches the Thai Symphony Orchestra festival “Tha Siam,” emphasizing “Cultural Innovation” to uplift Thai artists and support the Wellness Economy.
At 4:00 p.m. on 21 May 2026, Dr. Yotchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (HESRI), together with Mr. Danuporn Punnakant, Assistant Minister attached to HESRI, Mr. Sukit Srichomkwan, Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister for Political Affairs, and Mr. Chatrin Janhom, Secretary to the HESRI Minister, attended the Thai Symphony Orchestra performance titled “Tha Siam, Chanthaburi International Port.” They were joined by Mr. Thawatchai Namsamut, Deputy Governor of Chanthaburi Province; Associate Professor Porpan Sutthiwat, Acting President of Rambhai Barni Rajabhat University; Associate Professor Dr. Sugree Charoensuk, Chairman of the Sugree Charoensuk Foundation and director of the performance; Dr. Suchart Wongthong, international artist; Major General Dr. Prateep Suppanroj, performance supervisor; Dr. Wiparat Di-ong, Director of the National Research Office (NRCT); and Mom Luang Sirichalerm Sawadwat (Chef Meuk Daeng), who welcomed the guests at Sirirambhai Phanni Auditorium, Rambhai Barni Rajabhat University, Chanthaburi.
Dr. Yotchanan said the key figure behind today’s success is Associate Professor Dr. Sugree Charoensuk, who has steadfastly supported Thai artists, students, and the underprivileged for nearly 20 years to give children access to music education and transform their lives. Associate Professor Dr. Sugree laid the important foundation by establishing the College of Music at Mahidol University, now ranked among the world’s top 50. Today’s performance is part of elevating Thai artists to modern standards and showing the world the true value of Thai artists.
“We often talk about using science and technology to make the country prosperous and advance forward. But in reality, a truly wealthy and civilized country must also develop music alongside. Music opens hearts for everyone to learn. If we study history by reading just a page or two, we might fall asleep, but Professor Sugree has woven music together, blending Beethoven or Mozart’s composition styles with Thai music to tell the story of how magnificent Thai culture is.”
Dr. Yotchanan also stated that the “Tha Siam, Chanthaburi International Port” performance reflects that Siam has been prosperous and a center of international connectivity since the Ayutthaya period. Revisiting and reimagining these foundations is a powerful “cultural innovation” that serves as a model and encouragement to those studying and working in arts and culture, showing they have the opportunity to revive and create beauty for the country. Moreover, advancing the Wellness Economy cannot happen without music and a strong cultural foundation.
“Another important occasion today is our joint commemoration of UNESCO’s recognition of Queen Rambhai Barni of King Rama VII on the 100th anniversary of her royal contributions to education and equality development. As Deputy Prime Minister responsible for equity matters, I attach great importance to this. Gathering here at Wang Suan Ban Kaew is both a tribute to her honor and a milestone for social equality in Thailand,” Dr. Yotchanan said.
Mr. Thawatchai said Chanthaburi Province is an important city economically, historically, and culturally, serving as a center for trading pepper, gemstones, and fruit in the country. The “Tha Siam, Chanthaburi International Port” performance aims to convey the city’s identity and stories through contemporary music and arts to promote tourism, raise awareness of cultural heritage, and elevate Chanthaburi to a sustainable creative city.
Associate Professor Porpan said Rambhai Barni Rajabhat University plays a crucial role in advancing local and national education, located at Wang Suan Ban Kaew, the former residence of Queen Rambhai Barni of King Rama VII, whom UNESCO honored on the 100th anniversary of her contributions to education, social development, and gender equality, celebrating her legacy in laying the foundation for women’s and societal advancement in Thailand.
