Deputy Prime Minister Yotsanan Wongsawat wore the 'Sri Kotbur' cloth to support the craftsmanship of local artisans from the Ban Tha Ruea silk weaving group and joined the ritual procession honoring Phaya Sri Sattanakharat, joyfully dancing with thousands of traditional female dancers.
On 12 July 2026, Prof. Dr. Yotsanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), along with his team, visited Nakhon Phanom Province to deliver higher education policies, monitor progress on community economic development projects, inspect a comprehensive health service center, and advance cultural capital tourism policies. Nakhon Phanom is recognized for its potential and distinctive qualities across multiple dimensions.
Later at 4:00 p.m. the same day, Prof. Dr. Yotsanan presided over the ceremonial procession and offerings to Phaya Sri Sattanakharat. The event featured traditional dancers from That Phanom District as well as heads of government departments, civil servants, and officials from various sectors, with over 6,000 participants attending in unison.
The event included a total of seven ritual dance performances. The final dance was a joint performance by locals and tourists expressing their faith and reverence for Phaya Sri Sattanakharat and promoting tourism along the 'Pilgrimage Route.' This important annual tradition in Nakhon Phanom is held around the 7th day of the 7th lunar month. This year, it was scheduled from 7 to 13 July 2026. The grand event annually attracts prominent figures and tourists, positively impacting the economy and commerce, generating significant financial circulation in the area.
Prof. Dr. Yotsanan also danced warmly and casually with over a thousand traditional dancers, creating a memorable and joyful experience for both locals and tourists who closely observed the beauty of this cultural tradition.
Additionally, Prof. Dr. Yotsanan wore the 'Sri Kotbur' outfit, originating from the ancient Sri Kotbur Kingdom located in the Mekong River basin. The attire blends history with textile wisdom, tailored from silk or cotton dyed in navy indigo and trimmed with red from lacquer dye, adorned with 'Khork Kai Kaew' patterned ikat silk symbolizing prosperity and stability.
This 'Sri Kotbur' attire was meticulously handwoven by the Ban Tha Ruea silk weaving artisan group in Nah Wa District, Nakhon Phanom Province, under the 'Nah Wa Model' project inspired by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya’s initiative. The project integrates history, honors local wisdom, and instills genuine pride among Nakhon Phanom residents.
