On 25 January 2024, the SPSS, led by Assoc Prof Dr Montra Pongnil, the Dean of SPSS, and Asst Prof Dr Wannapa Thongdaeng, the Vice Dean of the Strategy and Innovation Department, represented the SPSS to receive the gold medal for their 2023 work under the project, “One Faculty, One Innovation for Community,” at the 13th Phayao Research Conference. The event was held in room UB002 at the 99 Years of Phra Ubalikunupamajarn building, the University of Phayao.
The SPSS’s initiative was entitled “The Project to Elevate Products through the Process of Developing the Marketing Innovators for Communities Based on the Concept of Co-ordination to Achieve Sustainability: A Case of Eco-Print Textiles Products of Khing Kaeng Sub-district, Jun District, Phayao, Thailand”. The working team for this project was as follows:
- Associate Professor Dr Wannapa Thongdaeng, Head and Researcher of this project.
- Assistant Professor Dr Raksi Kiattibutra, Researcher.
- Assistant Professor Thanyapat Mungpattanasunthon, Researcher.
- Associate Professor Dr Prayong Chandaeng, Researcher.
- Sarinee Passayawan, Researcher.
- Dr Anurat Phuntungpoom, Researcher.
- Dr Suthinee Chutimakulthawee, Researcher.
- Pipat Thanakit, Researcher.
- Pattiya Jindakhum, Secretary.
- Pornaopaum Wongwilat, Vice Secretary.
As a result of this project, the SPSS introduced a product named "Hug Khing Kaeng," which forms part of the Eco-friendly Printed Fabric Collection. This collection is affiliated with the farmers' group under the "Private Land Reform" project, located in the Phra Tad Khing Kaeng sub-district, Jun district, Phayao, Thailand. Developed in 2023, the project collaborates with researchers from the SPSS at the University of Phayao.
Utilising natural materials found within the community, such as golden teak leaves, Indian trumpet leaves, and Buddleja asiatica Lour. flowers, "Hug Khing Kaeng" is crafted from eco-friendly printed fabric. These natural materials are applied to the fabric through a process that is entirely environmentally friendly. This initiative aligns with the global trend towards environmental awareness among consumers and supports the Thai government's efforts to direct national development through the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economic model (2021-2027 B.E.). It conforms to the 20-year National Strategy (2018 – 2037 B.E.) and prioritises the advancement of localised BCG initiatives. This strategy is based on the principles of internal strengthening and meeting the specific needs of each community, while preserving their unique identities.
Crucially, all the aforementioned approaches are deemed essential in encouraging the eco-printed fabric group to focus on developing products that are not only safe and of high value but also facilitate the circulation of leftover materials to maximise their use throughout the production chain. This method not only aids in reducing waste but also presents opportunities for further enhancement by integrating the Lanna culture of the community. This is particularly relevant in the Jun district, which is home to the revered Phra Tad Khing Kaeng Temple, a site where the Buddha’s relics are enshrined.