On March 11, 2025, the Center for Cultural and Sports Promotion, Walailak University, organized the annual Tum Pang Ancestor Merit-Making Ceremony to pay homage to the university’s sacred entity, promote auspiciousness, and encourage students and staff to recognize the value and cultural heritage at Tum Pang Ancient Site, Walailak University. Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University, presided over the ceremony, with a large number of executives, faculty members, staff, students, distinguished guests, and the general public participating.
The event included Brahman religious rituals at the Tum Pang Ancient Site ceremonial grounds and Buddhist religious rituals at the Southern Region Arts and Culture Learning Center Building, along with a “Nora Dance Offering to Tum Pang Ancestor” performance by the Walailak Nora Training Center. Participants then jointly offered food in traditional Thai tiered containers (pinto) to five monks.
The Tum Pang Ancient Site is located within Walailak University and is revered by the Walailak community and surrounding residents who believe that a sacred entity, “Tum Pang Ancestor,” protects the site. The Division of Arts and Culture Preservation, Center for Cultural and Sports Promotion, organizes the annual Tum Pang Ancestor Merit-Making Ceremony to pay homage to the university’s sacred entity and bring auspiciousness to Walailak University.
This ceremony also promotes the recognition of the value and cultural heritage that has long been part of Thai society, shaping minds to uphold good deeds, avoid evil, and practice sacrifice through donations and physical contributions to develop and clean the Tum Pang Ancient Site as a historical and archaeological learning resource.
