ChulaThaiYO to Perform in Sweden for the 129th King Chulalongkorn Commemoration
Chulalongkorn University held a press conference and final rehearsal for the Chulalongkorn University Thai Youth Orchestra (CHULA ThaiYO) on Friday, July 10, 2026, at the Phra Mingkhwan Thai Education Building, Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University. The event showcased the ensemble’s readiness before departing for the Kingdom of Sweden to promote Thai arts and culture. Chulalongkorn University is the only university in Thailand invited to participate in the 129th anniversary commemoration of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V)’s historic visit to Europe.
The event was attended by Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, together with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yootthana Chuppunnarat, Vice President of Chulalongkorn University, who offered encouragement to the students. The rehearsal also attracted considerable interest from the media.
CHULA ThaiYO consists of students from the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts who have undergone intensive training under faculty members from both schools. The entire rehearsal process has been directed by National Artist Dr. Sirichaicharn Fachamroon. During the final rehearsal, the students presented the complete performance program they will bring to Sweden, demonstrating both their preparedness and their potential to serve as young cultural ambassadors of Thailand. Their performance left a strong impression on both invited guests and members of the press.
The performance in Ragunda on July 19, 2026, will feature seven performance pieces:
- Mahachulalongkorn Overture
- Piya Maharaja Asirawat
- A Khon performance from the Ramakien, episode “Battle Formation” (Yok Rob)
- Royal Thai Classical Dance
- Manorah Sacrificial Offering
- Solo Lao Phan accompanied by the full ensemble
- Thai Traditions, composed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yootthana Chuppunnarat, Vice President of Chulalongkorn University
The program will conclude with a finale featuring the Thai songs Ram Wong Loy Krathong and Serng Krapho, together with the beloved Swedish folk song “Små Grodorna”, which the ensemble has prepared as a musical gift for the Swedish audience, symbolizing the enduring friendship between Thailand and Sweden.
This performance has been organized at the invitation of the Association for the Commemoration of King Chulalongkorn in Sweden, in collaboration with the Royal Thai Embassy in Stockholm, the Municipality of Ragunda, and the Thai community in Sweden.
The delegation of students and faculty members will travel from July 16 to 23, 2026, under the leadership of Assist. Prof. Dr. Vitchatalum Laovanich, Assistant to the President. During the visit, they will participate in a royal tribute ceremony and present Thai music and dance performances at the Thai Pavilion commemorating King Chulalongkorn in Ragunda, Sweden. The Thai Ambassador to Stockholm will also attend the event as an honored guest.
This marks Chulalongkorn University’s fourth international cultural outreach mission, following previous performances in Japan, Peru, and Indonesia, reaffirming the university’s leadership in cultural diplomacy on the global stage.
This mission reflects Chulalongkorn University’s commitment to preserving Thailand’s artistic and cultural heritage while advancing international cultural diplomacy. It also serves as an expression of gratitude to King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), the founder of Chulalongkorn University. Updates on the activities of “ChulaThaiYO,” Thailand’s young cultural ambassadors, during their mission in the Kingdom of Sweden will be available through Chulalongkorn University’s official communication channels.
