Mae Fah Luang University (MFU) representatives participated in the opening of the 12th “Colors of Doi Tung” festival at Mae Fah Luang Garden, Doi Tung Development Project on 3 December 2025. The university delegation presented a research-driven series of character artworks titled “Marn Marn” that reflects the cultural identity and way of life of Chiang Saen district. The MFU delegation included Dr. Natthawut Yodsuwan, Vice President; Mr. Sarutanan Sopanik, Assistant to the President, along with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pollavat Prapattong, Head of the Institute for Mekong Basin Civilization, Art and Culture, MFU, and the research team.
The festival is organised by Mae Fah Luang Foundation Under Royal Patronage in collaboration with Siam Commercial Bank Public Company Limited, Thai Beverage Public Company Limited, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Creative Economy Agency (CEA), Mae Fah Luang University, and Thai Airways International Public Company Limited.
This 12th edition’s concept is “The Monsters’ Journey – Blooming Inspiration,” a theme inspired by the Doi Tung forest guardians and the legacy of Her Majesty The Queen Mother, whose vision restored both local livelihoods and the highland environment. Held every Saturday, Sunday, and public holiday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., the event runs from 2 December 2025 to 25 January 2026.
In the opening ceremony, Mr. Ruttisak Rangsri, Vice Governor of Chiang Rai Province, remarked that the festival plays a significant role in supporting the local economy, promoting tourism, and showcasing cultural heritage. He emphasised that the event generates income for local communities, stimulates seasonal tourism activity, and serves as a model of sustainable event management that balances economic, social, and environmental objectives.
Mr. Prasert Trongcharoenkiet, Chief Operating Officer for Social Enterprise, Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage, noted that this festival—now in its twelfth consecutive year—aims to promote and conserve hill-tribe cultures, strengthen the capacity of community entrepreneurs, and foster connections between urban visitors and the Doi Tung communities.
This year’s festival prioritizes sustainability as a Carbon Neutral Event through eco-friendly packaging, reduced use of plastics, systematic waste management, and the adoption of reusable containers. This year’s highlights include the characters "Phi Toh" - the kind-hearted forest protector of biodiversity, always looks after all life to live together happily- and "Marn Marn (Good Luck)," created in collaboration with MFU researchers to communicate contemporary narratives of nature and cultural conservation, helping younger generations engage with nature, culture, and sustainable living.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pollavat Prapattong, Head of the Institute for Mekong Basin Civilization, Art and Culture and the researcher behind the "Marn Marn" project, explained that the series comprises four characters inspired by Chiang Saen district’s identity and local lifestyle:
• 'Naga' as guardian of natural resources and symbol of environmental consciousness
• 'Malee' representing ethnic diversity and communal harmony
• 'Ak-kee' embodying local culinary wisdom and the life force in food culture
• 'Salee Muang' as guardian of Chiang Saen's heart, symbolising protection of the town and kind hospitality toward visitors.
Each character represents a facet of Doi Tung’s identity, transforming the festival into a playful learning journey that blends tradition with modern storytelling.
Festival activities include The Monsters' Journey Quest, which features six photo check-in stations with "Phi Toh and Friends" and offers prizes for participants; a tribal pattern flower gardens; the Doi Tung Walking Street; exhibitions and workshops under the Doi Tung Starry Night programme; and a concert titled “JAZZ IN THE MAE FAH LUANG GARDEN” performed by artists from Russia.
Positioning itself as a university for well-being and sustainable future, Mae Fah Luang University, led by the Institute for Mekong Basin Civilization, Art and Culture, has played a key role to revive Chiang Rai’s cultural capital towards the creative economy and sustainable development of communities, aligned with UNESCO's creative cities principles.
