On Thursday, August 20, 2026, Maejo University held its annual Teacher Appreciation Ceremony (Wai Khru) for the 2026 academic year, themed "Paying Homage and Honoring Teachers." The event included the presentation of honorary plaques to outstanding civil servants, faculty members, and staff. Presiding over the ceremony was Associate Professor Dr. Weerapon Thongma, President of Maejo University. The proceedings featured a formal offering of floral trays, incense, and candles to honor Ammat Tho Phra Chuang Kaset Sinlapakan—the founder and first principal—and Professor Dr. Wiphat Bunsi Wangsai, the university’s first president, in recognition of these pivotal figures in Maejo’s history. A ceremonial blessing of textbooks was also conducted to invoke good fortune. Following this, the traditional *Wai Khru* ceremony took place, serving as an expression of gratitude and indebtedness toward teachers, as students formally pledged their commitment to their studies and received words of wisdom and guidance from the faculty. The ceremony was attended by university administrators, senior faculty, and academic staff from all faculties and colleges at the Akhom Kanchanaprachot Conference Hall, Amnuay Yotsuk Building, Maejo University.

The very first *Wai Khru* ceremony at Maejo took place on June 7, 1934—the inaugural day of classes at the Northern Primary Agricultural Teacher Training School (now Maejo University). The ceremony was held in the school’s canteen, with all students dressed in their prescribed uniforms, appearing neat, orderly, and filled with pride as students of the institution. The school invited the provincial governor and the provincial director of education to deliver words of counsel. Phra Chuang Kasetsinlapakan served as the principal, and the head student, Mr. Bunnak Mahaket, led the ceremony for paying respects to the teachers. Following this, the flowers, incense, and candles collected from all the students were placed in a *khantok* (traditional pedestal tray) and presented to the principal and the teaching staff. The students felt deeply honored and proud to be part of this occasion—an event that has since been inscribed as a significant milestone in the history of Maejo, marking its origin and the beginning of a development that has continued to the present day.

On this same occasion, the university also held a ceremony to present honorary plaques and the "Maejo Diamond Pin" to outstanding civil servants and faculty members. Maejo University’s outstanding academic and support staff for the year 2025 are as follows:

• Outstanding Civil Servant (2025): Assistant Professor Dr. Chutima Kongjaroon, Faculty of Science

• Outstanding Faculty Members:
- Teaching: Assistant Professor Dr. Teerapol Senphan, Faculty of Engineering and Agro-Industry
- Research and Innovation: Associate Professor Dr. Jakapong Kangsopa, Faculty of Agricultural Production
- Academic Services: Dr. Saengduean Inchonabot, Faculty of Agricultural Production

• Outstanding Support Staff:
- Service Excellence: Mr. Praphai Suk-in, Maejo University–Chumphon Campus
- Professional Excellence: Dr. Theppithak Buntha, Faculty of Fisheries Technology and Aquatic Resources
- Innovation Excellence: Dr. Narin Thaokaenchan, Faculty of Agricultural Production

These awards serve to honor and encourage faculty and staff members, who are vital contributors to the university’s continuous development.