The answer may vary for everyone. But for the University of Phayao, this ceremony is far more than the presentation of a certificate. It is embodied in the academic regalia—the gown—that every graduate wears. Unlike any other institution, every golden thread hand-loomed into the trimmings on a graduate’s shoulder carries a story of people, culture, and a hope that has been passed down for over two hundred years.
From Medieval Europe to the Siamese Court
The royal degree conferral ceremony is a seamless blend of Western civilization and Thai tradition. Its roots trace back to 12th-century Medieval Europe, a time when universities were deeply intertwined with the Church. Known as “Universitas,” scholars and students of that era wore long hooded robes—partly for warmth and partly as a symbol of intellectual status. This became the blueprint for the "cap and gown" we recognize today.
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This tradition traveled to Siam during the reign of King Prajadhipok (Rama VII). On October 25, 1930, His Majesty presided over the first-ever royal degree conferral ceremony in Thailand for the Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University. Having been educated in England and France, the King was well-versed in the European "Commencement" tradition, where high-ranking figures certify the academic standing of graduates. Since then, the ceremony has become a symbol of ultimate achievement, with each institution adapting the gown to reflect its own identity—from the traditional airy "gauze" robes to the solid-fabric gowns used by the University of Phayao today.
The Art of the Loom: Rooted in the Earth
The hallmark of the University of Phayao gown is its unique decorative trim, which originated from a deep cultural study of the Tai Lue community in Chiang Kham District, Phayao. The university’s Faculty of Science conducted field research on natural dyes and rediscovered a weaving heritage preserved for generations.
The centerpiece of this research is the “Lai Tam Kao”—a complex hand-woven weave. In the local dialect, Tammeans to weave, while Kao (to step) refers to the rhythmic, manual lifting of the warp threads on a traditional loom to create a shed for the decorative yarn. This technique, known as “Gep Muk” or “Khit,” requires the weaver to meticulously arrange the woven motifs row by row. This process demands such immense patience and mastery that, historically, these fabrics were reserved for those with great merit or presented as sacred gifts on special occasions.
Faith in Every Thread
To the Tai Lue, the Tam Kao weave carries a spiritual weight far beyond its physical beauty. The word Kao (meaning "step") symbolizes progress and ascension. This is why these woven motifs are prominent in ceremonial attire, representing growth and success in life. Ancient tradition also saw the creation of the “Pha Hom Tam Kao” (The Tam Kao Blanket); it was believed that the weaver’s spirit, infused into every pass of the shuttle, would protect the wearer from evil and provide warmth to both the body and the Khwan (soul).
In essence, the Lai Tam Kao is more than a textile; it is a “Sacred Amulet for the Body”—a 200-year-old legacy of woven wisdom.
When the Weave Becomes the Spirit of the Institution
The University of Phayao has integrated the Lai Tam Kaoweave into its academic regalia to represent the cultural roots of Phayao. These woven zigzag and herringbone motifssignify that a graduate is "a flow of life, wisdom, and an auspicious blessing to the land." The "step" within the weave symbolizes a graduate ready to step forward and nourish their community with knowledge—not just as a livelihood, but as a force for social prosperity.
The protective power of the Tam Kao blanket is reinterpreted on the gown as professional ethics—a spiritual armor against prejudice and corruption. Wearing this gown is like receiving a "Blessing from the Land," strengthening the graduate’s spirit to triumph in every step of their career. The University of Phayao gown is thus a symbol of relentless wisdom, protected by ethics and fueled by an auspicious spirit to guide graduates toward sustainable success.
Wisdom Flowing Back to the Community
All of this aligns with the university’s unwavering motto: “Wisdom for Community Empowerment.” We believe true knowledge is not confined to the classroom but is forged through real-world experience. Our students and staff venture into the field to drive community growth, solve local issues, and add value to local heritage.
This commitment makes the University of Phayao a leader in "Area-Based and Community Engagement" (the Group 3 University category). We aim to produce graduates who possess both deep knowledge and a profound understanding of their locality—ensuring that wisdom flows continuously to nourish society, much like the water-like flow of our hand-woven trims.
Layers of Pride
On the day the graduates step forward to receive their royal degrees, the pride felt within that hall does not belong to just one person; it exists in many profound layers. The first layer is the pride of the Tai Lue community in Chiang Kham District, who meticulously hand-loomed the Lai Tam Kao weave, ensuring its intricate beauty adorns the gown of every graduate. The next layer is the pride of the faculty and mentors who have imparted their knowledge, sending these graduates out to serve society in alignment with the university’s mission. And the deepest layer of all is the pride of parents and families, watching their children stand tall in that regalia. On that day, what they see before them is no ordinary gown—it is the “Gown of Local Wisdom,” imbued with the spirit of a refined scholar. It represents an individual armed with the intellect and soul to step forward, create a better society, and build a lasting strength for the land.