On July 25, 2026, Associate Professor Dr. Ruksit Suttipong, the Dean of the School of Education, University of Phayao, together with the School's executives, distinguished experts, faculty members, support staff, and student representatives, participated in organizing the 11th Phra That Chom Thong Robe Procession Festival 2026 at Phra That Chom Thong. The event aimed to preserve, promote, and celebrate the rich cultural and religious heritage of the Lanna region. The ceremony was honored by the welcoming remarks of Mr. Satchawit Leelawanit, Mayor of Phayao Municipality, while Associate Professor Dr. Supakorn Pongbangpho, President of the University of Phayao, presided over the opening ceremony. This year's festival also formed part of the celebrations marking the 16th Anniversary of the University of Phayao.

The festival was organized through the collaboration of the School of Education, the School of Liberal Arts, the School of Political and Social Sciences, and the Lanna Arts and Culture Center of the University of Phayao, in partnership with the Phayao Provincial Administrative Organization, Phayao Municipality, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (Chiang Rai Office – Chiang Rai–Phayao), the Fai Luang Community Network, local community networks across Phayao Province, and communities surrounding the ancient site of Phra That Chom Thong. The project reflected the strong collaboration among higher education institutions, government agencies, and local communities in safeguarding the cultural heritage of Phayao Province. The festival featured a magnificent procession of ceremonial offerings and the sacred robe for Phra That Chom Thong, together with the cultural dance performance "Radiant Wisdom: Purple and Gold of the University of Phayao," performed by more than 100 students from the University of Phayao. The performance reflected the students' pride in their cultural heritage and demonstrated the active role of the younger generation in preserving and passing on valuable local traditions.

The event embodied the University's guiding philosophy, "Wisdom for Community Empowerment," and its strategic commitment to preserving arts and culture by promoting learning, strengthening awareness of local cultural conservation, fostering pride in the identity of Phayao Province, and supporting sustainable cultural tourism and community participation. Furthermore, the activity supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals.