KHON KAEN — 21 May 2026, A spectacular showcase with the grand launch of the “Mor Lam Carnival: The Charm of Isan Khon Kaen” under the theme, Khon Kaen to the World 2027, aiming to cement the province’s reputation as the global “metropolis of mor lam,” elevating the traditional folk music genre for UNESCO World Heritage status.
On Thursday, reporters observed five dazzling mor lam parades marched down Klang Mueang Road in Khon Kaen’s municipal district. Performers paused along the route to showcase elaborate, shimmering costumes and dramatic routines for both eager spectators and judging panels. This colorful carnival procession is a core highlight of the Mor Lam Carnival: The Charm of Isan Khon Kaen festival. The ceremony features vibrant contemporary and creative parades, stunning light and sound productions, and star-studded performances from top-tier troupes like “Rabiab Wathasin.” The showcases by all five processions left a lasting impression on attendees before making their way to the Anti-Drug Sports Ground.
The festival runs from 20 to 22 May at the Anti-Drug Sports Ground near the Bueng Kaen Nakhon lake, Khon Kaen. In addition, the venue features stalls selling local community products and traditional Isan cuisine, offering visitors fully immerse themselves in shopping and dining.
Saratsanun Unnopporn, Secretary to the Minister of Culture, officially inaugurated the event. The ceremony featured a headline performance by Rabiab Watthasilp, mor lam troupe. Despite pre-show rain showers, thousands of dedicated fans remained gathered on mats across the grounds to support the artists.
Saratsanun noted that mor lam is a highly popular performing art in the Isan region, drawing vast followings of devoted fanbases for each troupe, which in turn generates local trade and stimulates the regional economy. The Mor Lam Carnival, now in its third consecutive year, reflects the Ministry of Culture’s ongoing dedication to promoting Isan’s mor lam heritage. Moreover, mor lam is a treasured cultural asset that must be preserved and championed by all sectors. The Ministry of Culture is also actively preparing to nominate mor lam to UNESCO as World Heritage status. The Ministry is currently conducting thorough research and is confident that once Cabinet approval is secured, the nomination will successfully progress through the official UNESCO listing cycle, officially registering mor lam as a world-class cultural heritage.