MSU Brings Morlum to Sydney to Promote Isan Soft Power on the International Stage through “Morlum to the World: E-SAN to Sydney”

Mahasarakham University brought Morlum performances to Sydney, Australia, through the activity “Morlum to the World: E-SAN to Sydney.” The project aimed to promote Isan performing arts as cultural soft power and expand Morlum to international audiences. It also created new opportunities for young artists, Thai communities abroad, and creative cultural industries.

Mahasarakham University, with support from the Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC), the Research and Innovation Acceleration Agency for Competitiveness and Area Development (RCAD), and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), continued to promote Morlum performing arts on the international stage through the activity “Morlum to the World: E-SAN to Sydney.” The activity was held under the project “Upgrading the Morlum Industry to the International Level” during May 30–31, 2026, in Sydney, Australia.

This activity was organized to present the charm, spirit, and creative power of Isan arts and culture to audiences overseas. It also aimed to explore ways to expand the Morlum market to new audiences, including Thai people, multicultural communities, and foreigners interested in Isan arts and culture. The performances were held at two major venues: on May 30, 2026, at Marko’s Restaurant Sydney, and on May 31, 2026, at Thai Town Sydney, one of the most important Thai community centers in Australia. The activity received cooperation from key partner networks, including the Thai Restaurant Association of Australia, the Thai Australian Association of Australia, and the Thai Music and Dance Club of Australia, as well as support from the Royal Thai Consulate-General, Sydney.

A major highlight of the activity was the performance “Morlam to the World” by new-generation Morlum artists from Mahasarakham University, including Piano, Pim, and Kaem. These artists were selected and developed under the research project to create a model for contemporary Morlum performers. Their performance was presented together with professional Morlum artists, including Phaiboon Siangthong and Sukanya Yodnapha, who shared the charm of Morlum through local wisdom, entertainment, and Isan cultural identity.

In addition, the Thai Town Sydney stage featured a Ponglang ensemble and the “Nang Hai Sydney 2026 Contest,” organized by the Thai Music and Dance Club of Australia. These activities created opportunities for Thai youth and Thai communities overseas to take part in preserving cultural heritage and to build pride in their Thai roots.

Assoc. Prof. Kanda Boonsothornsathit, Ph.D., Director of PMUC, said that this project is an important example of using cultural capital to create added economic value. It integrates research, innovation, and international cooperation to expand opportunities for Thai artists and cultural industries in the global market.

Prof. Pairot Pramual, Ph.D., Vice President for Research and Innovation Development, Mahasarakham University, said that Morlum is not only a performing art, but also a cultural heritage that reflects the wisdom, language, music, and identity of people in the Mekong River Basin. Bringing Morlum to the international stage is therefore a way to preserve culture, create new knowledge, and develop future creative economy opportunities.

Mr. Naruchai Ninnad, Consul-General in Sydney, said that this project reflects the potential of Thai arts and culture in creating economic value and cultural diplomacy. It also provides an opportunity for Thai communities abroad to take pride in their cultural roots.

Dr. Marko Malivong, President of the Thai Restaurant Association of Australia, said that Morlum is not only entertainment, but also represents stories, memories, and identity, especially for Isan people living far from home. Hearing the sound of the khaen and Morlum in Sydney is like connecting people’s hearts back to their hometowns. It also opens the door for Australians and international audiences to experience the charm of Thai culture closely.

Acting Sub Lt. Chanpat Chantamoon, Founder of the Thai Music and Dance Club of Australia, said that Thai performing arts are a unique cultural identity admired by both Thai and international audiences. For this activity, the club therefore joined in organizing the Ponglang ensemble performance and the Nang Hai Sydney 2026 Contest to promote participation among Thai people in Sydney and audiences in Thai Town Sydney.

“Morlum to the World: E-SAN to Sydney” received a very positive response from both Thai and international audiences. The activity was not only a cultural performance overseas, but also an important step in bringing the spirit of Morlum and the creative power of the new generation from Isan to the world. It created new awareness of Isan performing arts and laid a foundation for the sustainable development of the Morlum industry on the international stage.

For more information, please contact Thom Gatewongsa, Director of The Research Institute of Northeastern Art and Culture, Mahasarakham University.
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel. +66 86 241 5131

Source: The Research Institute of Northeastern Art and Culture, Mahasarakham University

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