Khemsorn Dejraksa, an ASEAN Studies Program student at the School of Political Science and Laws, published an Indonesian-language piece titled “Enam Jenis Makanan untuk Leluhur” (Six Desserts for Ancestors) in the Indonesian daily Surya on April 4, 2021.

Khemsorn writes about the tenth-month custom, the most significant and renowned merit-making ritual of the southern people, particularly of Nakhon Si Thammarat, in this article. The article introduced Indonesian readers to the Buddhist city of Nakhon Si Thammarat, which hosts a tenth lunar month celebration every year in September or October. There was evidence that an official event had been held at “Na Muang” city yard since 1923. People from Nakhon Si Thammarat come to create merit, present sweet-savory food to the monks, and devote the merit to the departed ancestors. They have six desserts: Khanom Phong, Khanom Lon, Khanom Kong, Khanom Dee Sum, Khanom Ba, and Khanom Thien, each with a different significance for the ancestors’ spirits. The article also includes information on travel, accommodation, and expenditures for those who desire to enjoy the tenth month in Muang Khon style.

Surya is the most widely circulated newspaper in East Java, Indonesia. The newspaper provides some space for articles on the societies and cultures of neighboring countries, including Thailand. Surya just published many works of Indonesian writing by ASEAN Studies Program students. These articles were the result of an Indonesian language class that students took with Indonesian lecturers from the State University of Malang during the second and third semesters of the 2020 academic year.