Hong Kham Suwanchat Academy was founded through the strong determination of Asst. Prof. Pasit Saengsoda (Ajarn Ron Hongkham), whose lifelong aspiration was to “return home” and create a local learning center for the community. He had left home at the age of 12 to study at Wat Inthararam Worawihan, Thonburi, driven by his deep passion for the arts.
Ajarn Pasit had the opportunity to pursue higher studies in the fine arts, beginning with his dedication under Ajarn Chalermchai Kositpipat. Eventually, however, he chose to study in the “Wang Chai” Royal Palace Project, initiated under the royal patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. This program focused on the Ten Traditional Crafts (Chang Sip Mue), starting with traditional painting before advancing to royal goldsmithing, a craft renowned for its precision and ancient techniques such as traditional gold casing and royal metalwork.
Inspired by the symbolism of the Navaratna Ring (Nine Gems Ring) and his passion for craftsmanship, Ajarn Pasit dedicated himself to preserving and passing on the artistic knowledge he acquired within the palace walls. His teaching philosophy was founded on the principle: “Copy the ancients—never create on your own”, emphasizing the importance of understanding the true foundation of Thai art before developing one’s own creative expression.
After graduating and serving as a research officer in the Royal Palace for five years, he resigned from civil service to focus on developing his own potential and caring for his family. During this time, he established the “Ban Nai Chang Thong” (House of the Goldsmith), envisioned as a warm, homelike workshop rather than a commercial shop. He also launched training programs in the arts, such as the “Ton Kla Chang Thong” (Young Goldsmith Sprout Project).
A major turning point in his life came in 2016, when he decided to “return home to build” in Suwannakhuha District, Nong Bua Lamphu Province. His goal was to transform his hometown into both a “learning hub and a source of livelihood” under the name Hong Kham Suwanchat, drawing inspiration from cultural tourism landmarks such as Dusit Dewa in Koh Samui, the Jim Thompson House, and the cosmological principles applied in architectural planning, including shrines, ponds, and stupas.
The name “Hong Kham Suwanchat” carries a profound meaning, translated as “the elder brother who is a goldsmith establishing this golden house.” It reflects four core concepts:
One unique feature of Hong Kham Suwanchat is the adaptation of motifs from Wat Tham Suwannakhuha, transformed into the contemporary “Cham Kham” patterns used in modern products such as clothing, loincloths, and bags. These are created with everyday tools easily found in the community, including sponges, scouring pads, or even makeup brushes.
At present, Hong Kham Suwanchat Academy has become a comprehensive learning center, offering training in Cham Kham textile printing, natural dyeing, goldsmithing, banana-leaf and floral crafts, as well as Thai music. It welcomes youth, students, and the general public, with the mission of preserving cultural heritage while inspiring future generations.
1. Course on Soldering and Metal Joining
2. Course on Enameling (Hot/Cold techniques)
3. Course on Jewelry and Gemstone Crafting
4. Course on Traditional Necklace and Bracelet Weaving (Phetchaburi and Sukhothai craftsmanship)
5. Course on Handicrafts and Cultural Arts
6. Course on Cham Kham Techniques – Suwannapat Textiles
7. Course on Local Cultural Handicrafts – Floral and Banana-Leaf Crafts
Emphasizes hands-on practice and experiential learning, guided directly by masters and local experts.
