Two Programs Unite to Elevate Freshwater Fish into Thai Food Culture: From Upstream to Downstream, the Interdisciplinary Faculty Opens an Integrated Class Championing the Identity of Thai Freshwater Fish.

The Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Khon Kaen University, has implemented cross-disciplinary integrated instruction between the Food Technology and Innovation Program and the Aquatic Animal Production Technology Program through the free elective course "Freshwater Fish for Thai Cooking" (Special Semester, Academic Year 2025). Students are engaged in hands-on practice with the aim of connecting aquatic science knowledge to food innovation, while simultaneously preserving Thai food culture.

On May 20, 2026, faculty members and students jointly conducted a practical workshop focusing on comprehensive Thai cooking skills and techniques — including frying, curry-making, grilling, and steaming — using freshwater fish, a key ingredient deeply embedded in the Thai way of life for generations. Five signature dishes were carefully crafted:

-Salt-Grilled Nile Tilapia

-Green Curry with Featherback Fish

-Featherback Fish Cake (Tod Mun)

-Sun-Dried Fried Nile Tilapia

-Steamed Nile Tilapia with Chili Dipping Sauce (Jim Jaew)

The class attracted widespread interest, with 24 students from various disciplines within the faculty enrolling, reflecting the growing awareness among the younger generation toward cross-disciplinary learning.

The initiative was closely supervised by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bang-on Hemung, the course instructor, alongside a team of experienced co-instructors: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Natcharee Jirukkakul, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ratchaneekorn Mapanao, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Nachayut Chanchotikul. Full instructional support was provided by Asst. Prof. Dr. Nadtha Nithikulworawong, Head of the Academic Division.

This collaboration between the two programs represents an educational model that seamlessly connects upstream knowledge (aquatic animal production) to downstream application (food innovation) — aligning with Khon Kaen University's policy of promoting real-world experience through Active Learning, enabling students to integrate knowledge into practical use, and fostering an appreciation for Thai local social and cultural contexts.