Page 30 - MSU Campus Tour Guide eBook

Mahasarakham University Campus Tour Guide 29

3. RUAN KHONG
Ruan Khong is a small modular unit with its own distinguished structure, built to
lock seamlessly into the porch of the Big house (bedroom). When it needs to
be mobile, it can be taken directly without damaging the structure of the main
building. Ruan Khong is used as an area where the ‘Music of Isaan’ exhibition
is held, and as the head office for the Traditional Mahasarakham Dance and
Music Club.

4. RUAN KEOI
Ruan Keoi is a traditional Isaan wooden house on stilts with an open-air porch
extended from the main house (bedroom). This porch can be used as a
kitchen, recreation area, dining area, guest area and other uses for rituals and
traditional activities for the Isaan. The lower floor is used as a storehouse, e.g.
for storing utensils. Sometimes the area is used as a pen for poultry, cows and,
buffaloes. Ruan Keoi is used as the ‘Palm-Leaf Manuscript’ exhibition which
belongs to Preserving Palm-leaf Manuscript in the North-East Project.

5. LAO KHAO AND TOOB TOR LAO
Lao Khao (aka ‘the Barn’) stores paddy rice and agricultural produce, as
well as everyday-life utensils and pen for animals. Toob Tor Lao is a temporary
building which extends from Lao Khao, and has been dedicated as housing to
local families in transition, on their way to affording new residence. If there is no
resident, the barn can also be used as a storehouse.

6. RUAN PHU TAI
Ruan Phu Tai is the Phu Tai’s type of house. Phu Thi is a group of race that live in
the North-east. The building is similar to that of Ruan Khong but slightly
different: the ‘beam and bar’ of the small house is attached to the structure of
the big house. Ruan Phu Tai displays an exhibition on ‘Wisdom of the Chi River.’