So much so that he bought two Bt40,000 guitars that were made by a Khon Kaen University graduate student.

The exhibition hosted research and innovative products from four universities, namely Kasetsart, Mahidol, Prince of Songkla and Khon Kaen, which could be developed further for commercial or practical purposes.

Pichrawee Suraareekul, an architect graduate student, said that the handcrafted guitars are part of her undergraduate thesis at Khon Kaen University.

She said the objectives are to develop local materials with innovation, resulting in value-added modern instruments.

The process started from choosing bamboo woods, sun-drying them, boiling them in sulfur water, and coating the surface.

Her guitars also go through studio sound testing, Pichrawee added.

“My customers usually test the guitars before making decisions. The PM is one among a very few that decided to buy them at first sight,” she said. “Perhaps he liked the blends of local and modern wisdom in the guitars.”