Ubon Rajathanee University

Information Ubon Rajathanee University :

Ubon Rajathanee University (UBU) was founded in 1987 as a regional campus of Khon Kaen University. It was established as a university by Royal Charter in 1990. It aims to provide educational opportunities for the people of Northeast Thailand, servicing specifically the provinces of Amnat Charoen, Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Si Sa Ket, Ubon Ratchathani and Yasothon. It supports and encourages research that benefits the local, national and international communities, and promotes activities that preserve the cultural identity of the area.

The University is located on the Warin-Detudom Road, approximately 15 kilometres south of Ubon. It is easily accessible by public transport from the airport and the numerous bus terminals in Ubon, and the train station in Warin. The campus is spacious and is situated in a rural setting, occupying approximately 5300 rai (848 hectares).

The University's logo is in the form of a Lan Chang period chedi, a religious structure common in Esarn. The chedi contains a lotus blossom resting upon a three-tiered pedestal representing the main rivers of the province, the Mekhong, the Chii and the Moon. The two bottom petals of the blossom represent the qualities of morality and intellectuality that the University strives to develop in its students. The three top petals represent the "Triple Gem" of Buddhism, a recognised pathway to happiness. The pink of the lotus is the official colour of the province, and the blue outline of the logo represents the strength and stability of the University. The yellow background is the official colour of the University.

The symbolic tree of the University is the Kan-Krao, a fragrant yellow flowering tree that grows prolifically on campus. Kan-Krao can grow even in infertile soil. Its timber is very hard and can withstand termites, so it is excellent in the construction of houses and furniture. The tree represents the strength and unity of the University working towards the future.

Semester Times

UBU mainly operates on a two-semester program. Semester 1 is from June to October and Semester 2 is from November to February. A summer semester from April to May is also offered in some selected courses presented in intensive mode.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees vary. There are some scholarships available for international students, especially those students from neighbouring countries. For more details, contact the appropriate faculty directly or the Division of International Cooperation.

Admission

International students' admission is considered on a case by case basis. For more details, contact the appropriate faculty directly or the Division of International Cooperation.

Information by : Ubon Rajathanee University - http://www.ubu.ac.th

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Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University

Founder of the University

Founder of the University : His Majesty the King Rama V

His Majesty the King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V) is the son of King Mongkut (Rama IV) and Somdej Phrathep Sirindhraboromarajini (Phra-ongchao Rampuiepamarapirom) His original name was Somdej Phrachaolukyather Chaofaa Chulalongkorn. He was born on September 20, 1853. He was the favorite son of King Rama IV and always joined both short and long trips to wherever King Rama IV went. After he grew up, he was efficiently responsible for the given missions throughout his reign.

He was first educated by Kromluang Worasethasuda, who was highly qualified in general knowledge and royal customs and traditions. He studied everything required for the Crown Prince i.e. Pali Language taught by Phra Pariyattidhammadhada (Pium) from the Scholar Society. He learnt gun shooting from Phraya Apaisornplerng (Sri), wresting and artistery from Luang Pholyothanuyok (Rung), riding horses from Momchao Singhanart, riding elephants from Krompraya Bamrabporapak. However, King Rama IV himself provided the best training in administration, classical Thai traditions and studies, and archaeology.

In 1861, King Rama IV promoted him a higher title named “Somdej Phrachaolukyather Chaofaa Chulalongkorn”. He was then taught English by a native English speaking teacher, Mrs. Anna Leonowens, for a full course until he was ordained as a novice.

In 1866, after disrobed, he was taught by Dr. Chandalay, an American Missionary, Meanwhile, he was more being trained all general affairs all days and at night in emergency matters so he could gain hands-on experiences for real cases, and problem-solving as some guidelines of decision-making and solutions. For instance, he listened to King Rama IV’s discussion with Senior Ministers like Somdej Chaopraya Borommahasrisuriyawong which he learned good governance since childhood. In 1865, King Rama III died and the status of Chaofaa Chulalongkorn was changed to the Crown Prince. This prompted him to the preparation for the Future King. He again was given the higher title, “Kromkhunphinitprachanart” and took control of the Royal Guard Department, the Palace Security Department and the Treasurer Department.

In 1868, King Rama IV died, Senior Ministers and Royal noblemen all agreed that Chaofaa Chulalongkorn should ascend to the Throne. He succeeded to the throne on October 1, 1868 under the title of King Rama V of the Chakri Dynasty. On November 11th, 1868, King Rama V officially ascended to the Throne and reigned the country under the guidance of the regent, Somdej Chaophraya Borommahasrisuriyawong, the foremost nobleman, as he was only 15 years old. He regularly presided over the royal ceremonies and events and also chaired administrative meetings to learn all issues from the regent. His skillful management, appropriate execution, consistency and positive reaction brought him great acceptance, high cooperation, and wholehearted gratitude throughout 42 years of his reign.

In 1873, at the age of 20 years old, he was ordained as a monk for 15 days. So His Majesty the King Rama V was the first king of Rattanakosin Period to become a monk during the reign.

On November 12, 1873, he was again traditionally crowned King Chulalongkorn and immediately abolished the prostration, during the ceremony and before the king as it was no longer practical because of the changing society. King Rama V also promoted Chaophraya Borommaha Srisuriyawong to a higher title “Somdej Chaophraya Borommahasrisuriyawong”.

His Majesty the King Rama V reigned the nation for 42 years which is the longest monarch at that time. He passed away on October 23, 1910 at the age of 58.

It is worth noted that he successfully and peacefully abolished the slavery in 1905 without bloodshed. His Majesty the King Rama V initiated enormous reforms in law, civil organization, education, and religion.

He had strong faith in Buddhism and supported education for monks for the security, prosperity and peace in Siam as seen in his statement “ During my reign, I intend to consistently support Buddhism and monks. I want to make some commitments that as long as I live, I will always support Buddhism”.

His Majesty the King Rama V and Buddhist Promotion

In 1873, he became a monk. Moreover, he held the higher ordination ceremony every year which shows his strong faith in Buddhism.

In 1898, he had the Tipitaka revised and printed in Thai Alphabet for 1,000 copies, called “The printed Tipitaka edition”. This is the first printing of the Tipitaka in Thai Alphabet. He sponsored this printing for 1,000 chang (old currency) and had them distributed to local Buddhist temples and abroad.

Later in 1902, His Majesty the King RamaV issued the Sangha Administration Act of B.E. 2445 (1902) to systemize the Sangha administration across the country. According to the Act, the Sangha Supreme Council was granted authorities to rule and settle all the disputes and conflicts. The Sangha administration was divided into hierarchical levels : Regional, Provincial, District, Sub-district level respectively. Besides, the Sangha Administration Act shows the King’s vision in equal opportunity for all in education: both laymen and monks. The Act states that abbots and higher-ranking monks are responsible for supporting education. This also synchronizes with the announcement of the formal education for children in up-country in 1898. It requires that education be started in various temples and monks are in charge of teaching. School textbooks were also printed for monks to teach various subjects and Dhamma.

His Majesty authorized Somdet Phramahasamanachao Kromphrayavajirayanavaroros and Somdet Kromphrayadamrongrajanupharb to manage the formal education in up-country. This clearly shows one of his objectives that he adhered throughout his reign as shown in his statement “ Every royal family including my children and all other citizen will have equal opportunity to study; education is very important and I will try my best to make it most prosper”.

His Majesty the King, in addition, founded the higher educational institutes for the Sangha. Those are “Mahamakut Rajavidyalaya” at Wat Bovornnives Vihara for Dhammayutikanikaya Sect and “Mahachulalongkorn Rajavidyalaya “ for Mahanikaya Sect.

Both institutes are still in operation and have been continuously maintaining Buddhism. His strong faith in Buddhism also shows in his building and renovating many temples throughout the country.

Historical Background

Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU) was established by His Majesty the King Chulalongkorn the Great in BE 2430/CE 1887. It was located at Wat Mahadhatu, formerly, it was named “Mahadhatuvidyalaya”.

Mahadhatuvidyalaya offered the first classes in BE 2432/CE1889. Later on, King Chulalongkorn gave the new name as “Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya” on 13 September, BE 2439/CE 1896 with the purpose to establish a major institute of Buddhist Higher Education for Buddhist monks, novices and laypeople with emphasis on Buddhist Studies as its main subjects.

To fulfill His Majesty’s intention, Phrabimaladhamma (Choy Danadattamahathera), the late abbot of Wat Mahadhatyuvaratrangsarit had called 57 senior monks from Mahanikaya sect for a meeting on 9 January, BE 2490/CE1947 with the purpose to run the Buddhist Education on the Tipitaka and higher Education in undergraduate level.

For over 50 years of Buddhist Education, Mahachaulalongkornrajavidyalaya University has provided graduates with deep knowledge in Buddhist teaching and academic service to society. As the University has provided quality graduates to work for society, nation and religion, therefore, in BE 2540/CE 1997, the government had passed the bill to the parliament to legislate the Act of Parliament of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University as the government university.

Phrabat Somdet Phra Paramintharamaha Bhumibol Adulyadej Mahitalathibet Ramathibodi Chakkri Narubodin Sayammintharathirat Borommanatthabophit has enacted on the 21 st day of September, BE 2540/CE 1997 and was graciously proclaimed a government gazette on the 1 st day of October, BE 2540/CE 1997 that this university shall be called “ Mahachualalongkornrajavidyalaya University”.

Information by : Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU) - http://www.mcu.ac.th

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Maejo University

About Maejo University :

Founded in June 7, 1934, Maejo University is considered as the oldest agricultural institution in the country. It was first established as the Northern Agricultural Teachers Training School under the Ministry of Education and was later transferred under the Ministry of Agriculture to become the Kasetsart Preparatory School. After a year, it was officially installed as Maejo Agricultural School to serve as a research station of Kasetsart University (KU), a state university in Bangkok. It began to accept M.6 (Grade 12) students who, upon finishing at Maejo, were automatically admitted to KU for a 4-year degree program.

In 1956, Maejo was renamed Chiang Mai College of Agriculture, making it the first certificate-granting agricultural college under the Ministry of Education. Its graduates became secondary school teachers in agriculture.

In 1975, Maejo was royally confirmed as one of the state universities under the Ministry of University Affairs and was called the Institute of Agricultural Technology. With this status, it began to accept students from vocational schools to register into its 2-year programs (associate degrees) and, students from the secondary schools to its 4-year degree programs. This move was aimed to give all vocational school graduates greater opportunity to attain higher education in agriculture. It is for this reason that February the 19th is celebrated as Maejo's Foundation Day.

In 1980, the institute’s name was modified into Maejo Institute of Agricultural Technology upon the request of its alumni. However, due to its rapid development, it was elevated into a full university status, both in title and in essence on November 12, 1996. It was given the name Maejo University which was immediately approved by the national parliament.

Under the Ministry of Education, Maejo University is a degree-granting institute that attempts to educate students in practical agriculture, aiming to prepare them for agricultural pursuits. MJU strives to nurture and develop its graduates to become technically competent besides being culturally and scholarly matured thereby, able to contribute to the future of the country.

At present, Maejo University belongs to the Commission on Higher Education of the Ministry of Education.

Philosophy - Vision - Mission

Philosophy

Development of knowledge through theoretical and practical education to produce graduates who are equipped with skills, thirst for knowledge, zeal for work, ability to conceive with leadership qualities including moral integrity and ethics.

Vision

Development focus towards the university as a foremost international institution of academic excellence in the region and to become a learning center for all people with self-reliance and dependence of Thai society.

Mission

1. To produce knowledgeable graduates with academic and vocational capabilities to withstand changes, but with emphasis in agriculture, applied science and other related fields of study in accordance with the needs of the society and the labor market.
2. To create innovations and development of knowledge in various fields of study particularly in agriculture and applied science for learning and technology transfer to the society.
3. To focus on the expansion of educational opportunities to under-privileged people.
4. To emphasize on the widening of academic services at the regional and international levels.
5. To develop the university as an institution with social reliability and that can lead the community and the locality towards prosperity.
6. To preserve the cultural identity of the country while striving to conserve natural resources.
7. To build an administrative system that endeavors to attain management efficiency, effectiveness and transparency.

Information by : Maejo University - http://www.mju.ac.th

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Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University

History of STOU (Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University)

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University was established as a state university in order to provide the people with increased educational opportunities at university level. It is an open university, which uses a distance teaching system.

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, King Rama IX, bestowed the name "Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University" in honor of King Rama VII, one of whose titles before his accession to the throne was "Prince Sukhothai Thammaraja".

The University was officially established by Royal Charter on 5 September 1978, under the name of "Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University". The University has thus designated 5 September of each year as the commemorative date of the University's founding. As the eleventh state university, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University has all the honors and privileges of other universities. It was the first open university in Southeast Asia to use a distance teaching/learning system.

During 1979-1984, STOU had no home of its own, so it had to share space with such agencies as the National Education Commission, Thai Airways, the Faculty of Economics of Chulalongkorn University, and the Ministry of University Affairs. In 1981 Mr. Mongkol Kanjanapas donated to the University a 130 rai section of land located in Tambon Bangpood, Amphur Pakkred, Nonthaburi. As this was not enough to fulfill the objectives of the University, it bought more land, which made the total area approximately 135 rai. Construction of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University begon in 1982, and on 16 March 1983, Her Royal Highness, Princess Galyani Wattana graciously consented to preside over the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony.

Mission and Objectives

Mission

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, in response to individual and societal needs, holds to the principle of lifelong education and aims to develop the quality of life of people, generally by increasing the level of knowledge of working people and expanding the educational opportunities for secondary-school graduates. This is accomplished by establishing a distance education system which employs correspondence media, radio broadcasts, television, and other methods that enable students to study on their own without having to enter an actual classroom.

Objectives

1. To provide educational programs and promote high-level academic and professional courses in order that the people have the chance to increase their level of knowledge in accordance with individual and societal needs.

2. To engage in research for the advancement of knowledge and for the country's development.

3. To render public service by disseminating knowledge in order to improve the quality of life of the people in general.

4. To preserve the culture and promote the development of positive attitudes in order to maintain the identity of the Thai nation.

Information by : Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University - http://www.stou.ac.th

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Mae Fah Luang University

General Information :

Mae Fah Luang University, an autonomous public university, was established on the 25 th of September 1998 according to the 1998 Royal Charter of Mae Fah Luang University, and was granted royal permission to be named after the title by which the local people respectfully addressed and referred to Her Royal Highness the Princess Mother. This appellation of auspicious meaning signifies the objectives of this university as a memorial of Thai people’s loyalty to Her Royal Highness the Princess Mother for Her boundless benevolence to people throughout the Kingdom.

After its establishment on the 25 th September 1998 , the University accepted the first cohort of sixty students into two programmes and simultaneously started building the main campus in the proximity of Doi Ngaem, Muang District, Chiang Rai Province . The construction, which started on the 22 nd of July 1999 , was completed on the 6 th of May 2004 , at a total cost of 2,325 million Baht.

The University’s entire campus area at Doi Ngaem amounts to 4,997 rais, consisting mainly of hills, with a small amount of plain, and by consent of the Cabinet, the University was given another 2,556 rais of land in Jom Mok Kaew Subdistrict, Mae Lao District, Chiang Rai Province, to accommodate its future expansion. In addition, His Majesty the King also kindly granted the University about 700 rais of land in Mae Suay District, Chiang Rai Province . The University has been developing its curricula and instruction to meet international standards, adopting English as the primary medium of instruction, with regularly arranged activities to promote self-studying. Since its establishment almost seven years ago, Mae Fah Luang University in its continuing academic development has offered study programmes that meet both the domestic demand and that of Greater Mekhong Subregion countries. Currently, Mae Fah Luang University offers twenty six Bachelor’s Degree programmes, seventeen Master’s Degree programmes and seven docorate programmes through nine Schools, namely, School of Liberal Arts, School of Science, School of Management, School of Information Technology, School of Agro-Industry, School of Cosmetic Science, School of Nursing, School of Health Science and School of Law, with the entire population of 7,111 students, 257 teachers and 498 operating staff.

Strongly determined to fulfil Her Royal Highness the Princess Mother’s ‘Afforestation and Human-Resources Development’ intention, Mae Fah Luang University is resolute in its attempts to preserve and restore the environment as well as to improve people’s quality of life through quality education whereby sustainable livelihood can be attained.

Regarding Sirindhorn Chinese Language and Culture Center, it can be said that the idea of establishing a centre for Chinese language and culture in Thailand had been constantly considered but had not been materialized until March 1999, when the issue of Chinese-language teaching and establishing a centre for Chinese language and culture in Thailand was discussed by the People’s Republic of China’s Minister of Education and Thailand’s Minister of University Affairs. In early August 2000, as a result of the discussion, the government of the People’s Republic of China consented to the establishment of a Chinese language and culture centre at Mae Fah Luang University . The People’s Republic of China intended the Chinese language and culture centre to be part of Her Royal Highness the Princess Mother’s 100 th birthday anniversary, to symbolize the ongoing friendship and goodwill cherished by the two countries and to operate as a centre for Chinese language and culture studies to serve Thailand and Greater Mekhong Subregion countries.

The foundation-stone laying ceremony for this Chinese centre was presided over by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn on Saturday the 9 th of December 2000 . Construction commenced on Saturday the 29 th of December 2001 and reached its completion in early August 2002, followed by the conferment of this Chinese language and culture centre upon Mae Fah Luang University by the government of the People’s Republic of China on Tuesday the 20 th August 2002 . Subsequently, Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn granted Mae Fah Luang University royal permission to christen this centre ‘Sirindhorn Chinese Language and Culture Center ’, a name of propitious meaning esteemed by Mae Fah Luang University and people countrywide.

The government of the People’s Republic of China assumed a lead role in the design and construction of the centre, which were entrusted to Chinese architects and engineers. Principal construction materials of authentic Chinese design were also shipped in from China . The Chinese language and culture centre, which boasts a utility area of about 1,100 square metres and an interior pond decorated in Se Zhou style, was completed at an approximate cost of 60 million Baht.

Mae Fah Luang University is a higher-education institution striving for high quality at international standards. It excels in various academic areas, creating qualified graduates and human resources for the country and the region. It is also a source of research with the capability of applying that knowledge to benefit the society and industrial/business sectors through cooperation with related agencies. At the same time, the university retains its national identity through education and development of the national arts and culture.

Sirindhorn Chinese Language and Culture Center commenced its teaching mission in close collaboration with the government of the People’s Republic of China . Instructors and teaching aids of various types were sent to Mae Fah Luang University to initiate Chinese-language courses for interested people and training courses for Chinese-language teachers from all parts of the country. With those language and training courses being eminently successful, Sirindhorn Chinese Language and Culture Center shall concentrate principally on developing Chinese-language teachers and designing Chinese-language training programmes, in addition to maintaining good understanding between the citizens of the two countries. In due course, Sirindhorn Chinese Language and Culture Center shall extend its teaching mission to serve countries in the Greater Mekhong Subregion.

He governments of the People’s Republic of China and of Thailand both foresee Sirindhorn Chinese Language and Culture Center as an institution to develop the teaching and learning of Chinese language and culture, with an active role in strengthening understanding and lasting friendship between the two countries.

Information by : Mae Fah Luang University - http://www.mfu.ac.th

Burapha University

About Burapha University

Background & Campuses

Background

Burapha University is a public university located in Bangsaen, Chonburi, about 100 km. from Bangkok, in the Eastern Seaboard Area of Thailand. The campus covers an area of 256 acres. It was first established as the Bangsaen College of Education in 1955-the first tertiary education institution ever established outside of Bangkok- to produce graduates in teacher education. In 1984, when the Prasarnmitr College of Education in Bangkok was upgraded to university level and named Srinakharinwirot University, Bangsaen College of Education was included as a branch campus and started to offer several other degrees besides teacher education. In 1990, due to the need for more college-trained personnel to implementation the Government's Eastern Seaboard Development Project to industrialize the area, the Bangsaen Campus was upgraded to full university level and renamed Burapha University, which means "University of the East".

Burapha University has rapidly expanded since then. Enrollment in 2000 was approximately 12,000 students,with over 500 teaching staff and over 300 general staff. There are 15 faculties and colleges: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Education, Nursing, Public Health, Science, Engineering, Fine and Applied Arts, Science and Liberal Arts, Marine Technology, Graduate School, gems College, Maritime College,
Graduate School of Commerce, Graduate School of Public Administration, and Sport Science College. In addition, the University also has a number of advanced research and service centers, such as the Library Center, the Institute of Marine Science, the Academic Services Center, the Computer Center, the University Hospital, etc.

Burapha University offers more than fifty programs of study, thirty programs at the Master's degree level, one Ed.D program, three Ph.D programs, and many short-course training programs per year. More Ph.D programs in many disciplines are being set up and will be offered in the near future.

Campuses

Burapha University has 3 campuses: Bangsaen, Chantaburi, and Sakaew.

Burapha University, Bangsaen Campus
169 Long-Hard Bangsaen Road, Tambon Saensook,
Amphur Muang, Chonburi 20131, Thailand.
Tel : 66-38-745900 ext. 1017, 1027 (International Relations Office)
Fax : 66-38-390047 (International Relations Office)
Email : headbuu@buu.ac.th
http://www.buu.ac.th

Burapha University, IT Campus at Chantaburi
Thong-yai Memorial Hall, Tha Luang Road, Tambon Wat-Mai,
Amphur Muang, Chantaburi 22000, Thailand.
Tel : 66-39-324002
Fax : 66-39-324765
Email : chan@buu.ac.th
http://www.janburi.buu.ac.th

Burapha University, IT Campus at Sakaew
The Old Building of Wattana Nakorn District
Administration, Tabon Wattana Nakorn,
Amphur Muang, Sakaew 27160, Thailand.
Tel : 66-37-261560
Fax : 66-37-261560
Email : sakaeo@buu.ac.th
http://www.sakaeo.buu.ac.th

Information

Philosophy

" To nurture the intellect, to encourage the search for knowledge and morality, and to guide society."

University Mission

1. To graduate scholars with self-directed learning skills and high standards of morality.
2. To build new bodies of knowledge in a spirit of academic excellence.
3. To be an academic resource with a leading role in the development of the eastern region of Thailand and the preservation of regional culture.

University Vision

1. To offer education which nurtures the intellect and high moral standards.
2. To seek new bodies of knowledge as a means towards academic excellence.
3. To provide academic services that promote development, and maintain cultural heritage.
4. To serve as a regional institute of higher learning and aid in the development of the eastern region of Thailand.

University Motto

"The acquisition of intellect results in contentment."

University Colours

The University colours are grey and gold to signify the University's commitment to the intellect and morality.

Grey (the colour of the brain) means "Intellectual Progress,"

Gold means "Morality"

University Tree

The University tree is the coconut tree, which is commonly found throughout the campus and is regarded as a hardy plant of all-round usefulness.

Information by : Burapha University

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History of Kasetsart University

Kasetsart University :

History of Kasetsart University :

Kasetsart is a state university of Thailand. Among the present 24 public universities and institutions and 40 private universities and Institutions in the country it ranks fourth chronologically and is the very first one to offer post-secondary degree-bound e ducational programs in agriculture. The three preceding it are also state universities, namely Chulalongkorn, Thammasat, and Mahidol, in that order.

Kasetsart emerged initially in 1938 at the Maejo village in Chiangmai as a unit of division rank of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries of the Ministry of Agriculture with the name of Kasetsart College, literally meaning College of Agricultural Science, and the primary responsibility of offering three-year post-secondary educational programs in response to the personnel requirements of the said ministry. In 1939, it was transferred to the present location at Bangkhen, Bangkok with the inclusion of the School of Forestry in Phrae Under is jurisdiction and the specification of Agriculture, Cooperative Science, and Forestry as the academic areas for its post-secondary education programs.

On 2 February 1943, through the Kasetsart University 2486, the Kasetsart Act B.E. 2486, the Kasetsart College was detached from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries of the Ministry of Agriculture and transformed into a unit equivalent to a department of the said ministry under the name of Kasetsart University (KU) with Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Forestry, Faculty of Cooperative Science, and Faculty of Fisheries as its primary structural units, and the authority to offer post-secondary degree-bound educational programs in Crop Production and Animal Husbandry, Forestry 1943 has been officially designated as the foundation day of Kasetsart University.

In 1946 a duration of five years was officially prescribed for bachelor's degree programs of Kasetsart University and the corresponding courses of study and other academic requirements inclusive of thesis were specified for each of the four programs being offered then. For other universities in the country, the duration for a bachelor's degree program was four years and no thesis was required.

Kasetsart began to offer graduate education in 1954. The first program being offered was the Master of Crop Production and Animal Husbandry program with emphasis on Animal Husbandry.

Jurisdiction over Kasetsart University shifted from that of the Ministry of Agriculture to that of the Office of the Prive Minister effective 3 September 1959 as a result of the legislation designating the Office of the Prime Minister as the ministry-equivalent entity to oversee all matters pertaining to state universities.

In 1964, the shortening of the duration for bachelor's degree programs to four years together with the abolishment of the course ponding thesis requirement took effect. However, the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program was excluded from such changes.

A change in the enity with jurisdiction over Kasetsart University took place again on 29 September 1972 when a structural unit in the administrative set-up of the government under the name of Bureau of State Universities was created under the Office of the Prime Minister to oversee all matters pertaining to state universities. The Bureau of State Universities was abolished and the Ministry of University Affairs created on 13 april 1977 to assume the responsibility of over-seeing matters pertaining to all institutions of higher learning, inclusive of private institution, in the country.

Kasetsart has growth steadily with numerous highly commendable accomplishments throughout the years. As a specialized university emphasizing on agricultural science and offering only four bachelor's degree programs to a total of 182 students initially, it is presently a nationally and internationally leading comprehensive university offering as many as 78 bachelor's degree programs to 16,341 students, 64 master's degree programs to 4,306 students and 19 doctorate programs to 95 students. Its teaching personnel has increased tremendously in number from less than 100 initially to 1,885 at present. Like wise, the number of degree-granting primary structural units has increased from four to 14 (inclusive of the Graduate School), while that of research institutes are 6, and that of service units from nil to four. Besides the main campus in Bangkok, it presently has three other campuses in the Central region (Kamphaengsaen,Sri Racha, and Lopburi) and one campus each in the Northeastern region (Chalermprakiat Sakhon Nakhon), the Western region (Suphan Buri), and the Southern region (Krabi). Moreover, if maintains altogether 16 research stations, 5 field stations and 30 Centres in all geographical regions of the country.

Website : http://www.ku.ac.th

By : Kasetsart University
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History of Thammasat University

Thammasat University :

History of Thammasat University :

Established by the Thammasat University Act in 1933, the university was inaugurated on June 27, 1934 as an open university with the objective of propagating the learning of law and politics to all. The university was then named, 'Thammasat Lae Karn Muang' literally, 'The University of Moral Science and Politics'.

By 1949, there were four major fields of study: Law, Commerce and Accountancy, Political Science and Diplomacy, and Economics. In 1952, the name was changed to Thammasat University. Two years later, the fields of Social Work and Journalism were added. The Institute of Public Administration, offering a postgraduate program, was established in 1955. It was transferred to the National Institute of Development Administration in 1966.

Thammasat University marked a milestone in university education in Thailand by introducing liberal arts education with the founding of the Faculty of Liberal Arts in 1962. Since then, liberal arts education has spread to all universities in Thailand, providing what is called foundation core-courses for all undergraduates. The Faculty of Liberal Arts has grown into several major fields including the following disciplines: Chinese, Drama, English as a Second Language, English Language and Literature, Geography and Natural Science, German, History, Japanese, Library Science, Linguistics, Mathematics, Philosophy, Psychology, Russian, Statistics and Thai. In 1984, the Department of Sociology was upgraded to become the Faculty of Sociology and Anthropology and the Department of Journalism became the Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication.

The year 1986 brought several changes to the University. The new campus site at Rangsit was opened to new students. Currently all first year classes are held there. Also newly established and situated on the new campus site is the Faculty of Science and Technology.

In 1991, the Faculty of Medicine was established at the Rangsit Campus. The faculty admits students with bachelor degrees or nearing the completion of bachelor degrees with a minimum of 80 cumulative credits, of which 26 credits are subjects in science and mathematics. The curriculum employs the method of problem-based learning and takes five years to complete.

Presently, Thammasat University has fifteen faculties: Law, Commerce and Accountancy, Political Science, Economics, Journalism and Mass Communication, Liberal Arts, Science and Technology, Social Administration, Sociology and Anthropology, Engineering, Medicine, Allied Health Science, Dentistry, Nursing and Graduate School.

Thammasat University also offers graduate programs leading to master degrees in Accoun ting, Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, Law, History, Library Science, Mass Communication, Political Science, Social Work, Sociology, Anthropology, Thai, Linguistics, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Applied Statistics, Community Development, and English Language and Literature. The Faculty of Economics offers master degree programs both in Thai and in English. The details of the graduate programs are in a separate volume. In 1993, Thammasat began admitting graduates for a doctoral program in Business Administration, a jointventure program between Thammasat University, Chulalongkorn University and the National Institute of Development Administration and financed by CIDA and The Association of Deans of South East Asian Graduate Schools of Management (ADSGM).

Thammasat has four institutes whose responsibilities are predominantly research work. These are the Thai Khadi Research Institute, the Human Resources Institute, the Information Processing Institute for Education and Development, and the Institute of East Asian Studies.

Having started out as a law school, Thammasat University has gradually expanded to offer courses in Social Sciences, Humanities and Sciences with the aim of providing higher education in the fields that are pertinent to social need and to promote research and Thai culture.

Several university alumni have been men in prominent positions, such as, Prime Minister, Supreme Court judges, solicitors, government ministers, members of Parliament, members of the Senate, and successful businessmen. In fact, Thammasat University alumni help serve the country in all working areas, at the local, national and international levels.

Website : http://www.tu.ac.th

By : Thammasat University
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A Brief History of Chulalongkorn University

Chulalongkorn University :

A Brief History of Chulalongkorn University :

Chulalongkorn University, Thailand's first institution of higher learning, officially came into being in March, 1917. The groundwork and preparation for it in terms of planning and development, however, took place more than a century ago. The worldwide economic, social and political changes in the late nineteenth century contributed to Siam's decision to adapt herself in order to avoid being colonized by the Western powers (“Siam” became “Thailand” in the year 1939). Thus King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) has royal policy to strengthen and improve government so that the country could successfully resist the tide of colonialism. One of the major parts of the policy, which would later prove to be deep-rooted and highly effective, was to improve the Siamese educational system so as to produce capable personnel to work in both the public and private sectors. As a result, a school was founded in 1871 at the Royal Pages Barrack within the Grand Palace compound.

Later on, in 1882, King Chulalongkorn developed this school and gave it the name of "Suankularb". In the same year, the King also established other schools, namely the Army Cadet School, the Cartographic School, the School for Princes, and the School for Dhamma Studies.

"…All of our subjects, from our royal children down to the lowest commoners, will have the same opportunity to study-be they royals, nobles or commoners…"

This speech showed that the King did not forget common citizens. He had a policy to set up schools throughout the kingdom, together with institutions of higher learning. He insisted : "…Education in this country is the first priority, which I am determined to develop…"

In 1899 Prince Damrong Rajanupab, a younger brother of King Chulalongkorn who was the Minister of Interior at the time, submitted a proposal to found the Civil Service Training School with Phraya Wisutsuriyasak (M.R.Pia Malakul -- who later assumed the title of Chao Phraya Phrasadej Surendradhibodi) as the principal. However, since the students of the school had to work as royal page trainees in their third year of study before graduation, the name of the school was changed to the Royal Pages School in 1902. The Royal Pages School progressed steadily and produced an increasing number of graduates for the government each year. However, King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) saw that the original intention of his father, King Chulalongkorn, was to establish an institution of higher learning. In the beginning, the course of study was focused on government, but as time passed the curriculum should be expanded to include more disciplines so as to meet the expanding needs of the kingdom. Such disciplines included law, international relations, commerce, agriculture, engineering, medicine and teacher education. Thus King Vajiravudh ordered that the Royal Pages School become an institution of higher education and gave it the name the "Civil Service College of King Chulalongkorn" on January 1, 1911.

The Civil Service College received its original funding from the remaining sum of the money which had been contributed by members of the royal family, government officials and ordinary citizens to erect a statue of King Chulalongkorn the Great. After the statue was completed, about eight hundred thousand baht remained in the Royal Treasury Ministry;with interest the sum totalled 982,672 baht . King Vajiravudh gave this sum as the original capital of the college. Furthermore, he graciously donated the palace of his brother, the late Crown Prince Vajirunhis, as the site of the college. He also gave a large plot of land adjacent to the palace in the Patumwan district measuring about 523 acres in area, for its present use and future expansion. Later the Administration Building was constructed as the first building which belonged to the college from the beginning.

After the Civil Service College had been in operation for some time, King Vajiravudh considered that it had achieved a level of readiness. Therefore,he declared that it should become Chulalongkorn University, in honour of King Chulalongkorn,on March 26, 1917. The newly founded university was under the supervision of University Affairs Department, Ministry of Education. Phraya Anukijwithoon was the first principal (the title was changed to Rector in 1935). There was a University Council, which was responsible for policy making, planning, and advising on the affairs of the university. Prince Damrong Rajanupab was the Chairman of the Council and the Principal of the university was the Secretary.

When it was first founded, the university had 380 students taking classes in four faculties which were located in 2 campuses. The Faculty of Medicine was located at Siriraj Hospital, while the Faculties of Public Administration and of Engineering were at the Administration Building and the Faculty of Arts and Science was located at Prince Vajirunhis' palace. The latter three faculties were in Patumwan district. The Law School was under the responsibility of the Ministry of Justice until the university was ready to take over, and the Teachers' Training School was handed over to the Ministry of Education. The categories of students were the same as in the old Civil Service College.

In 1923, the university accepted high school graduates to study in the Faculty of Medicine, which was being supported by the Rockefeller Foundation to organize a Bachelor's Degree program. Five years later the first group of 18 graduates finished their studies, the first to be awarded degrees in the kingdom.

In 1929, the Faculty of Public Administration became the Faculty of Law and Political Science. In 1933, after the establishment of constitutional monarchy in 1932, the government transferred this faculty to Thammasat University, which was established in 1934. The result was that Chulalongkorn University had only three faculties during that time.

The development of Chulalongkorn University continued. From 1934 to 1958, the university emphasized improvement of undergraduate education; thus more faculties were established. In 1961 the university set up the Graduate School to be responsible for graduate level education. From 1962 on, the university started to focus on graduate education and began to set up research centers and institutes.

From : A Pillar of the Kingdom The Birth of Chulalongkorn University

(Bangkok : Chulalongkorn University Press, 1994)

Website : http://www.chula.ac.th

By : Chulalongkorn University

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Mahidol University

About Mahidol University :

Excellence at Mahidol University :

Mahidol University is one of the most prestigious universities, not only in Thailand, but also internationally. Thus, the university was ranked top in both research and teaching by the Office of the Higher Education Commission, Ministry of Education, Thailand in the country’s first ever university rankings in 2005. In addition, it was ranked among the top three Thai universities by the Asiaweek in 1999 and by Times Higher Education Supplement (THES/QS) in 2006. Staff members of the university have received numerous awards for research and innovation, including numerous Outstanding Scientist Awards, Outstanding Technologist Award and Young Researcher Awards from the Foundation for the Promotion of Science and Technology, as well as numerous Outstanding Researcher Awards, Outstanding Research Work Awards and Outstanding Invention Awards from the National Research Council of Thailand. Most importantly, many staff and former staff from Mahidol University have won international recognition, by receiving many international awards, including prestigious awards, Nikkei Award, Rolex Award for Enterprise, Prince Mahidol Award, APACPH Public Health Recognition Award, FAPA-Ishidate Award, and most notably, as many as four Ramon Magsaysay Awards, often considered as Asia’s Nobel Prizes.

From Medical School to Comprehensive University :

Founded in 1943 as the University of Medical Sciences, Mahidol University has its origins in the first medical school in Thailand, established at Siriraj Hospital in 1890. Then, in 1969, H.M. King Bhumibhol Adulyadej gave the University of Medical Sciences the new name of "Mahidol University", after the name of his own father, H.R.H. Prince Mahidol of Songkla, who is widely considered to be the 'Father of Modern Medicine and Public Health in Thailand'. Since then, the university has become one of the premier medical institutions in Southeast Asia, with 3 medical schools producing a full range of medical personnel and providing medical services to more than 4 million patients per year. In addition, Mahidol University has expanded and attained excellence in many diverse fields of social science, arts and humanities, in addition to medicine and science.

Presently, the university has three main campuses in Bangkok, a modern campus in Salaya, Nakorn Pathom, 20 km. west of Bangkok, and two new provincial campuses at Kanchanaburi and Nakhon Sawan. It receives the highest government budget of all the government universities, amounting to 6.06 billion baht, and obtains an additional 13.53 billion baht from university income. Now, the university presently has some 18 Certificate programs, 79 Bachelor degree programs, 56 Graduate/ Higher Graduate Diploma programs, 156 Masters’ programs, and 65 Doctoral programs, in a variety of fields including Science, Medicine, Engineering, Management, Applied Linguistics, Religious Studies, Social Sciences, and Music. Presently, there are approximately 24,000 students (some 15,500 undergraduates and 8,300 postgraduates), and some 3,000 academic staff, giving a staff: student ratio of about 1:8.

Mahidol University is well known for its research excellence, as shown by the numerous awards for research and innovation described above. Thus, over the last 10 year period (1998-2007), the university published more research papers in international journals and had more citations than any other university in Thailand. It also has very strong research-based postgraduate degree programs, especially in science. Areas of research strength include basic science, medicine, health sciences, population studies, language and culture. In addition, with the diverse expertise of staff at Mahidol University, many interdisciplinary research and teaching programs have been initiated.

Internationalization :

Mahidol is one of Thailand's leaders in the internationalization of higher education. Apart from the international awards described, Mahidol staff have, over the years, assumed leadership roles in many international organizations, such as President of the International Union of Nutritional Societies, Vice-President of the World Federation of Neurology, President of the Federation of Asian Chemical Societies, President of the Federation of Asian and Oceanian Biochemists. The university also has Cooperative Agreements with more than 120 overseas universities, and also collaborates with various international organizations, for example as partners in nine WHO Collaborating Centers and the SEAMEO TROPMED Network. Moreover, Mahidol also has more international degree programs than any public university in Thailand, including some 15 Bachelor Degree programs, 60 Master’s Degree programs, and 50 Doctoral Degree programs. These international degree programs are attended by some 600-800 overseas students from more than 45 countries, in addition to some 4,500 Thai students. This strong commitment to internationalization won Mahidol University the Prime Minister’s Award for Export 2006 for International Education Services.

Conclusions :

In the sixty years since its foundation as the University of Medical Science, Mahidol University continues to serve the health needs of the Thai people, but at the same time has expanded into a comprehensive university with strong academic and research programs, in a variety of other fields, such as science, social sciences, humanities and arts. Postgraduate training and research continue to be major strengths, and the university is an acknowledged leader in many fields. Moreover, internationalization is an integral part of the university’s educational mission, so that the Mahidol has become a center of academic excellence in Southeast Asia.

Website : http://www.mahidol.ac.th

By : Mahidol University

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