Message from the President

Walailak University, established since 1992, is one of the 16 Global and Frontier Research universities in Thailand categorized by Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI). Over the years, the university has gained increased recognition as evidenced by its national and international achievements. In 2023, Times Higher Education ranked Walailak University as one among 1,904 research-intensive universities across the globe. In its contribution to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Walailak University has excelled in four SDGs: Zero Hunger, Clean Water and Sanitation, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Life Below Water – being ranked among the world’s top 100.

Walailak University is committed to producing world-class research to help tackle global challenges. More than 90 percent of the university's research publications are in Scopus-indexed journals in quartiles 1 and 2, marking the highest ratio among Thai institutions. On 10 January 2024, Walailak University was honored with the 2023 Outstanding Award for Excellence in Internationally High-caliber Research by the Office of the Permanent Secretary, MHESI, recognizing it as one of the three Thai universities distinguished for outstanding research.

In teaching and learning, Walailak University has adopted the United Kingdom Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF) to train its teachers and to elevate the quality of education it provides by focusing more on student-centered learning, thereby improving critical, analytical, and synthetic thinking skills. Currently, the university has more than 650 lecturers certified by Advance HE based on UKPSF, representing the largest number of HEA Fellowships in Thailand and Southeast Asia.

Cooperative Education is another hallmark of Walailak University. Before graduation, students are required to practice in real-world workplaces for 8 months to enhance both professional and 21st-century skills. The university's partnerships with over 100 institutions across America, Europe, Asia, and Australia have contributed to the promotion of internationalization and strengthening academic and research endeavors. Walailak University has now become a home for international students and staff from over 20 countries.

With a commitment to promoting environmental sustainability and the result of joining the Low Emission Scheme in the previous year, Walailak University, one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation with the largest single land area among Thai universities, has successfully reduced greenhouse gas emissions by up to 7,926.252 tons of CO2 equivalent, earning a Letter of Recognition from Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Besides, UI GreenMetric World University Rankings placed Walailak University at no. 6 in Thailand, no. 83 in the world, translating to the best green campus in Thailand’s southern region.

All in all, students and parents can put their trust in our institution as Walailak University will continue to progress as a world-class institution, shaping individuals to be professionally competent and morally strong and capable of thriving in the era of disruption and evolving global society.

Prof. Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong
President