News

Yesterday morning (September 30, 2024), Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University, presided over a Buddhist ceremony marking one year since the passing of Professor Dr. Wichit Srisa-an, the founding President and former Chairman of the Walailak University Council. The ceremony, attended by university executives and staff from all departments, took place at the Professor Dr. Wichit Srisa-an Building (Administration Building) at Walailak University.

In his remarks, Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong stated, "Professor Dr. Wichit Srisa-an has been widely recognized as the Father of Distance Education in Thailand. He pioneered the implementation of distance learning to address educational inequality and was instrumental in establishing Walailak University, serving as its first President. The university's foundation and growth to where it stands today are the result of the dedication and hard work of Professor Dr. Wichit Srisa-an and his team during those early years."

He further added, "Today is a significant day for all of us here at Walailak University, as we gather to commemorate the first anniversary of his passing. I would like to extend my appreciation to the Division of Correspondence and General Affairs and all those involved in organizing this event at the Administration Building. This building has undergone structural renovations, which are expected to be completed by the end of October 2024, and has been named the Professor Dr. Wichit Srisa-an Building in honor of our esteemed founder."

Professor Dr. Wichit Srisa-an played a crucial role in Thailand's educational sector, holding prominent positions such as Permanent Secretary of the then Ministry of University Affairs. His contributions to educational development in Thailand include establishing three universities across different regions: Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, which implemented a complete distance learning system; Suranaree University of Technology and Walailak University, which became models for autonomous universities. He also served as Chairman of the University Councils for various universities and held significant political roles, including Minister of Education. 

Throughout his career, Professor Dr. Wichit Srisa-an made invaluable contributions to the nation, pioneering educational innovations and initiatives that greatly enhanced the development of Thailand's human resources. In 2009, he was honored as the Father of Thai Cooperative Education, and in 2021, he was awarded the Dushdi Mala Medal – Pin of Arts and Science (Sinlapa Witthaya) in the field of Education by His Majesty the King.