News

Walailak University (WU) had the honor of welcoming delegates from the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Bangkok to discuss opportunities for academic and research collaboration. The visit took place today at the Chorpradu Chamber of Walailak University Hospital. The Bhutanese delegation was led by Mr. Karma Tshosar, Deputy Chief of Mission, and Mr. Sonam Palden, Second Secretary. They were warmly received by Associate Professor Dr. Surin Maisrikrod, Vice President of Walailak University, and Dr. Suthasinee Sangkhum, Assistant to the President, along with university executives.

This reciprocal visit follows Walailak University’s formal courtesy call to the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Bangkok on 27 November 2024, which marked the beginning of academic engagement between the two sides. During that initial meeting, WU introduced postgraduate scholarship opportunities for Bhutanese nationals and explored potential partnerships in human resource development, research, and student and faculty exchange.

In his welcome remarks, Vice President Dr. Surin Maisrikrod expressed WU’s interest in deepening academic relations with Bhutan and praised the contributions of Bhutanese scholars currently at the university. He emphasized Walailak University’s strong commitment to internationalization - highlighting the adoption of the United Kingdom Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF) to enhance teaching quality and the use of English as a medium of instruction in teaching and learning. The university also commits to advancing research and fostering meaningful community engagement on both national and international levels.

Dr. Surin also praised Bhutan’s emphasis on Gross National Happiness (GNH), noting it as a compelling national philosophy that aligns with WU’s vision of holistic and human-centered development.

Mr. Karma Tshosar reflected on the close cultural and historical ties between Thailand and Bhutan. He also shared Bhutan’s strategic focus on enhancing STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to promote quality education and national development. He expressed keen interest in exploring faculty exchanges and the development of dual degree programs with Walailak University.

Key discussion points included provision of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships for Bhutanese students to study at Walailak University, opportunities for research collaboration with the university’s various schools and centers of excellence, and pathways for future academic exchanges and joint programs.

As one of Thailand’s 20 research-intensive universities, Walailak University is committed to excellence in both education and research. As of 31 March 2025, over 95% of the university’s research publications are indexed in Scopus in Quartile 1 and 2 journals, the highest ratio among Thai universities. This visit marks another step forward in strengthening academic bridges between Walailak University and Bhutan, laying the groundwork for impactful collaborations in the years ahead.









News by Settaboot Onphakdee, Division of Corporate Communication