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Walailak University will host its inaugural Walailak University International Day (WUiDay 2026) on 9 July, bringing together diplomats, university leaders, academics, students, and government representatives in a landmark initiative aimed at advancing internationalization and fostering global partnerships.

Held under the theme “BRIDGES: Bridging Regional and International Dialogue for Global Education and Sustainability,” the event will welcome representatives from six embassies, eight international universities, and seven Thai universities, creating a dynamic platform for cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration in higher education. 

According to Assistant Professor Dr. Patnarin Supakorn, Director of the Center for International Affairs at Walailak University, WUiDay 2026 represents a significant step toward realizing the university's vision of Global Excellence.

“The first International Day at Walailak University has been initiated in order to promote internationalization at three levels,” Dr. Patnarin explained. “The first level is among faculty members and students at Walailak University. The second level is promoting internationalization at the provincial level. The last one, which is the biggest one, is that in the future Walailak University will be a significant national internationalization force in Thailand.”

The event is designed to strengthen international awareness within the campus community while expanding opportunities for global engagement, academic collaboration, and intercultural learning.

“Under the current President Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong's policy, we would like to achieve one of Walailak University's visions: Global Excellence,” she said. “To achieve this, we need to help our students and faculty members recognize the significance of international education and the opportunities it can create.”

A major highlight of the day will be keynote presentations by diplomatic representatives from three regions of the world. H.E. Evgeny Tomikhin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Thailand, will deliver a keynote address titled Strengthening Academic Bridges between Russia and Thailand: New Opportunities for Collaboration in a Changing Global Landscape. H.E. Peter Sha-Li Lan, Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand, will speak on Building Academic Bridges between Taiwan and Thailand: Collaboration for Resilient and Innovative Societies. Meanwhile, H.E. Lucy N. Kiruthu, Ambassador of Kenya to Thailand, will discuss South Cooperation in Higher Education: New Pathways for Africa-ASEAN Collaboration.

Representatives from Bhutan, Pakistan, and the United States will also present educational opportunities available in their respective countries, providing students with valuable insights into international study destinations, scholarships, and academic exchange opportunities.

The event will also spotlight opportunities for prospective international students and scholars. Walailak University currently offers enrollment in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, alongside semester mobility and short-term cultural exchange initiatives. For academics, the university provides staff mobility opportunities and actively supports international research collaboration through institutional funding.

Beyond campus internationalization, WUiDay 2026 seeks to forge stronger connections between Nakhon Si Thammarat and the global community. Provincial government agencies have been invited to engage with embassy delegates and explore opportunities for economic cooperation, technology exchange, tourism promotion, and international partnerships.

“I hope this will be the first step for them to connect further, expand the provincial economy, and promote technology exchange with international countries,” Dr. Patnarin said. “Walailak University is willing to be the liaison between the province and these international countries.”

Nationally, the participation of seven Thai universities reflects a unified commitment to elevating Thailand’s higher education sector. Dr. Patnarin emphasized that stronger inter-institutional collaboration will create more opportunities for students while enhancing Thailand's appeal as an international education destination.

To encourage broad participation across the university, all schools at Walailak University will organize exhibitions showcasing their internationalization strategies and academic initiatives. Each school will also nominate student ambassadors to promote international education among their peers and encourage greater participation in global learning opportunities.

The event will be livestreamed via Facebook Live, enabling students, faculty members, and international partners who are unable to attend in person to participate virtually.

Another highlight of the event will be the presentation of the International Student Excellence Award, recognizing an outstanding international student for their academic achievements, research output, including publications in Q1 Scopus-indexed journals, leadership, and active community participation.

As Walailak University welcomes delegates from around the world to its first International Day, the event represents more than a celebration of international partnerships. It reflects the university's growing commitment to building global connections, expanding educational opportunities, and contributing to sustainable development through international collaboration. Currently, the university is home to 162 international students from 29 countries and 76 international faculty members, while maintaining partnerships with over 100 institutions across 33 countries worldwide.

News by Settaboot Onphakdee, Division of Corporate Communications