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Walailak University on Monday officially launched "9 Years of Transformation Under the Administration of Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong (2017–2025)," a new book chronicling the institution's shift from a regional university facing serious challenges into a world-class institution.

The launch ceremony was held at Pattarathammaporn Chamber in Walailak University Hospital. Prof. Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President, presided over the event and delivered a keynote address. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Surin Maisrikrod, Vice President for Education and Corporate Communications and chair of the book's organizing committee, introduced its background and content, while Asst. Prof. Dr. Siwanath Nuntapichai, Director of the Center for Library Resources and Educational Media, outlined its objectives. University executives, staff, and students attended as witnesses. 



In his address, Prof. Dr. Sombat said that over nine years of his administration, the university confronted major challenges as it pursued a goal of moving from a regional institution to a globally competitive one. He noted that after entering the 1201+ band in global rankings in 2022 — placing sixth nationally in Thailand — the university is now aiming to climb into the 1001+ band.

He said growing confidence among students and parents is reflected in this year's admissions data: 4,152 applications for the 2026 academic year, the highest total since the university's founding, with an average cumulative GPA (GPAX) of 3.46.

"This success reflects the trust of parents and students," Prof. Dr. Sombat said. "In 2026, we received 4,152 applications — the highest since the university was founded — with an average cumulative GPA of 3.46, showing that we are attracting increasingly talented students. However, our core philosophy is to build 'good people before capable people,' because knowledge without virtue can lead to social problems in the future."



Assoc. Prof. Dr. Surin said the book traces the university's turnaround across two main sections. The first, "Resolving 195 Problems," documents efforts to confront and resolve long-standing issues identified by the university council before Prof. Dr. Sombat took office, detailing how each was ultimately addressed. The second, "Transformation to the Global Stage," charts the university's rise from what he called "No Class" to "World Class," culminating in its placement within the 1201+ ranking band among more than 20,000 universities worldwide, supported by statistics and performance indicators.

"The book's core value lies in its record of organizational development — tracing the university's path through the obstacles it overcame, and the effort required to steer it through crisis toward becoming a key institution serving the region," Assoc. Prof. Dr. Surin said. "It reflects the DNA of transformative leadership and presents the character and vision of Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, a leader with a deeply rooted reformist spirit. Importantly, it also serves as a case study in higher-education management that other universities can adapt, while passing on this vision and laying the administrative groundwork for the next generation of university leaders."

At the ceremony, copies of the book were presented to representatives of the Walailak University community, including incoming administrators, staff, and students, symbolizing the transfer of the university's commitment to maintaining its standards of excellence. Prof. Dr. Sombat also signed copies for presentation to the university council and honorary advisors, as part of a broader effort to share the university's achievements with the public.