ข่าวเด่น

On June 4, 2026, Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University, delivered a special lecture during the New Student Orientation Program for the 2026 academic year, welcoming the 29th Chorpradu Cohort. The event was attended by university executives, faculty members, staff, and senior students, who warmly welcomed the new students at the Main Auditorium, Thaiburi Building, with a live broadcast to lecture buildings across the campus.

On this occasion, Professor Dr. Sombat welcomed the freshmen to Walailak University, which spans more than 9,594 rai (≈3,793 acres) and is the largest single university campus in Thailand. He noted that Walailak University is currently ranked in the 1,201+ band globally and sixth in Thailand according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. The university's key goal is to further improve its global standing and advance into the 1,001+ band in the future, creating a sense of pride among students and staff and reinforcing confidence in the university’s internationally recognized educational standards.

The 2026 academic year marks a highly successful admission cycle for Walailak University, with a record-breaking 4,556 new students enrolled. This achievement contrasts with the nationwide trend of declining university enrollment. Importantly, the quality of this year’s incoming students is the highest since the university’s establishment, with an average cumulative grade point average (GPAX) of 3.46. This reflects the strong confidence that students and parents place in the university. 

Regarding teaching and learning readiness, the university has adopted the United Kingdom Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF) to enhance teaching quality. Currently, more than 60 percent of faculty members hold academic titles, and the university aims to increase this figure to 70 percent by the end of 2026. The university also places strong emphasis on English-language proficiency, the use of Smart Classrooms in all teaching spaces, and the enhancement of its cooperative education curriculum, enabling students to gain eight months of practical experience in workplaces. These initiatives are intended to ensure that Walailak University graduates possess both strong theoretical knowledge and practical expertise.

“In addition to academic excellence, the university is fully committed to developing infrastructure and enhancing students’ quality of life. These include the 540-bed Walailak University Hospital, a new 4,500-seat auditorium project, a 1,350-rai [534-acre] botanical garden, as well as comprehensive security systems and facilities. We hope that all students will make the most of their time at the university, develop leadership qualities, and graduate as high-quality graduates who can serve as valuable contributors to society,” Professor Dr. Sombat said. 

The orientation program was organized to introduce new students to the university, its history, culture, traditions, and institutional background. Before the official orientation session, the President and university executives performed the songs “Rak Walailak” and “Kiatphum Walailak.” The program also featured performances of 14 Walailak University songs by members of WU Band, the Thai Traditional Dance Club, the Cheerleaders Club, and the Baton Twirling Club, aiming to inspire a sense of pride, belonging, and love for the university among the new students.