History of Khon Kaen University
The Founding Vision of Khon Kaen University
Khon Kaen University was established in 1964 in alignment with the national policy outlined in the First National Economic Development Plan, which aimed to expand higher education to regional areas. The university was founded with the purpose of developing human resources and advancing knowledge to support the development of the Northeastern region of Thailand. This region, characterized by its vast area, arid conditions, and widespread poverty, was home to approximately one-third of the country’s population. The establishment of the university sought to improve the living standards and quality of life for the people in this region.
This vision was underscored by the royal address of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej during the official inauguration of Khon Kaen University on December 20, 1967. His Majesty stated:
“ The establishment of Khon Kaen University is of great significance, as it extends higher education to one of the most important regions of the country. This will greatly contribute to the development and improvement of the living conditions of the people in this area. The success in founding Khon Kaen University is an achievement that everyone should take pride in.”
This royal endorsement reflects the profound importance of Khon Kaen University in fostering regional development and enhancing the well-being of the Northeastern population.
Development of Khon Kaen University
Khon Kaen University has undergone continuous development since its establishment, which can be categorized into three distinct eras based on the achievements in its administration and institutional growth.
The First Era: The Founding and Expansion of the University
This era spans nearly two decades, from 1964 to 1983, and marks the period of the university’s establishment and steady expansion.
Phase 1: 1964–1973
During its initial years, Khon Kaen University began with three faculties: the Faculty of Agriculture, the Faculty of Engineering, and the Faculty of Science and Arts (which initially focused on teaching foundational courses and did not yet admit students). In its first academic year, the university admitted 107 students, and the first cohort of 59 undergraduate students graduated in the 1967 academic year. Subsequently, additional faculties were established, including the Faculty of Education, the Faculty of Nursing, and the Faculty of Medicine, bringing the total number of faculties during this period to six. Moreover, the university established the Khon Kaen University Demonstration School to serve as a foundation for teaching and learning, as well as to provide academic services to the surrounding community.
In 1966, a Royal Decree was issued to enact the Khon Kaen University Act, which was officially published in the Royal Gazette on January 25, 1966. This date is recognized as the university’s official founding day.
Phase 2: 1974–1983
During this period, Khon Kaen University expanded its academic programs in the health sciences. New faculties were established, including the Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, the Faculty of Public Health, the Faculty of Dentistry, the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the Graduate School. Additionally, support units were created to enhance the university’s operations, such as the Office of Academic Administration and Development and the Research for Social Development Institute.
A significant milestone during this era was the construction of Srinagarind Hospital, which not only served as a training facility for medical students but also provided healthcare services to the people of the Northeastern region. By the end of this period, the university had grown to encompass a total of 12 faculties.
The Second Era: Development and Knowledge Creation
During this period, Khon Kaen University expanded its academic programs in the health sciences. New faculties were established, including the Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, the Faculty of Public Health, the Faculty of Dentistry, the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the Graduate School. Additionally, support units were created to enhance the university’s operations, such as the Office of Academic Administration and Development and the Research for Social Development Institute.
A significant milestone during this era was the construction of Srinagarind Hospital, which not only served as a training facility for medical students but also provided healthcare services to the people of the Northeastern region. By the end of this period, the university had grown to encompass a total of 12 faculties.
Phase 1: 1984–1993
At the beginning of this phase, several faculties and units were established, including the Faculty of Technology, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, the Faculty of Architecture, and the Faculty of Management Science. Additionally, the university founded the Computer Center (now renamed the Office of Digital Technology), the Continuing Education Center (now renamed the Office of Academic Administration and Development), and the Queen Sirikit Heart Center of the Northeast. During this time, the university was also tasked by the government with establishing Ubon Ratchathani College and Suranaree College, which later became Ubon Ratchathani University and Suranaree University of Technology, respectively. By the end of this phase, the university had expanded to include 16 faculties.
In this era, Khon Kaen University not only continued to produce graduates in various disciplines who went on to serve society in different sectors across the country but also conducted research to address regional challenges. Examples include the development of small-scale water resources in rural areas to address agricultural water shortages, collaborative research on integrated agricultural systems with international partners, and health-related research to tackle significant diseases and health issues in the Northeastern region. Furthermore, the university began to place greater emphasis on social science and cultural research specific to the region.
Phase 2: 1994–2003
During this phase, the university expanded further, establishing additional faculties and units, which contributed to its recognition as one of the country’s leading comprehensive universities. New additions included the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, the Nong Khai Campus, and the College of Graduate Study in Management. Support units were also established, such as the Office of the Registrar (now renamed the Office of Academic Administration and Development), the Mekong Institute for Economic Cooperation (now an international organization), and the Institute for Peace Studies (now an autonomous unit under the university). By the end of this phase, the university had grown to include 18 faculties and one campus.
In addition to producing undergraduate graduates, the university placed greater emphasis on graduate education, with approximately two-thirds of its academic programs (around 300 programs) being at the graduate level. Research also became a higher priority, with the establishment of specialized research centers aligned with the expertise of faculty members and the needs of national and regional development. The university provided funding and support for research groups, encouraging young faculty members to engage in serious research endeavors.
The Third Era: A Leading Research University
This era marks a period of transformation driven by globalization, characterized by rapid advancements in academic and technological fields, as well as significant economic and social changes that have impacted the world. These changes coincided with Thailand’s adoption of free trade policies and the reform of public administration systems, which emphasized results-oriented management through the implementation of strategic management and quality management systems in government agencies.
Phase 1: 2004–2013
During this period, Khon Kaen University transitioned to a strategic management approach, restructuring its administrative framework and management systems. The university articulated a vision to become a research university dedicated to generating new knowledge for the development of communities, society, and the nation. This period saw significant advancements in research, with the establishment of 15 specialized research centers. Research outputs were published and cited in both national and international academic journals, and many research projects were effectively applied to address key regional issues.
The university also declared its commitment to “Social Devotion” as its guiding principle, communicating this mission to both the university community and the public. Concurrently, Khon Kaen University underwent rigorous quality assessments by various organizations, including the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission (OPDC), the Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment (ONESQA), the Office of the Higher Education Commission (OHEC), and international rankings such as Asiaweek (Asia’s Best Universities 2000) and Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
In 2009, Khon Kaen University was selected by the government as one of nine “National Research Universities,” with the goal of leveraging research to address challenges in the Northeastern region and advancing the university to a global level. During this time, the university merged the Office of Educational Services with the Office of the Registrar to form the Office of Academic Administration and Development. Several new academic units were established, including the Faculty of Law (2006), the College of Local Administration (2007), and the International College (2008). In 2012, the Nong Khai Campus was restructured to include four faculties: the Faculty of Business Administration, the Faculty of Integrated Social Sciences, the Faculty of Liberal Arts, and the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering.
Additionally, numerous support units were established to enhance the university’s operations, such as the Office of Teaching and Learning Innovation, the Office of General Education, the Language Institute, the Confucius Institute, the Office of Research Administration, the Office of Quality Assurance and Assessment, the Office of Complaints Management, the Office of Legal Affairs, and the Office of Intellectual Property. Autonomous units under the university’s supervision were also created, including the Northeastern Software Industry Promotion Agency, the Business Incubation Center, the Northeastern Science Park, the Northeastern Strategic Institute, and the Khwan Mor Building. By the end of this phase, the university had grown to include 25 faculties.
Phase 2: 2014–Present
In this phase, Khon Kaen University has continued to grow and expand. In 2015, the Faculty of Economics was established as a separate entity from the Faculty of Management Science, which was subsequently renamed the Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy. On July 18, 2015, the university transitioned from being a government agency to becoming an “autonomous university under state supervision,” enabling more efficient management and responsiveness to external societal changes.
These changes included a declining birth rate, which reduced the number of school-aged children entering higher education, leading to increased competition for student admissions. Additionally, the number of universities in Thailand grew, with more public, private, and international universities establishing a presence in the country, driven by the liberalization of the ASEAN Economic Community. The introduction of a new university admissions system, known as TCAS, also impacted student enrollment numbers.
In response, Khon Kaen University has focused on developing new, interdisciplinary academic programs to meet the needs of modern students. These programs aim to integrate knowledge across disciplines, ensuring that the university remains relevant and competitive in the evolving landscape of higher education.
With the declaration of its guiding principle, “Social Devotion,” Khon Kaen University has actively supported the application of research to benefit communities. Notable initiatives include the Sufficiency Economy Model Community Project, which has been implemented across the Northeastern region, the Kaeng Lawa Project, the KKU District Development Project, and large-scale projects addressing public health and education disparities in the Northeast to reduce social inequality. These projects integrate various disciplines and have received continuous funding from the government. Key sub-projects include:
- The Liver Fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma Prevention and Control Program in Northeastern Thailand
- The Advanced Mathematical Thinking Development Program for Students in the Northeast
- The Poverty Alleviation Program based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy
- The Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Delay Program in the Northeast
- The KKU Smart Learning Project
In terms of academic services, Khon Kaen University, through its Faculty of Medicine, has expanded the services of Srinagarind Hospital, elevating it to a premier medical center. The hospital now provides comprehensive treatment for major health issues affecting the Northeastern region. In 2019, the government allocated a budget of 4.3 billion baht for the hospital’s development, further enhancing its capacity to serve the community.
Beyond its core missions, Khon Kaen University has positioned itself as a hub for lifelong learning. The university has transformed its campus into a learning park for society. For example, the Si Than Lake area and the university’s sports complex have been developed into a “Sport Park,” providing exercise facilities open to the public. Other initiatives include the establishment of the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the Nong Khai Aquarium. The university has also preserved its original forest areas and created natural birdwatching sites, as well as developed integrated agricultural learning spaces (Agro Park) and a Cultural Park. These efforts have attracted a large number of visitors who participate in learning activities and community engagement programs.
In terms of quality management, Khon Kaen University is regularly evaluated by external organizations at the institutional, faculty, and program levels, using both national and international standards. These include assessments by QS Rankings, Times Higher Education (THE), and other global ranking systems. In 2023, Khon Kaen University achieved significant recognition in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, being ranked 3rd in Thailand and 97th globally.
