Bangkok: The Cabinet has approved the elevation of Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Nan Campus, to the status of a Provincial University of Nan. This initiative is aimed at creating a model New Gen University in celebration of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's 72nd birthday, with a focus on promoting lifelong learning and innovation using local resources.
According to Thai News Agency, Lieutenant Colonel Patthadarasmi Thongsalooykorn, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, stated that the Cabinet's decision was made in principle at a recent meeting. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) proposed the upgrade in honor of the Princess's upcoming 72nd birthday on April 2, 2027. The move also includes an exception to a previous resolution from 2011 that restricted the establishment of new universities through mergers or closures.
Captain Patthadarasmi highlighted that Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Nan Campus, has been instrumental in promoting local resources through research and development in areas such as custard apples, wild yams, local fish, and native chickens. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's extensive visits to Nan Province for education, public health, culture, and social development underscore the importance of upgrading the university, which aligns with her aspirations for improving community quality of life and sustainable growth.
The newly established institution in Nan will be characterized as a New Generation University, distinct in its approach. It will have four main features: serving the province with a flexible, agile management style; adopting a student-centered learning approach where lecturers act as facilitators; promoting lifelong learning with short-term courses for community upskilling; and aspiring to be a world-class innovation hub that integrates local identity and wisdom into global research standards.
The deputy spokesperson also noted that the Budget Bureau clarified the approval would not impose an immediate budgetary burden but would require future budget planning once the institution is officially established. It is expected that relevant agencies will adhere to the Public Finance and Fiscal Discipline Act B.E. 2561 (2018) when preparing these plans.