On January 14, 2025, Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University (WU), led a team of executives and deans from 16 schools and 3 colleges to visit various university areas as a part of “Happy Trip @Walailak.” The activity was organized by the Division of Corporate Communication (DCC) to highlight the university’s achievements and development in various areas, as well as its readiness and high potential to accept students interested in applying.
The activity began at Walailak University Hospital, where the president shared updates on the hospital’s progress as a large tertiary-care facility that is now officially operational. The hospital, equipped with advanced technology and expert doctors, serves as a reliable healthcare center for the upper southern region and also provides healthcare services for WU students.
Then, the president and the executive team visited the lecture buildings, which have been renovated to accommodate students’ learning. Over 150 rooms have been renovated into smart classrooms, with plans to add 54 more in the next academic year, ensuring that students have modern facilities for their learning.
At the same time, the university reformed its teaching and learning with the United Kingdom Professional Standards Framework. This aims to enhance students’ critical and analytical thinking skills. All professors underwent training under the framework. Currently, WU has the highest number of certified professors based on the framework in Thailand. The university also invested over 800 million baht in renovating the laboratories into Smart labs, and the executive team visited various labs, such as the Gross Anatomy Lab and the Nursing Lab.
In terms of student quality of life, WU offers various facilities to support learning and living, complemented by beautiful architecture and surroundings, ensuring students enjoy a high quality of life. The executive team visited the dormitory zone, where all dorms have been upgraded to air conditioning and a 24-hour security system. The Chor Pradu food court and sports complex have been renovated to meet international standards, such as the WU Arena, swimming pools, fitness facilities, and WU badminton courts, providing students with opportunities to exercise according to their preferences.
Moreover, the team also visited the Walailak Botanic Park, which features a sky tower and a wildlife breeding center, making it a new landmark in Nakhon Si Thammarat. The Walailak Park, the largest ornamental garden among Thai universities, offers relaxation for students.
President Dr. Sombat emphasized that WU prioritizes quality of education and students’ quality of life. This “Happy Trip @Walailak” activity aims to provide information for promoting the university to those students who are interested in applying for the 2025 academic year, showing WU’s strengths beyond academics. Currently, the university is ranked 1201+ globally and 6th in Thailand by Times Higher Education (THE) and holds 3rd place in Stewardship and 4th in Outreach according to THE Impact Rankings 2024 Report.
