Srinakharinwirot University

Prasarnmit CampusLike other parts of present Bangkok (Krungthep), what is now the main campus of Srinakharinwirot University, was, 220 years ago, part of a swampy, monsoonal floodplain fed by the Chaophraya River. Since then, many industrial and technological developments have contributed to the growth and development of its present site. And, it is on this site that a fine bronze statue of its founder, Dr. Saroj Buasri, nourished our first educators in 1949. Conditions were far from modern and the University was still surrounded by much tropical riverine and canal (khlong) vegetation, aquatic animals and a largely, boat-bound but not-dense, ethnically diverse human population.In 1949, the University became a reality when the Higher Teacher Training School at Prasarnmit was established. There was then an urgent need for degree-level training for the teaching profession. Prasarnmit was the first of its kind in the country?s history of teacher training. In 1953, it became the College of Education having authority to grant a Bachelor?s degree in Education. Subsequently, more programs at both the Bachelor and Master levels were developed. In 1974, the College of Education became a comprehensive university by Royal Decree of His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej who graciously named the new university Srinakharinwirot (Si-na-ka-rin-wi-rot), which means ?the glory of the city.? Today, situated in the center of Bangkok, the University maintains thirteen faculties, seven research institutes, seven centers, the Graduate School and Demonstration Schools. However, the University?s broad vision of its role in education did not extend to the early acquisition of large building sites in the rapidly developing central Bangkok area. As a result, some of the newer Faculties were later relocated to a new campus.Ongkharak Campus By 1996, the University?s rapid growth had exceeded the original campus? capacity. To address the overcrowding, the University expanded its facilities to Ongkharak District, in Nakhon Nayok Province, which is about 70 kilometers from Bangkok. The first faculty on this new campus was the Faculty of Engineering that admitted its first engineering students in 1996. Faculties in various fields of Medicine and Technology are currently located at the Ongkharak campus. The Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Center was established at the Ongkharak campus to provide the University?s medical students with modern facilities for research and training and from which medical care is provided for students, staff and the general public. Throughout its history of rapid growth, and its modernizing and technological developments, Srinakharinwirot University has maintained its strong reputation in the field of education and a commitment to academic excellence.