'Chulalongkorn University' is the oldest
university in
Thailand [1] and has long been considered one of the country's most prestigious universities. It now has eighteen faculties and a number of schools and institutes. Regarded as the best and most selective university of Thailand, it normally attracts top students around the country. It is named after King
Chulalongkorn (Rama V), and was established by his son and successor King
Vajiravudh (Rama VI) in 1917 by combining the Royal Pages School and the College of Medicine.
Its campus occupies a vast area in downtown
Bangkok, just next to the popular teenagers hangout
Siam Square.
The symbol of the University is the
Phra Kiao, a royal insignia. Diplomas were traditionally handed out at graduation by the King of Thailand, created and begun by King
Prajadhipok(Rama VII). But at present, King
Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) delegates the role to the one of his daughters Princess
Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
During the years 1973-1977 Princess
Maha Chakri Sirindhorn was a student at the University, becoming the first member of the
Thai Royal Family to graduate from a Thai university. Prior to that, Thai royals had always studied abroad.
Academics

Chulalongkorn University main auditorium
Chulalongkorn University consists of 20 faculties and schools:
★ Faculty of Allied Health Sciences ★ Faculty of Architecture ★ Faculty of Arts ★ Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy ★ Faculty of Communication arts ★ Faculty of Dentistry ★ Faculty of Economics ★ Faculty of Education ★ Faculty of Engineering ★ Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts | ★ Faculty of Law ★ Faculty of Medicine ★ Faculty of Nursing ★ Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences ★ Faculty of Political Science ★ Faculty of Psychology ★ Faculty of Science ★ Faculty of Veterinary Science ★ Graduate School ★ School of Sport Sciences |
Other institutions which are associated with the university include
The Petroleum and Petrochemical College and
Sasin Business School.
In the
Times Higher Education Supplement World University Rankings 2004, the university was ranked 46th in the world for social sciences and 60th for biomedicine.
In October 2005, the university was ranked at 121st in the World University Rankings 2005 by the Times Higher Education Supplement
[2]. Excluding North American and European institutions, it was ranked at 35th. It was also ranked 46th in the world for
social sciences, 82nd for
biomedicine, and 100th for
technology.
In 2006, The university was ranked at 161st in the Times Higher World University Rankings 2006. It was also ranked 80th for biomedicine and 95th for technology.
In September 2006, three universities in Thailand were ranked "Excellent" in both academic and research areas by
Commission on Higher Education. Those universities are
Chiang Mai University, Chulalongkorn University, and
Mahidol University.
Chulalongkorn University is an academic partner of
Worcester Polytechnic Institute's Global Perspective's Program.
Notable Faculty and Alumni
★
HRH Prince Mahidol Adulyadej of Songkhla father of
King Ananda Mahidol and
King Bhumibol Adulyadej
★
HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana, princess of
Narathiwat, Thailand
★
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, princess of Thailand
★
HRH Princess Siriwannawari Nariratana, princess of Thailand
★
Thanpuying Dhasanawalaya Sornsongkram, daughter of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana
★
Surakiart Sathirathai, former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand
★
Prawes Wasi, a winner of the
Ramon Magsaysay Award
★
Win Lyovarin, a Thai writer, two-time winner of the
S.E.A. Write Award
★
Binlah Sonkalagiri, a winner of the
S.E.A. Write Award
★
Sudarat Keyuraphan, the deputy leader of the
Thai Rak Thai party, former Thailand's Minister of Agriculture
★
Banjong Pisanthanakun, a Thai film director and screenwriter, notable for his films
Shutter and
Alone.
Traditions
Chulalongkorn University student traditions include:
★
Chula–Thammasat Traditional Football Match: The annual
football match between Chulalongkorn University and
Thammasat University in January at
Suphashalasai Stadium. It first started in 1934.
★
Loy Krathong festival celebrations in the main campus. It is held on every year in full moon day of November or December.
★
Chulalongkorn Academic Exhibition: The three-day academic and research exhibition is held every three years.
Student activities and clubs
The University is host to 40 student clubs, including the Buddhism and Tradition Club, the Religious Studies Club, the Mind Study Club, and the Thai Classical Music Club.
[3] Chulalongkorn also has a Morals Network, which actively campaigns to protect student activities from damaging the university's reputation. The University's Football Club annually organizes the Chula-Thammasat Traditional Football Match.
Notes
1. History of Chulalongkorn University
2. THES World University Rankings
3. Chulalongkorn University, Student Clubs
See also
★
Sasin Graduate Institute of Business Administration of Chulalongkorn University
★
Education in Thailand
External links
★
Chulalongkorn University Official Website