01/09/2026
University Presidents Highlight Key Strengths at Thai University Presidential Forum 2026, Advancing Higher Education in the AI Era
--------------------------------------
⭐️ On August 6, 2026, Assoc. Prof. Adisorn Naowanondha, Ph.D., President of Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University (NRRU) and Chairman of the Council of Presidents of Rajabhat Universities of Thailand, together with Asst. Prof. Rattakorn Kidkarn, Ed.D., Vice President and Secretary-General of the Council, participated in the Thai University Presidential Forum 2026, held on August 6–7, 2026, at the Centara Grand at CentralPlaza Ladprao Hotel, Bangkok.
⭐️ Organized by the Council of University Presidents of Thailand in collaboration with Thailand’s higher education networks, the forum was held under the theme “Transforming Thailand, Transforming Universities with AI.” It brought together university presidents, senior higher education administrators, policymakers, and international academic leaders to exchange visions and strategies for transforming Thai universities in response to rapid global and technological change.
⭐️ The forum featured keynote lectures, policy discussions, international perspectives, and exchanges on key priorities for the future of higher education, including AI-driven education, workforce development, research and innovation, university–industry collaboration, internationalization, and educational technology.
⭐️ A key policy message from Professor Yodchanan Wongsawat, Ph.D., Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), emphasized that universities should look beyond institutional goals and work together to shape Thailand’s future through human capital development, research, innovation, and international collaboration. He also highlighted the importance of connecting research universities with local and community-based institutions to address real-world national challenges and translate knowledge into economic and social impact.
⭐️ The forum also discussed Talent Mobility, strengthening opportunities for university researchers and faculty members to collaborate with industry and government agencies, as well as measures to enhance research capacity, personnel welfare, and institutional competitiveness.
⭐️ Professor Supachai Pathumnakul, Ph.D., Permanent Secretary of MHESI, emphasized the importance of the forum as a platform for strengthening communication and cooperation between the Ministry and higher education institutions nationwide, ensuring that policies in education, research, and innovation are translated into tangible outcomes for national development.
⭐️ The event concluded with a panel discussion on “The Next Chapter for Thai Higher Education,” bringing together leaders from Thailand’s major higher education networks to explore integrated approaches to preparing universities for a rapidly changing world.
⭐️ NRRU’s participation reflects its active role in the national higher education network and its commitment to exchanging knowledge, strengthening domestic and international partnerships, and advancing education, research, innovation, and human capital development. As a university dedicated to local development, NRRU continues to embrace emerging technologies such as AI while ensuring that innovation creates meaningful benefits for communities, society, and the nation.