Prince of Songkla University (PSU), through the Global Affairs and Corporate Communications Center (GACC), hosted a media meet-and-greet and presented an update on the University’s performance under the 5th PSU Network on Surat Thani Campus on 14 January 2026 at Somjai Mai Hotel Meeting Room, Keaw Samui Resort, Surat Thani Province. The briefing was delivered by Asst. Prof. Dr. Niwat Keawpradub, President, Asst. Prof. Dr. Thakerng Wongsirichot, Vice President for Academic and International Affairs, and Assoc. Prof. Suchada Tipmontree, Vice President for Surat Thani Campus. University administrators and staff from all five campuses, along with media representatives from across Thailand, attended in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The event also featured an award presentation to the winner of the PSU 60th Anniversary logo design competition, awarded to Mr. Athikhom Khattiyot.
Dr. Niwat stated that PSU is a five-campus university network with development priorities aligned with the strengths of each area, covering medicine and health, sustainable food and agriculture, education, multicultural society, tourism, innovation, and the environment. Under the University Development Plan 2023–2027, PSU is driving five strategic priorities: food security and sustainable agriculture; health and medicine; natural resources and the environment; multicultural society; and an innovation- and creativity-based economy, with the goal of creating sustainable value for society.
He also highlighted PSU’s strong response to major flooding in southern Thailand, noting that the University mobilized resources across all five campuses to establish shelters and provide food, medical support, and community recovery through initiatives such as PSU Volunteer x Hatyai Rise Up and Hatyai Rise Up.
PSU is approaching its 60th anniversary in 2028 and is preparing a series of celebrations to reflect its role and advance its mission toward the future as a university that delivers value and sustainability to society.
Dr. Thakerng reported that in the QS World University Rankings 2026, PSU is ranked 6th in Thailand and 851–900 globally, and has received a 4-star rating under QS Stars, reflecting international quality and standards. Notable achievements include: Hospitality & Leisure Management, ranked No. 1 in Thailand and Top 101–150 worldwide; UN Tourism TedQual accreditation for two programmes in tourism and hospitality; research strengths in Food Science and Life Sciences & Medicine, with researchers listed among the Top 2% globally; national recognition through Outstanding National Researcher Awards 2026; and progress toward ABET accreditation for engineering programmes. PSU also offers internationally recognized flagship programmes, including those from the Faculty of Engineering and the College of Computing.a
He added that PSU is among Thailand’s top 10 leading research universities under the Reinventing University initiative. The University is advancing internationalization through double-degree and non-degree programmes, international accreditations such as AUN-QA and AACSB, collaborative research with international partners, and global learning experiences for students. PSU also continues to drive social-impact initiatives, including area-based research to reduce poverty and promote equality in Thailand, with Pattani Province cited as a case study.
In parallel, PSU has strengthened strategic communications through GACC under three main brands—PSU Connext, PSU Broadcast, and PSU Global—to enhance reputation, international visibility, and sustainable global recognition.
PSU reaffirmed the importance of media networks as key partners and emphasized continued collaboration to advance the University’s mission for society.
Assoc. Prof. Suchada Tipmontree stated that Surat Thani Campus is focused on developing efficient and sustainable management systems while producing a highly qualified workforce aligned with local and national needs. The campus offers programmes across three faculties at all levels—undergraduate and graduate—along with Pre-Degree, Pre-College, and Non-Degree options. Teaching and learning emphasize CWIE (Cooperative and Work-Integrated Education) and student development under the I-WISE + DNA concept to strengthen professional skills, analytical thinking, and real workplace experience.
In research and innovation, the campus prioritizes translating knowledge into practical impact through three key strategies: developing high-value products in agriculture, fisheries, and food under the BCG Model; integrating digital solutions to strengthen the bio-based industry and sustainable development; and integrating management and language to advance high-value tourism in southern Thailand. These efforts have generated a significant number of copyrights, patents, and petty patents.
Surat Thani Campus also serves as a regional hub for area-based development, building partnerships with educational institutions, communities, entrepreneurs, and both public and private sector organizations. It hosts and supports national and international academic forums to exchange knowledge and accelerate research-driven socio-economic development.
“Looking ahead, Surat Thani Campus will accelerate upgrades to infrastructure in science, food, health, sports, and an international-standard convention center, along with establishing advanced institutes and research centers to strengthen regional competitiveness and support sustainable development in southern Thailand,” Assoc. Prof. Suchada concluded.
