Cabinet backs upgrading RMUTL Nan into high-quality provincial university

The Cabinet has approved in principle the establishment of a provincial higher education institution in Nan, paving the way for Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Nan, to be upgraded into an autonomous state-supervised institution.

Prof Dr Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, said after the Cabinet meeting on June 10 that the next step would be to draft legislation establishing the institution. He stressed that the move was not the creation of a university from scratch, but an upgrade of RMUTL Nan, which already has strengths in research and area-based development.

Honour for Princess Sirindhorn’s 72nd birthday

The project is intended to honour Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on the auspicious occasion of her sixth-cycle, or 72nd, birthday on April 2, 2027.

Yodchanan said the institution would also carry forward the Princess’s royal aspirations in education, natural resource conservation and improving the quality of life of people in Nan, where she has long carried out royal duties.

Exemption clears legal path

Capt Phatdarasmi Thongsaluaykorn, deputy government spokeswoman, said the Cabinet also approved an exemption from a previous Cabinet resolution dated December 6, 2011, which had restricted the establishment of new universities through mergers or consolidations.

The exemption clears the way for the establishment of the Nan provincial higher education institution, as proposed by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation.

‘Small but high-quality university’

Yodchanan said the institution would be developed under the concept of a “small but high-quality university”, with specialised expertise, an agile and modern administrative structure, and the ability to design curricula quickly in line with local and industrial needs.

The goal is for the institution to become a model innovation university for area-based development with international standards, while helping reform Thai higher education.

Research rooted in local development

RMUTL Nan has played a key role in supporting local development through research and community product development.

Its work has included:

• Research and development of local plants such as custard apple vine and wild yam
• Development of local fish species
• Promotion and research on indigenous chickens

The upgrade is expected to build on these existing strengths and use knowledge, research and innovation to solve local problems, support sustainable development and produce skilled manpower for future national development.

New Generation University model

The new institution will be designed as a New Generation University, moving beyond traditional education models. It will have four main features:

1. A university that serves the province
It will adopt a flexible and agile management model, enabling it to respond quickly to global changes and local social capital.

2. Learner-centred education
Lecturers will shift from being “teachers” to facilitators and coaches, helping students build knowledge through real-life experience.

3. Lifelong learning
The university will offer short courses through a credit bank system to support upskilling and reskilling for local people of all ages.

4. Global innovation focus
It will promote research and innovation linked to local identity and wisdom, helping turn community value into international opportunities.

Consultation already completed

Yodchanan said the ministry had already studied the project’s feasibility, prepared project plans and gathered opinions from government agencies, local authorities, the public, lecturers, staff and students.

The proposal has also received approval in principle from key agencies, including the Office of the Civil Service Commission, the National Economic and Social Development Council, the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission and the Office of the Council of State.

No immediate budget burden

The Budget Bureau has clarified that the Cabinet’s approval in principle will not create an immediate fiscal burden.

However, budget obligations will arise once the institution is formally established. Relevant agencies must prepare budget plans and comply strictly with the State Fiscal and Financial Discipline Act B.E. 2561, or 2018.

Yodchanan said the ministry would now accelerate the drafting of the bill and set out details on administration, manpower development, research, innovation and area-based development.

He said the aim was for the institution to become a mechanism for sustainably improving the economy, society, environment and quality of life of people in Nan and nearby provinces.