Krirk University

Open Days: Monday – Friday (Student Admissions Center and Student Affairs Office)

Opening Hours: 09:00 – 17:00 (Office Service Hours, Not General Public Access Hours for All Campus Buildings)

 

Krirk University (มหาวิทยาลัยเกริก) is a private university located at 3 Soi Ram Inthra 1, Anusawari, Bang Khen District, Bangkok 10220, Thailand. Its educational history dates back to 1952, when Dr. Krirk Mangkhalaphruek established a language and vocational school in Bangkok. The institution subsequently developed into Krirk College, the Institute of Social Technology (Krirk), and finally Krirk University on February 7, 1995. Today, the university offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral education in business administration, liberal arts, law, political communication, artificial intelligence, and international programs taught in Thai, Chinese, and English. Its location near Wat Phra Si Mahathat BTS Station, which connects with the MRT Pink Line, makes the university accessible from several areas of northern Bangkok. The campus is also close to Central Ramindra shopping center.

 

Krirk University occupies an urban educational environment connecting the Ram Inthra, Phahonyothin, Chaeng Watthana, and Bang Khen areas. The surrounding neighborhood includes residential communities, educational institutions, government offices, Buddhist temples, commercial centers, restaurants, and public transportation services. Its position in northern Bangkok makes it convenient for full-time students, working adults pursuing additional qualifications, and international students arriving from different parts of the city.

 

One of the university's most distinctive characteristics is its evolution from a school specializing in English-language education into an institution offering degrees in business, social sciences, technology, and international studies. Its later development of Chinese-medium programs represents another major stage in this history. The transformation reflects changing educational priorities in Thailand, from the need for English-language proficiency in commerce and administration to the importance of multilingual communication, digital technology, and international academic cooperation.

 

The present campus contains several academic and administrative buildings with distinctive green and gray exterior elements. A statue of Dr. Krirk Mangkhalaphruek stands near the main entrance, serving as an important memorial to the university's founder. Other campus facilities include an International Academic Conference Center, a university library, student affairs offices, teaching rooms, an airline cabin crew training facility, and a mock courtroom supporting practical legal education.

 

The history of Krirk University began in 1952 when Dr. Krirk Mangkhalaphruek established the School of Languages and Vocations at Building A on Ratchadamnoen Klang Road in Bangkok. The institution initially concentrated on teaching English in a way that enabled students to communicate effectively and use the language in professional situations. During this period, English was becoming increasingly important in commerce, international relations, and government administration, while opportunities for practical language training were more limited than they are today.

 

Dr. Krirk Mangkhalaphruek, who lived from 1915 to 1978, was an educator recognized for his expertise in English-language teaching. He received an honorary doctorate in education from Davis & Elkins College in the United States. He was particularly associated with introducing modern English teaching approaches emphasizing grammar, comprehension, and effective language use in Thailand. His educational work helped establish the reputation of the institution that would eventually bear his name as a university.

 

The school's original authorized name was the School of Languages and Vocations, but it became popularly known as Ajarn Krirk's School, reflecting the reputation of its founder. This association between an educational institution and the person who established it became a defining feature of its identity. The name Krirk has been retained throughout successive changes in the institution's legal and academic status.

 

In its earliest years, the curriculum focused primarily on English grammar, reading, writing, and practical communication. Dr. Krirk's approach treated language not merely as a subject to memorize but also as a tool for gaining knowledge and developing professional opportunities. This philosophy contributed to the institution's educational development and reflected broader efforts to modernize foreign-language instruction in Thailand.

 

During the early 1960s, the school began expanding into vocational and business education. In 1961, educational activities in business administration and secretarial studies were developed, and in 1962, the institution began admitting secondary-school graduates to diploma-level business programs. These additions reflected the increasing demand for employees with language abilities, administrative knowledge, and office management skills.

 

In 1964, the institution introduced additional higher vocational education, followed by the development of educational facilities in Samut Prakan Province in 1965 under the name Krirk Institution. The expansion represented a transition from a language school into a more comprehensive educational organization. Practical training and the application of knowledge to employment nevertheless remained important elements of its approach.

 

Following the introduction of legislation allowing greater private participation in higher education in 1969, the institution's administrators applied to establish a private college. The college was developed with an administrative structure separate from the original school. On May 28, 1970, it received authorization to operate as Krirk College, becoming one of Thailand's early private degree-granting colleges.

 

Krirk College initially offered undergraduate education in areas including Business Administration and Economics. These fields were closely related to Thailand's economic development during a period of expanding trade, industry, and services. Students gained opportunities to study management, finance, organizational administration, and economic systems, preparing them for professional employment and entrepreneurship.

 

In 1973, degrees awarded by Krirk College received official recognition under the relevant higher education standards. This development clarified the academic standing of its qualifications and contributed to public confidence in the institution. It also formed part of the wider expansion of private higher education opportunities in Thailand.

 

Dr. Krirk Mangkhalaphruek passed away on July 24, 1978. His educational philosophy and name, however, remained closely associated with the institution. Krirk University continues to commemorate its founder, particularly through ceremonies held at his statue on campus. These traditions provide a link between the university's present community and the individual who established its educational foundations.

 

On September 15, 1987, Krirk College received approval to become the Institute of Social Technology (Krirk). This change reflected the institution's growing academic scope and its emphasis on applied social sciences, management, and professional education. It marked an important transition from a private college toward a broader higher education institution capable of supporting more advanced academic programs.

 

During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Thailand's economy required graduates with expertise in business administration, social sciences, public management, and emerging technologies. The institute responded by developing additional academic programs and support systems, including educational opportunities suitable for people already employed in professional organizations.

 

On February 7, 1995, the Institute of Social Technology (Krirk) was officially upgraded to Krirk University. This transition established the institution's status as a university with academic responsibilities extending across degree education, research, academic services, and the development of knowledge in multiple disciplines.

 

The same year, the university established its Student Affairs Office to promote extracurricular activities, sports, and student development. The office became involved in encouraging leadership, discipline, volunteer service, ethical conduct, and social responsibility. These activities were designed to complement formal academic study and support the development of students as capable and responsible members of society.

 

During the twenty-first century, Krirk University expanded its academic offerings in business administration, liberal arts, law, political communication, and postgraduate education. It also developed distance education opportunities in designated programs. These learning arrangements provided greater flexibility for students who needed to combine academic commitments with employment and family responsibilities.

 

The university's growing academic cooperation with China became another major aspect of its development. Chinese language education and Chinese-medium degree programs were introduced across international academic units. Through international colleges and programs in Chinese studies and technology, Krirk University developed opportunities for Thai and Chinese students to participate in language learning, cultural exchange, and professional education.

 

Chinese-medium education at the university extends beyond language studies. Its published academic directories include Chinese-language programs connected with business administration, finance, education, communication, art, music, public health, and technology. Such programs allow students to develop professional knowledge alongside Chinese-language skills, while interacting with teachers and students from different cultural backgrounds.

 

Other specialized academic units include the International Islamic College of Bangkok, which offers Islamic Business Administration; the Political Communication College; and the International College of Aviation and Aerospace. These developments reflect the university's efforts to provide education connected with professional industries, international cooperation, political and social studies, and emerging economic sectors.

 

In 2022, the university celebrated seventy years since the establishment of its original school in 1952. Its official news in 2026 marked the institution's seventy-fourth anniversary. This historical calculation begins with Dr. Krirk's School of Languages and Vocations rather than the year when it gained university status. The distinct dates of 1952, 1970, 1987, and 1995 therefore represent different stages in the same institution's development.

 

In 2026, Krirk University continued to organize academic activities and promote new admissions. Its announcements included postgraduate business education and short Chinese-language courses designed for members of the general public. University news also featured artificial intelligence, research, and Chinese cultural exchange, illustrating the institution's interest in both degree education and lifelong learning.

 

University leadership in 2026 includes Associate Professor Dr. Pornpan Chantarotananon, identified as President of Krirk University in official executive information and a university event announcement in July 2026. The university's administrative and academic leaders oversee curriculum development, teaching quality, research, international cooperation, and student services.

 

The origin of the name Krirk University is directly connected with its founder, Dr. Krirk Mangkhalaphruek. Although the institution has operated under several names, including Ajarn Krirk's School, Krirk College, and the Institute of Social Technology (Krirk), it has consistently retained the founder's name as part of its institutional identity. This continuity preserves the historical relationship between the university and the educator whose work began in 1952.

 

Krirk University's educational philosophy is associated with the Pali expression Vijjā Caraṇa Sampanno and the Thai motto “Knowledge Makes One Courageous.” The principle emphasizes the development of knowledge together with good conduct. It expresses the view that educated individuals should be capable of applying knowledge effectively while maintaining integrity, responsibility, and consideration for others.

 

The university's vision and institutional identity are summarized by the phrase “Wisdom for Society.” This concept emphasizes the development of knowledge and its use for the benefit of communities and society. The university's student identity similarly highlights the development of individuals who combine intellectual confidence with moral character and responsibility.

 

The traditional university emblem incorporates a Wheel of Dhamma, a torch, and a tree. The wheel represents the continuing development and movement of knowledge. The torch symbolizes intellectual enlightenment, while the tree expresses growth, stability, and the long-term development of learners. Together, these elements connect education with wisdom, ethical conduct, and personal progress.

 

University traditions and cultural activities include ceremonies honoring teachers, commemorations of the founder, and events encouraging cooperation among students from different cultural backgrounds. Annual activities documented by the university include the Wai Khru ceremony, memorial events for Dr. Krirk Mangkhalaphruek, and academic and cultural programs involving students and staff.

 

The Wai Khru ceremony is a traditional Thai event during which students express gratitude and respect toward their teachers. On July 2, 2026, Krirk University organized its annual Wai Khru ceremony at the International Academic Conference Center. Associate Professor Dr. Pornpan Chantarotananon presided over the event, which brought together university administrators, lecturers, staff, and students from different academic units.

 

The 2026 ceremony included Buddhist observances, expressions of gratitude to teachers, and a student pledge emphasizing dedication to learning and good conduct. The university also presented certificates recognizing students who had achieved awards in external competitions and organized scholarship-related activities. The event reinforced relationships between teachers and students while marking the beginning of a new academic year.

 

Dr. Krirk Mangkhalaphruek Memorial Day is another important university tradition. On July 24, 2025, the institution held a ceremony marking forty-seven years since the founder's passing. Activities took place at the founder's statue and included Buddhist ceremonies, wreath-laying, recognition of distinguished alumni, and scholarship awards. In July 2026, the university organized another memorial event to commemorate the forty-eighth anniversary of his passing.

 

These memorial activities preserve more than the memory of a prominent individual. They help students understand how a small language school established in the early 1950s gradually developed into a university offering a wide range of programs to students from different countries. The ceremonies also reaffirm the institution's educational commitment and the importance of recognizing those who contributed to its foundation.

 

Cultural exchange activities are another feature of university life. These include Chinese art exhibitions, cultural lectures, and language-related programs. On August 7, 2026, the university published news about an exhibition of Chinese ink paintings by artist Yang Deyu, reflecting its continued interest in Thai-Chinese cultural engagement through the arts.

 

Important buildings and places within Krirk University contribute to both its daily academic operations and its institutional identity. Near the main entrance stands the statue of Dr. Krirk Mangkhalaphruek, serving as a memorial and a ceremonial location. It is a particularly meaningful landmark for visitors interested in the history of the university.

 

The Mangkhalaphruek Building, or Building 1, is one of the university's important administrative buildings. The Office of the President uses space on the second floor. The building's name honors the founder's family name, making it significant not only for institutional administration but also for the preservation of the university's history.

 

The Commemorative Building, or Building 3, accommodates university offices and student-related services. The Student Affairs Office is located on the third floor, while some Office of the President functions are based on the ground floor. The building therefore supports the management of university activities and provides a point of contact for students.

 

The International Academic Conference Center is a major venue for university ceremonies, seminars, and academic gatherings. It hosted the 2026 Wai Khru ceremony and provides facilities for events involving participants from different faculties and external organizations. The center forms part of the university's capacity to organize academic and cultural activities beyond conventional classroom teaching.

 

Krirk University Library serves as an academic resource center for students and faculty members. Its collections and information services support reading, independent study, assignments, and research. Graduate students can use library resources to assist with academic investigation and the development of research projects according to university service arrangements.

 

The Airline Cabin Crew Training Facility supports practical learning associated with airline business and aviation services. Students can develop an understanding of service procedures, professional responsibilities, and teamwork in an environment connected to the aviation industry. Facilities of this kind illustrate the university's emphasis on linking academic knowledge with applied professional skills.

 

The Mock Courtroom is a practical teaching facility supporting legal education. It allows students to explore courtroom procedures and the responsibilities of judges, lawyers, prosecutors, and other participants in the justice system. Simulated legal activities help students connect legal concepts with the processes involved in professional practice.

 

Academic strengths at Krirk University combine its historical expertise in business and social sciences with programs responding to contemporary technological and international developments. Published fields of study include modern human resource management, marketing, information technology, international logistics and supply chains, artificial intelligence, political communication, and Chinese-medium professional education.

 

The Faculty of Business Administration is one of the university's longstanding academic units. Its published programs include Accountancy, Modern Human Resource Management, Airline Business Management, Marketing, Information Technology and Management, International Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Innovation Management, and International Business. These programs develop knowledge applicable to organizations operating in changing technological and economic environments.

 

The Faculty of Liberal Arts publishes programs across a broad range of subjects, including English, Management, Communication Arts and Digital Media, Public Health, Thai for Communication, Tourism and Entertainment Business Management Innovation, and Political Leadership and Government. Its postgraduate offerings also include Educational Administration, Strategic Communication, Public Administration, and Modern Organization Management.

 

The Faculty of Law offers legal education at undergraduate and graduate levels. Its subjects involve legal principles, citizens' rights and obligations, judicial administration, and the application of legal knowledge in public and private organizations. The university's mock courtroom provides additional support for learning through practical simulations.

 

The Faculty of Science and Engineering Innovation publishes an undergraduate program in Artificial Intelligence and Business Innovation, together with a postgraduate field in Environmental and Disaster Management Innovation. These subjects reflect growing interest in using technological knowledge to address organizational challenges, analyze information, and respond to environmental risks.

 

The Political Communication College focuses on the relationship between communication, politics, and society. Its published graduate programs include Political Communication at master's and doctoral levels. Academic study in this field considers the role of media, communication of public policy, public opinion, and the relationship between political institutions and social communication.

 

The International College offers Chinese-medium and English-medium programs across several disciplines. Its published undergraduate fields include Business Administration, Early Childhood Education, Broadcasting, Public Health, Art and Digital Media, and Information and Communication Technology. Studying professional subjects through Chinese or English provides opportunities for students to develop language proficiency alongside disciplinary knowledge.

 

The International College of Chinese Studies and Technology emphasizes Chinese-language learning and its application to professional fields. Programs in its directory include Business Chinese, Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages, and Thai-Chinese Industrial Technology Applications. Distance education arrangements are also listed for designated subjects, providing additional flexibility for eligible students.

 

The International Islamic College of Bangkok offers Islamic Business Administration. This area of study connects management knowledge with the economic and business principles relevant to Muslim communities. The college contributes to the university's academic diversity by providing an educational pathway associated with different cultural and professional contexts.

 

The International College of Aviation and Aerospace publishes academic programs in Airline Business Management, Industrial Technology and Air Transportation, and Aviation Industry studies in English. These areas relate to aviation services, air transportation management, and professional industries requiring specialized knowledge of aviation operations.

 

Graduate education at Krirk University encompasses business, education, communication, law, public and private management, public health, and engineering. Its published course directories include master's and doctoral programs in Thai and Chinese, alongside designated distance learning arrangements. Advanced education focuses on analytical ability, specialized expertise, research, and the application of knowledge to professional challenges.

 

For the 2026 academic year, the university announced admissions for a Master of Business Administration program focusing on Logistics Management and Entrepreneurial Innovation. The program connects management knowledge with the transportation sector, business development, and contemporary professional requirements. Krirk University also offered short Chinese-language courses for members of the public through evening and weekend learning schedules, extending educational opportunities beyond degree programs.

 

Research and innovation are part of the university's academic mission, supported by its Research and Innovation Institute. In 2026, university students participated successfully in the TESAIoT Secure Edge AI Hackathon, an event connected with artificial intelligence and digital systems. The university also continued to engage in academic cooperation with domestic and international institutions.

 

The university's research and academic activities extend beyond technology to social sciences, culture, and public health. Examples from 2026 include lectures concerning traditional Thai medicine and participation in academic discussions on improving opportunities and quality of life for people with disabilities. Such activities illustrate the application of university knowledge to issues affecting individuals and communities.

 

Community engagement in Bang Khen is an important aspect of Krirk University's role. The campus is surrounded by residential and commercial areas where restaurants, retail shops, accommodation providers, and transport services support the needs of students and staff. Academic and cultural events also provide opportunities for the university to exchange knowledge and collaborate with organizations beyond the campus.

 

Educational visits and academic tourism at Krirk University may interest people studying Thailand's private higher education history, foreign-language education, and Chinese-Thai academic cooperation. Visitors can learn about Dr. Krirk Mangkhalaphruek through the founder's statue and the institution's historical development, as well as explore the university's approach to professional education and international cultural activities.

 

The Airline Cabin Crew Training Facility, Mock Courtroom, and International Academic Conference Center provide examples of spaces used for specialized educational activities. Access to classrooms, training facilities, and organized events depends on university permission and operational requirements. Groups wishing to visit for educational purposes should make arrangements with the relevant university department in advance.

 

The surrounding Bang Khen area offers several cultural and recreational destinations. Wat Phra Si Mahathat Woramahawihan is an important Buddhist temple with a prominent chedi and a history connected with modern Thailand. Baan Bang Khen presents displays and environments inspired by older community life. Central Ramindra is a major local shopping destination, while Ramintra Sports Park provides spaces for walking, exercise, and outdoor recreation. The Royal Thai Air Force and National Aviation Museum offers opportunities to explore Thailand's aviation history.

 

Getting to Krirk University is convenient by public rail transport. Visitors can take the BTS Sukhumvit Line to Wat Phra Si Mahathat Station and continue to the university on Soi Ram Inthra 1. The station also provides an interchange with the MRT Pink Line, connecting the campus area with Chaeng Watthana, Lak Si, Ram Inthra, and other parts of the Bangkok metropolitan region.

 

For bus transportation, the university's published directions identify routes 26, 95, 95ก, 150, 520, and 554 along Ram Inthra Road, and routes 59, 114, 185, 188, 522, 523, and 524 along Phahonyothin Road. Passengers should verify current routes and service numbers before traveling, as Bangkok's bus network may be adjusted by transport operators.

 

Drivers can approach the university from Ram Inthra Road and turn into Soi Ram Inthra 1. Central Ramindra and the Lak Si roundabout area provide useful reference points. University information identifies on-campus parking as well as privately operated parking facilities nearby. Taxi passengers can use the destination Krirk University, 3 Soi Ram Inthra 1, Anusawari, Bang Khen, Bangkok 10220.

 

Prospective students can contact the university's Student Admissions Center, which operates Monday through Friday from 09:00 to 17:00. Admissions contact numbers are +66 65 654 6185 and +66 65 654 6189. General university inquiries can be made at +66 2 552 3500 to +66 2 552 3509 or +66 2 970 5820, while the university email address is info@krirk.ac.th. The Student Affairs Office is located on the third floor of Building 3 and follows its own published office schedule.

 

Krirk University represents more than seven decades of development in Thailand's private education sector. Beginning as a language and vocational school in 1952, it became a private college in 1970, the Institute of Social Technology (Krirk) in 1987, and a university in 1995. It continues to offer Thai and international education connecting business, social sciences, technology, languages, and cultural studies. Guided by the philosophy “Knowledge Makes One Courageous” and the vision “Wisdom for Society,” the institution remains committed to developing capable graduates whose knowledge and ethical responsibility contribute to the wider community.

 

 

Krirk University Academic Programs and Fields of Study, Academic Year 2026 (B.E. 2569) The following table presents academic programs and fields published in the university's official undergraduate, master's, doctoral, and international course directories. Programs are grouped by faculty or college and degree level. Some subjects are taught in Thai, while others are Chinese-medium or English-medium. Certain courses also have distance education arrangements. Published fields, concentrations, and delivery formats are distinguished from independent degree qualifications. Admissions for new students depend on the relevant program and academic-year announcement.

 

 

A: Krirk University is located at 3 Soi Ram Inthra 1, Anusawari, Bang Khen District, Bangkok 10220, Thailand, close to Central Ramindra and Wat Phra Si Mahathat BTS Station.

 

A: Its origins date to 1952, when Dr. Krirk Mangkhalaphruek established a language and vocational school. The institution became Krirk College on May 28, 1970, and was granted university status on February 7, 1995.

 

A: Dr. Krirk Mangkhalaphruek founded the original School of Languages and Vocations in 1952. He was an important figure in the development of modern English-language teaching in Thailand.

 

A: The Student Admissions Center and Student Affairs Office operate Monday through Friday from 09:00 to 17:00. Other administrative offices and specialized campus facilities may follow different schedules.

 

A: The university has faculties in Business Administration, Liberal Arts, Law, and Science and Engineering Innovation, alongside colleges specializing in Political Communication, International Studies, Chinese Studies and Technology, Islamic Business, and Aviation and Aerospace. Its published course directories include bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

 

A: Yes. The university publishes Chinese-medium programs in fields such as business, education, art, communication, and public health. It also offers Business Chinese and Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages.

 

A: Take the BTS Sukhumvit Line to Wat Phra Si Mahathat Station, which provides an interchange with the MRT Pink Line, then continue to the university on Soi Ram Inthra 1.

 

A: Visitors may contact the university about admissions or participate in activities open to the public. Organized educational visits and access to classrooms, the mock courtroom, or practical training facilities should be arranged with the relevant university department in advance.