Ratchathani University

Administrative Office Hours: 08:30 – 17:00

 

Ratchathani University (RTU), known in Thai as มหาวิทยาลัยราชธานี, is a private university in Ubon Ratchathani Province, northeastern Thailand. Its main campus is located at 261 Ring Road, Chaeramae Subdistrict, Mueang Ubon Ratchathani District, Ubon Ratchathani 34000. The institution was originally established as Ratchathani College of Technology on 29 April 1993 and was officially granted university status on 25 September 2003. In 2026, the institution marked 33 years since its original establishment and 23 years under university status. Its philosophy, Knowledge with Morality, emphasizes academic achievement alongside ethical responsibility. Ratchathani University offers education in nursing, teacher education, and postgraduate studies, while engineering, business administration, and law have also played important roles in its academic history. The university operates an additional campus in Udon Thani Province, extending its educational opportunities to another part of northeastern Thailand.

 

Ratchathani University has an important place in the development of private higher education in lower northeastern Thailand. It was established in response to the need to provide more opportunities for young people and working adults to pursue university-level education without relocating to a small number of major cities. Its founding objectives were connected with regional human resource development, professional advancement, and the preparation of graduates capable of applying their knowledge and experience effectively in employment and community settings.

 

The university's current main campus stands along the Ring Road in Chaeramae, on the western side of Ubon Ratchathani city. The surrounding area includes residential communities, businesses, and transport connections serving important parts of the province. The campus provides academic buildings, meeting facilities, student activity spaces, and landscaped areas that contribute to its educational environment and everyday university life.

 

Historically, Ratchathani College of Technology was situated at 487 Chayangkun Road, Kham Yai Subdistrict, Mueang Ubon Ratchathani District, before the institution adopted its current main-campus address at 261 Ring Road, Chaeramae. This distinction is important when consulting historical publications or older online references. Visitors arranging appointments or traveling to the university today should use the current Ring Road address rather than the former Chayangkun Road location.

 

Before the establishment of Ratchathani University, northeastern Thailand had experienced continuing growth in educational demand and the need for qualified professionals. Economic development, healthcare services, commercial activity, and industrial expansion created new requirements for people with specialized knowledge. The establishment of a private higher education institution in the region consequently helped broaden access to university-level qualifications and support local human resource development.

 

On 29 April 1993, Ratchathani College of Technology received official authorization to operate as a private higher education institution. Its founding objectives emphasized greater equality in access to education and the development of people in northeastern Thailand. The institution aimed to create learning opportunities that would help students gain professional expertise, intellectual abilities, and the ethical qualities necessary for responsible participation in society.

 

During its initial academic operations, the institution had two principal faculties: Engineering and Business Administration. Engineering programs included Electrical Engineering and a two-year continuing industrial technology degree in Electrical Engineering, while Business Administration provided education in Accounting. These fields were closely connected with regional demand for technical professionals, business personnel, and graduates capable of managing financial information.

 

The early emphasis on engineering and business was significant because both disciplines contributed to economic development. Engineering knowledge supported the operation, development, and maintenance of technical systems used in production and services. Accounting and business administration, meanwhile, provided essential skills for commercial enterprises, smaller businesses, and organizations requiring reliable financial information and effective planning.

 

During the 1994–1995 academic period, the institution expanded its academic provision to include Industrial Engineering, Business Computer, Management, Law, Nursing, and postgraduate Business Administration. This expansion reflected its efforts to respond to a wider range of professional needs, including healthcare, management, information systems, legal services, and industrial development.

 

The introduction of the Bachelor of Nursing Science program in the 1995 academic year became an important milestone in the institution's development. It established the foundation for nursing education, which would become one of Ratchathani University's most visible academic strengths. Professional nursing education combines health sciences, patient care, communication, clinical training, and the ethical responsibilities associated with caring for individuals and communities.

 

Providing nursing education within a regional private institution also created further opportunities for students interested in entering the nursing profession. The preparation of nursing graduates is directly relevant to the development of healthcare services in northeastern Thailand, including provincial hospitals, community hospitals, health centers, and organizations involved in disease prevention and community wellbeing.

 

In the 2001 academic year, the institution received approval to offer a Master of Education in Educational Administration. This expanded opportunities for teachers, school administrators, and education professionals to undertake advanced study. Educational Administration addresses subjects such as institutional leadership, academic planning, staff management, resource allocation, and the improvement of educational quality.

 

On 25 September 2003, Ratchathani College of Technology was officially authorized to change its institutional category and name to Ratchathani University. This marked a decisive transition from a private higher education college to a university with greater scope for academic development, postgraduate education, research, and institutional growth.

 

The name Ratchathani is associated with the Thai term for a capital or principal city and is also a component of the name Ubon Ratchathani, the province in which the university originated. It reflects the institution's geographical and educational connections with the region. Ratchathani University is a separate institution from both Ubon Ratchathani University and Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University, which have different histories, administrative structures, and campuses.

 

Further postgraduate expansion took place during the 2005 academic year, when the university developed additional graduate offerings in Curriculum and Instruction and nursing disciplines. Its nursing-related postgraduate fields included Maternal and Newborn Nursing, Adult Nursing, Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing, and Nursing Administration. These developments strengthened the institution's academic role in professional advancement and the production of specialized knowledge for education and healthcare.

 

As Ratchathani University continued to develop, it expanded educational operations to Udon Thani Province. Ratchathani University Udon Thani Campus is located at 293 Ring Road, Nong Khon Kwang Subdistrict, Mueang Udon Thani District, Udon Thani Province. Its current academic information includes Nursing Science, Practical Nursing, and postgraduate Educational Administration. The campus offers additional opportunities for students in upper northeastern Thailand.

 

The establishment and continued operation of the Udon Thani Campus have enabled the university to develop academic relationships with communities and institutions in another part of the country. The two campuses have different addresses, contact details, and admissions information. Prospective students should therefore identify the campus offering their intended program before arranging an application, appointment, or visit.

 

The university's philosophy, Knowledge with Morality, expresses the principle that education should develop both intellectual ability and ethical judgment. Knowledge enables individuals to analyze problems, perform professional tasks, and build specialist expertise. Morality provides the foundation for honesty, responsibility, respect for others, and the application of knowledge in ways that benefit society.

 

Ratchathani University's stated educational aspirations emphasize the transmission of knowledge together with the development of morality, ethics, and wisdom. The objective is to prepare graduates who can respond to the country's professional workforce needs. This philosophy is especially relevant to fields such as nursing and education, where technical competence must operate alongside professional standards and responsibility toward other people.

 

Institutional symbols published by the Udon Thani Campus include a blossoming lotus representing high-quality human resources. The university's Thai initials are arranged in the form of a diamond to symbolize excellence and intellectual strength, while surrounding rays represent progress in scholarship, technology, reputation, and contributions to society.

 

The Udon Thani Campus also identifies orange as the institutional color and the flamboyant tree as the institutional tree. These symbols express continuity and a shared sense of identity among students, employees, and alumni. They contribute to the traditions and visual identity associated with the university community.

 

In 2026, Dr. Wilawan Tanwattanapong was identified as President of Ratchathani University. University leadership is responsible for guiding academic programs, institutional administration, quality development, and professional education. These responsibilities remain central as universities respond to changing educational expectations, digital technology, and the growing need for graduates with professional skills and ethical awareness.

 

Academically, the Faculty of Nursing was one of the university's most active units during the 2026 academic year. Its principal undergraduate degree was the Bachelor of Nursing Science. The faculty also advertised certificate programs related to patient assistance and care services. Nursing education involves periodic curriculum development and activities that strengthen professional knowledge, clinical practice, and the ethical foundations of healthcare services.

 

The Bachelor of Nursing Science program develops knowledge of the human body, health, illness, and appropriate nursing care. Students study health sciences, foundational nursing, nursing care for different patient groups, and practical clinical skills. Professional training places particular emphasis on patient safety, accuracy, appropriate communication, and the responsibilities associated with nursing practice.

 

Health-related certificate courses advertised for 2026 included Practical Nursing, Physical Therapy Assistance, Caregiving, and Thai Traditional Medicine Assistance. These programs have different objectives, entry requirements, and study durations. The Caregiver Certificate course, for example, runs for four months with 410 hours of study, while the Thai Traditional Medicine Assistant Certificate involves 372 hours of training. Such courses help students develop supporting healthcare skills appropriate to their intended work.

 

These certificate programs must be distinguished from the Bachelor of Nursing Science degree. They lead to different qualifications and do not automatically confer professional registered-nurse status. Prospective students should examine the permitted scope of work, professional recognition, and further study opportunities associated with each qualification before making an enrollment decision.

 

The Faculty of Education supports the development of teachers and education professionals. In the 2026 academic year, its admissions information included a bachelor's degree program in Early Childhood Education. This field concerns the learning and development of children during the early years of life. Students learn about developmental psychology, appropriate learning activities, assessment, classroom environments, and cooperation with parents and communities.

 

Early Childhood Education is particularly important because early development lays the foundations for later learning. Educators working with young children need to understand physical growth, language development, emotional wellbeing, social interaction, and cognitive development. Effective early childhood education emphasizes age-appropriate learning, play, safe environments, and respect for individual developmental differences.

 

At postgraduate level, Ratchathani University provides Master of Education programs in Curriculum and Instruction and Early Childhood Education, together with Educational Administration-related study. It also advertises a Graduate Diploma in Teaching Profession for applicants meeting the relevant requirements. These programs help professionals strengthen teaching knowledge, school leadership, educational research, and the skills required for improving educational institutions.

 

The university's admissions system distinguishes between applicant groups for certain master's degree programs, including Curriculum and Instruction and Early Childhood Education. Some groups relate to whether applicants are seeking professional teaching-license eligibility. These administrative pathways should not automatically be counted as different degree programs, since they may be alternative admissions categories within the same field of study.

 

Doctoral study is available in Educational Administration, including a published integrated master's-to-doctoral pathway. This advanced field addresses educational leadership, school administration, policy, institutional planning, and academic research. Doctoral education supports the development of specialists who can analyze complex problems and produce advanced research relevant to educational practice and administration.

 

Beyond the currently advertised nursing and education programs, the university's history and academic records also identify Engineering, Business Administration, and Law as significant academic areas. These disciplines contributed to the institution's early growth and professional education mission. The availability of new-student admissions in particular programs depends on the applicable academic year and the university's official announcements.

 

Research is supported by the university's academic information systems and records of staff publications. Published work includes studies in Educational Administration, teaching practices, Nursing Science, and regional development. Academic research contributes to the exchange of knowledge and can support improvements in educational methods, organizational management, and professional services.

 

Research activities published in 2026 included a study examining factors influencing first-year students' decisions to enroll in the university's Faculty of Education. Other scholarly work addressed educational administration in rapidly changing environments. Such research reflects an interest in understanding student needs and improving the quality of teaching and institutional leadership.

 

Ratchathani University also undertakes community academic services, particularly in health promotion and community care. Projects involving older adults and health education provide opportunities for students and academic staff to apply their professional knowledge in real situations. This approach supports community wellbeing while strengthening relationships between the university and residents of the surrounding region.

 

One community health project involved supporting older residents with noncommunicable chronic diseases and additional medical conditions in Kham Yai Subdistrict, Mueang Ubon Ratchathani District. The project reflected the importance of health education, self-care knowledge, and cooperation with communities in addressing long-term health risks.

 

University traditions and student activities are closely connected with its philosophy of combining knowledge and morality. During the 2026 academic year, activities included the Wai Khru ceremony, new-student orientation, and programs developing ethical awareness, public-mindedness, and responsibility among incoming students. These events help students understand institutional values and build relationships with lecturers and fellow learners.

 

The Wai Khru ceremony for the 2026 academic year took place on 9 July 2026. It offered students an opportunity to express gratitude and respect for their teachers. The tradition has an important place in Thai education, recognizing the relationship between teachers and learners and encouraging students to value knowledge, good conduct, and the responsibilities associated with academic study.

 

New-student activities during 2026 included orientation, preparation for academic study, and events designed to strengthen relationships between senior and junior students. The Faculty of Nursing also promoted a student-family activity using the local Isan-language expression Ma Doe Ma Tum Ao Nong Ma Hong Ao Lan, which conveys warmth and welcome. The use of local language and culture contributes to a sense of belonging among students from different backgrounds.

 

Freshy Night 2026 and student talent activities provided opportunities for students to participate in campus life, develop confidence, and build friendships. Such events form part of learning beyond the classroom by supporting communication, teamwork, responsibility, and engagement with the university community.

 

The Faculty of Nursing maintains ceremonies associated with professional identity, including the presentation of nursing caps and year-progression pins to students. These ceremonies recognize academic progress and the increasing responsibilities involved in preparing for professional nursing practice. On 26 September 2025, the faculty held a cap and progression-pin ceremony at the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King's Accession to the Throne Building.

 

Religious and ethical activities are also part of university life. On 29 July 2026, the Faculty of Nursing organized a Buddhist merit-making and almsgiving event associated with Asalha Bucha Day. Such activities reflect the university's emphasis on morality, community relationships, and the continuation of cultural and religious traditions.

 

Ratchathani University has also participated in charitable activities with local temples. In January 2026, the university publicized merit-making and almsgiving at Wat Nong Pa Phong, an important forest monastery associated with the teachings of Ajahn Chah. Such activities connect university life with community institutions and encourage ethical reflection and participation in local traditions.

 

The university's foundation anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on its institutional history. On 25 September 2026, Ratchathani University marked 33 years since the establishment of its predecessor in 1993. Although formal university status dates to 2003, counting its age from the original college reflects the continuity of its educational mission and the importance of its earliest development period.

 

Among the university's important campus facilities is the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King's Accession to the Throne Building. It includes a large meeting space used for official ceremonies and academic events, including nursing activities. Facilities of this kind support educational life beyond ordinary lectures and provide venues for shared experiences involving students, staff, and invited participants.

 

The campus also includes a building commemorating Queen Sirikit's 72nd Birthday, which has been used for graduation rehearsals and institutional events. Such facilities support conferences, ceremonies, and gatherings involving graduates, families, lecturers, and university administrators. They contribute to the ceremonial traditions and collective memories associated with university life.

 

Academic buildings and practical learning spaces are particularly important for nursing students. Professional nursing education requires students to develop knowledge and practical skills before applying them in healthcare environments. Practical training must therefore emphasize patient safety, accurate procedures, professional ethics, and a clear understanding of clinical responsibilities.

 

Ratchathani University also operates digital academic services for registration, online learning, academic administration, and information access. These systems help students manage essential aspects of their studies while supporting the integration of digital technology into university teaching and educational management.

 

Prospective students applying in the 2026 academic year can use the university's online admissions system to select a program, enter personal information, upload documents, pay the application fee, and check their application status. Program-specific requirements should be reviewed carefully. Nursing applicants, for example, must satisfy academic and health-related criteria, while postgraduate programs may require professional experience or other qualifications.

 

Applicants considering Educational Administration should pay particular attention to the academic year stated in each advertisement. The admissions system includes entries associated with both the 2026 and 2027 academic years. Checking the applicable intake is important for planning study schedules, preparing documents, and selecting a suitable postgraduate route.

 

Members of the public can contact the university regarding admissions, educational services, or organized study visits. Visits to clinical training rooms, laboratories, and specialist facilities should be arranged in advance, since these areas may have safety requirements or access restrictions different from those applying to general campus spaces.

 

Getting There is possible by private car using the Ring Road toward Chaeramae Subdistrict, Mueang Ubon Ratchathani District. Visitors should enter 261 Ring Road or search for Ratchathani University in a navigation application. The main campus is accessible from the city and major provincial roads, making it convenient for travelers arriving from surrounding districts.

 

Visitors arriving from other provinces can fly to Ubon Ratchathani International Airport and continue by taxi or other local transport. Interprovincial bus passengers can travel to Ubon Ratchathani Bus Terminal before arranging transportation to Chaeramae. Rail passengers can arrive at Ubon Ratchathani Railway Station in Warin Chamrap District and continue through the city to the university.

 

Travelers attending Ratchathani University Udon Thani Campus should use its separate address at 293 Ring Road, Nong Khon Kwang Subdistrict, Mueang Udon Thani District, Udon Thani Province. The two campuses are located in different provinces and have separate contact information. Checking the correct campus before traveling is particularly important for examinations, admission interviews, and scheduled academic activities.

 

Visitors interested in combining university-related travel with cultural sightseeing can explore major attractions in Ubon Ratchathani, including Wat Phra That Nong Bua, Ubon Ratchathani National Museum, Thung Si Mueang, Wat Thung Si Mueang, and Ubon Ratchathani Zoo. These destinations offer opportunities to learn about Buddhist architecture, regional history, the city's cultural traditions, and the natural environment.

 

Ratchathani University represents a distinctive part of Thailand's private higher education system. From its establishment as Ratchathani College of Technology in 1993 to university status in 2003 and the continuing development of nursing and education programs, the institution has contributed to expanded opportunities for professional education and the development of human resources in northeastern Thailand.

 

In 2026, the university continued its educational, research, community service, and cultural responsibilities. Its academic philosophy of Knowledge with Morality remains central to understanding its institutional mission, connecting academic achievement with professional ethics, social responsibility, and the application of knowledge for the benefit of communities and the wider society.

 

 

 

 

A: Its main campus is located at 261 Ring Road, Chaeramae Subdistrict, Mueang Ubon Ratchathani District, Ubon Ratchathani Province 34000, Thailand.

 

A: It is a private university with its main campus in Ubon Ratchathani and an additional campus in Udon Thani Province.

 

A: It was originally established as Ratchathani College of Technology on 29 April 1993 and became Ratchathani University on 25 September 2003.

 

A: The institution marked 33 years since its original establishment in 1993 and 23 years since gaining university status in 2003.

 

A: Its philosophy is Knowledge with Morality, emphasizing the development of academic knowledge and ethical responsibility together.

 

A: Yes. It offers the Bachelor of Nursing Science and several healthcare-related certificate programs. Entry requirements and professional qualifications differ by course.

 

A: Yes. Postgraduate fields include Educational Administration, Curriculum and Instruction, Early Childhood Education, and doctoral study in Educational Administration.

 

A: Yes. The campus is located at 293 Ring Road, Nong Khon Kwang Subdistrict, Mueang Udon Thani District, Udon Thani Province and offers nursing and postgraduate education.

 

A: Important activities include the Wai Khru ceremony, student orientation, nursing cap and progression-pin ceremonies, foundation anniversary events, ethical development activities, and community health services.

 

A: Visitors can follow the Ring Road into Chaeramae Subdistrict in Mueang Ubon Ratchathani or use local transport from Ubon Ratchathani International Airport, the provincial bus terminal, or Ubon Ratchathani Railway Station.