Mahidol University, Thailand’s first institution specializing in both medicine and music, continues to drive national development through education, innovation, and sustainability. Established in 1994, the College of Music offers programs from pre-university to doctoral levels, advancing Thailand’s soft power on the global stage. The University is also home to the Prince Mahidol Hall, a world-class 2,016-seat venue renowned for its exceptional acoustics and multifunctional design, serving as a venue for royal ceremonies, concerts, and academic events. Aligned with its vision of creating a livable and sustainable campus, Mahidol University implements a range of green initiatives, including tree planting, free electric bus services, bicycle pathways, and eco-friendly waste management systems, as well as affordable housing for students and staff. In preparation for the Light Red Line (Taling Chan–Salaya) suburban railway, the University is developing a comprehensive integration plan to connect Salaya Station with its internal transportation network and the Kanchanabhisek Medical Center, ensuring efficient, accessible, and environmentally responsible mobility across the campus and surrounding community.

11.2 Support of arts and heritage

11.2.1 Public access to buildings

Mahidol university has a body provide public access to buildings, monuments or natural heritage landscapes of cultural significance

Public access to Mahidol University buildings and landmarks

Mahidol University, as the “Wisdom of the Land,” acknowledges its role as a center of learning and cultural heritage across multiple campuses. To promote public engagement, the university allows free access to certain culturally significant buildings, monuments, and natural landscapes, ensuring a balance between social openness and institutional operational efficiency.

Cultural Monuments & Heritage

Historically and spiritually significant buildings and sites are open to the public, with a focus on architectural and historical value.

• Historical and spiritual heritage at Siriraj (Bangkok Noi Campus)

Historical and spiritual heritage at Siriraj (Bangkok Noi Campus) highlights the deep-rooted foundations of Thai medical institutions and connection to the monarchy.

The Monument of Somdej Phra Boromarajchanok: A Center of Spirit and Philanthropic Dedication

Significance: Erected in 1949 by Professor Silpa Bhirasri, the statue serves as a landmark connecting history, medicine, and public spirit. It is regarded as a spiritual center and the venue for the annual "Mahidol Day Wreath-Laying Ceremony" (September 24), to continue the royal commitment to giving.

Public Access: Free Access

Ratchaphattayalai Auditorium : A Monument of Unity and Preserved Architecture

Significance: This memorial, dedicated to Rajabhat College and honoring King Rama V, was built through donations from alumni, teachers, and the public as a symbol of unity. It holds great historical significance as the site where His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej presided over the first degree conferral ceremony in 1952. Designed by Professor Mom Chao Votyakorn Voravan in a modern Thai architectural style, the building reflects both cultural pride and academic heritage. Its architectural excellence was recognized with the Outstanding Architectural Conservation Award in 2006.

Public Access: Conservation Building, visit according to time or activities organized.

Siriraj Pier Pavilion: A Gateway to History and Neoclassical Architecture

Significance: The pavilion symbolizes the nation’s first royal hospital and serves as the “gateway to the hospital.” It is the spot where Somdej Phra Boromarajchanok embarked on his medical studies and has been the site of royal activities by several monarchs. It is also used for important events, such as the “Cross-River Freshmen Tradition.”

Architectural Value: Redesigned in 1923 in the Neoclassical style, the pavilion received the Outstanding Architectural Conservation Award in 2006.

Public Access: As a preserved building, it is open to visitors during designated hours or specific events.

• Historical and spiritual heritage at Salaya Campus

Somdej Phra Boromarajchanok's Biography Hall

Significance: Displays the biography and important items related to Somdej Phra Boromarajchanok, as a role model and spiritual center of Mahidol people.

Public Access: Free Access (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)

Mahidol University Hall of Fame

Significance: Exhibits the history and development of Mahidol University, including its contributions to society.

Public Access: Free Access (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)

Mahidol Thai House (Rabiab Kunakasem Building): Architectural and Ecological Heritage

Significance: A group of five houses , following the style of the houses of a Middle Thai nobleman's house , serves as a cultural center, used for exhibitions, seminars, and cultural performances. It has been praised by Mom Rajawongse Kukrit Pramoj as being of great value for conservation.

Environmental Conservation: The area next to the house is a conservation area for large Sagae Thung trees and bird habitats.

Public Access: Free Access (Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)

Natural Heritage & Eco-Learning

Significance: Mahidol University promotes equal access to green spaces and outdoor learning environments across its campuses, integrating cultural, scientific, and ecological values. At the Kanchanaburi Campus, the Geoscience Park serves as an open-air geological learning center spanning over 70 rai, featuring rock, mineral, and fossil displays from various geological eras, open to the public 24 hours a day. The Phaya Thai Campus offers an Open-Air Museum and Biogeo-Study Trail, showcasing the evolution of Earth and life within a green space in central Bangkok, with free weekday access. At the Salaya Campus, the Sirirukchata Natural History Park (SIREEPARK)—a BGCI-certified botanical garden—focuses on medicinal plant conservation and universal design, with free entry for Mahidol students, staff, and senior citizens. Additionally, Salaya’s open green spaces and gardens align with the university’s Eco-University vision, providing free public areas for relaxation, recreation, and community engagement.

Public Access: Free Access

Network of Museums and Knowledge Centers (Museums & Knowledge Centers)

Significance: Mahidol University hosts a comprehensive Network of Museums and Knowledge Centers that play a vital role in education, research, and cultural preservation. The Siriraj Museum, comprising sub-museums such as the Anatomical-Congdon Museum, offers profound insights into medical science and provides free access for university students and staff. The Cultural Anthropology Museum showcases the traditions and lifestyles of various ethnic groups, promoting cultural understanding and diversity, with most exhibitions open to the public free of charge. Additionally, the Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center encourages community engagement and lifelong learning by allowing external visitors to freely use its reading areas.

Public Access: Free Access

Sirindhorn Dental Museum (Free Access)

The Sirindhorn Dental Museum and Archives, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, was established to honor Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on the auspicious occasion of her 50th birthday anniversary and to promote education for students, undergraduates, and the general public. The museum serves as a resource for self-directed learning and research on the history of early dentistry in Asia, the introduction of Western dental knowledge to Siam, and the development of the Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University from its origins to the present.

As Asia’s first learning-focused dental museum, the Sirindhorn Dental Museum offers a unique visitor experience through interactive technology, encouraging engagement between exhibits and visitors while fostering knowledge sharing and self-learning skills.

Located within the Chalermprakiat 50th Anniversary Building at the Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, the museum is organized into five zones:

Zone 1 – “Under the Royal Grace of the Chakri Dynasty”
 A multipurpose area showcasing the benevolence and support of the Thai monarchy toward the Faculty of Dentistry.

Zone 2 – Early Dentistry in Asia
 Explores the history of dental care in China, India, and Thailand.

Zone 3 – Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University: Past to Present
 Chronicles the history and development of dental education at Mahidol University.

Zone 4 – The Royal Dental Unit of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn
 Features 3D simulations of mobile dental units providing care in remote areas.

Zone 5 – Dental Health for All
Offers oral health education for people of all ages, from children to the elderly, with animated displays and interactive sessions. This zone also includes an archives room, preserving dental instruments and materials that document the history of the Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University.

Opening Days and Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Public Access: Free Access

Reference :

1. การเข้าถึงอาคารและสถานที่สำคัญของมหาวิทยาลัยมหิดลโดยสาธารณะ  
2. สิรินธรทันตพิพิธ

11.2.2 Public access to libraries

Mahidol University has a body that provides public access to libraries including books and publications.

Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center

Mahidol University is firmly committed to advancing its mission toward sustainability in alignment with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with particular emphasis on Goal 4: Quality Education and Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. The university prioritizes expanding educational opportunities and promoting public access to knowledge, reinforcing its dedication to creating a more inclusive and sustainable society.

The Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center is committed to establishing itself as a leading institution that propels the university toward global excellence. Serving as a cornerstone for education, research, and academic services, the Library emphasizes openness and accessibility for all sectors of society. In alignment with this vision, the University has designated the Library as an inclusive space for the public and surrounding communities, fostering lifelong learning and equitable access to information.

Service	Access Information for External Visitors	Operating Hours
On-Site Access	The general public is permitted to use the library’s reading and study areas, as well as access books and other publications, free of charge (registration and card exchange are required for entry).	Monday – Friday: 08:00 – 19:00 hrs.
Full Access & Borrowing	Individuals seeking to borrow library resources for external use are required to submit an application and register as external members in accordance with the categories and conditions stipulated in the library’s lending regulations, with a membership fee applicable.	Saturday: 09:00 – 17:00 hrs.
		Sundays and public holidays: Closed

Note: Operating hours may change according to announcements from the Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center.

Reference :

1. Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center

Access to the Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center for external visitors

How to access library:

• Visitors are required to register and present an identification card or passport at the Information Counter on the 1st floor of the Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center to gain access to the library.

• The identification card or passport must be returned to the Information Counter on the same day of the visit.

• Please note that borrowing library materials and using group study rooms are reserved exclusively for authorized users.

Reference :

1. การเข้าใช้บริการหอสมุดและคลังความรู้มหาวิทยาลัยมหิดล สำหรับบุคคลภายนอก

Resource Borrowing Regulations

Library members may borrow books at the loan counter of each library. The number of items that can be borrowed and the loan period are determined by the library’s regulations. Certain resources, such as reference books, journals, and newspapers, are restricted to in-library use only. Borrowers must present a valid library membership card or display the library barcode via the We Mahidol application.

Membership Application

Library membership can be applied for at the library’s lending counter or by completing the library membership application form.

Types of Library Membership

Library members are categorized into four types:

1. Regular Members:
    Include university personnel, students, resident physicians, and short-term foreign students.
   
2. Associate Members:
   

• Type 1: Alumni, members of the Mahidol University Alumni Association, and retirees. Other cases are subject to the Director’s discretion.
• Type 2: External individuals wishing to apply for membership.
• Type 3: External organizations applying for membership.
• Type 4: Students or participants in special project training programs.
  

3. Honorary Members:
    Include members of the University Council and benefactors, as determined at the Director’s discretion.

Associate Members Borrowing Privileges

Associate members can borrow books from the following six libraries:

1. Central Library (LICL)
2. Kanchanaburi Campus Library (LIKA)
3. International College Library (LIIC)
4. Faculty of Liberal Arts Library (LILA)
5. Golden Jubilee Medical Center Library (LIGJ)
   Ramathibodi School of Nursing Library, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital (LIRA-Rama Nurse)

Reference :

1. ระเบียบการยืมทรัพยากร

11.2.3 Public access to museums

Mahidol University operates a body that offers public access to museums, galleries, exhibition spaces, and cultural artifacts and promotes the development of a learning society through the establishment of museums, archives, and knowledge exhibition spaces spanning diverse disciplines, including medicine, science, history, music, arts and culture, and local wisdom. Admission is free for university staff, students, surrounding communities, and the general public, thereby fostering equitable access to knowledge and supporting research and lifelong learning opportunities.

The establishment of these spaces serves a crucial role in promoting the quality of life within society and local communities. Museums and archives function to convey history, cultural identity, and specialized knowledge, enabling visitors to engage in experiential learning that enhances both academic and cultural understanding. Furthermore, they reinforce the relationship between the University and the broader community by facilitating active participation and the exchange of knowledge.

The management of these learning resources is aligned with the principles of sustainable development, focusing on the efficient utilization of educational resources, inclusive access, and the promotion of lifelong learning. This approach seeks to strengthen intellectual, social, and cultural capacities, thereby contributing to the long-term advancement of a knowledge-based society.

Reference :

1. จดหมายเหตุและพิพิธภัณฑ์

MUSEUMS AND ARCHIVES AT MAHIDOL UNIVERSITY

Mahidol University Hall of Fame

The Mahidol University Hall of Honor showcases the history and development of the university from its founding to the present, highlighting the achievements and contributions of its members to the nation and society.

On the second floor, the “Wisdom of the Land” exhibition commemorates the 50th anniversary of the royal conferment of the university’s name and 131 years since its establishment, illustrating its evolution from a specialized institution to a leading international university.

The third floor exhibits the development of the University across three distinct historical periods, as follows:

1. Mahidol Today
2. Originally Established as the University of Medical Science
3. Mahidol — On the Path to Excellence

Location: 3rd Floor, Mahidol Learning Center Building, Mahidol University

Opening Days and Hours: Monday–Friday: 08:30 AM –4:30 PM.

Admission Fee: Free Admission — Public Access

Reference :

1. หอเกียรติยศแห่งมหาวิทยาลัยมหิดล

H.R.H. The Prince Father’s Biography Gallery

The exhibition presents the life, royal duties, and significant artifacts of King Mahidol Adulyadej Vikrom, a model of wisdom and virtue and a central figure for the Mahidol community. Organized into seven sections, it conveys his life story, philosophies, and ideals in advancing the sustainable development of medicine and public health in Thailand.

Exhibition Zone

1. Wisdom of the Land
2. ‘Chao Fa’ of the Land
3. The Traveler Prince
4. The Light of Wisdom
5. Medical Treatment Rendered with Affection
6. Kanphai Mahidol
7. Taking Roots in the Land

Location: 3rd Floor, Mahidol Learning Center, Mahidol University

Opening Days and Hours : Monday–Friday: 08:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Admission Fee: Free Admission — Public Access

Reference :

1. หอพระราชประวัติสมเด็จพระบรมราชชนก

Royal Archives of Queen Sri Savarindira and Royal Archives of Prince Mahidol of Songkla–Princess Srinagarindra

The museum was established to honor and express gratitude for the benevolence of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, King Mahidol Adulyadej Vikrom, and Queen Sri Nakarindra, recognizing their contributions to the Faculty of Nursing at Mahidol University and to the advancement of nursing, medical, and public health professions in Thailand.

The exhibition presents the royal biographies, public health achievements, and exemplary conduct of the three revered royals, aiming to inspire students, professional nurses, and all visitors to cultivate compassion, a spirit of giving, and social responsibility.

Location: 1st Floor, Mahidol Adulyadej-Prasrinakarin Building, Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University, Salaya

Opening Days and Hours: Monday–Friday: 08:30 AM –4:30 PM

Please contact in advance to schedule an appointment during official working hours.

Admission Fee: Free Admission — Public Access

Reference :

1. หอพระราชประวัติศรีสวรินทิราราชภักดี และ หอพระราชประวัติบรมราชบุพการีกิตติประกาศ

Siriraj Archives

The Siriraj Archives is dedicated to the collection, preservation, management, and provision of access to archival documents, publications, photographs, audiovisual materials, and historical records pertaining to the development of medicine and the history of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital from its inception to the present.

The Siriraj Archive serves a pivotal role in safeguarding medical knowledge, professional experience, and academic heritage, offering a valuable resource for medical students, physicians, scholars, researchers, and the general public. It constitutes a significant learning environment that meaningfully connects the history of medicine with contemporary practice.

Location: 2nd Floor, Siamin Building, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Siriraj, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok

Opening Days and Hours: Monday–Friday: 09:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Closed on public holidays)

Admission Fee: Free Admission — Public Access

Reference :

1. พิพิธภัณฑ์ ห้องสมเด็จพระบรมราชชนก

Ramathibodi Archives and Museum

The Ramathibodi Archives and Museum serves as a center for collecting, preserving, and disseminating information on the history of medicine, nursing, and public health in Thailand, with a focus on the founding, evolution, and development of the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University.

The museum features both permanent and rotating exhibitions that present key historical narratives and significant milestones:

1. History of the faculty and notable figures
2. Development of medical education
3. Roles of healthcare professionals in society
4. Practices of patient care across different eras
5. Cultural perspectives on health and public health

The museum functions as a knowledge center for research and learning, providing insights into the foundations, ethos, and values of the medical profession. It aims to inspire medical students, physicians, nurses, healthcare professionals, researchers, and the general public.

Location: 2nd Floor, Integrated Medical Teaching and Laboratory Building and Ramathibodi School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University

Opening Days and Hours: Monday–Friday: 08:30 AM – 4:30 PM. (Closed on public holidays and official holidays)

Admission Fee: Free Admission — Public Access

Reference :

1. หอจดหมายเหตุและพิพิธภัณฑ์รามาธิบดี

The Sirindhorn Dental Museum

The Sirindhorn Dental Museum and Archives at the Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, was established to honor Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on her 50th birthday and to promote education for students, undergraduates, and the public. As Asia’s first learning-focused dental museum, it provides a resource for self-directed study on the history of early dentistry in Asia, the introduction of Western dental knowledge to Siam, and the development of the Faculty of Dentistry. Located in the Chalermprakiat 50th Anniversary Building, the museum features interactive exhibits divided into five zones: royal patronage (“Under the Royal Grace of the Chakri Dynasty”), early dentistry in Asia, the Faculty’s history from past to present, 3D simulations of mobile dental units, and a dental health zone for all ages. The museum also includes an archive preserving historical tools and materials, offering visitors a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.

Location: Chalermprakiat Building, 50th Anniversary, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University

Opening Days and Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Admission Fee: Free Admission — Public Access

Reference :

1. สิรินธรทันตพิพิธ

Milestone and Contribution Exhibition Room of the ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD)

The ASEAN Institute for Health Development Exhibition Room showcases photographs, documents, and historical information detailing the institute’s founding, roles, and development in health promotion, community development, and regional health collaboration.

The exhibition highlights the connection between academic work, health policy, and international cooperation, emphasizing the strengthening of community health systems and the advancement of public health across the ASEAN region.

Location: 1st Floor, Academic Building, ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, Salaya

Opening Days and Hours: Monday–Friday: 08:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Admission Fee: Free Admission — Public Access

Reference :

1. ห้องนิทรรศการประวัติและผลงานของสถาบันพัฒนาสุขภาพอาเซียน

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Museum

Mahidol University promotes public access to veterinary knowledge through its Veterinary Museum, which exhibits taxidermy specimens, skeletons, organs, pathogen samples, and veterinary equipment. The museum supports learning in animal anatomy, health care, and professional veterinary knowledge. It is open to the public free of charge twice a year during designated public events.

1. Mahidol Open House
2. Mahidol Animal Lovers’ Day

The museum also accommodates group visits by appointment for schools, students, organizations, or interested groups, to promote experiential learning and transfer of knowledge to the broader community.

Location: 1st Floor, Academic Building, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Salaya

Opening Days and Hours: The museum is open twice a year.

For group visits by appointment, please contact to schedule a suitable date.

Admission Fee: Free Admission — Public Access

Reference :

1. พิพิธภัณฑ์ทางสัตวแพทย์

11.2.4 Public access to green spaces

Mahidol University has an organization that provides free public access to open and green spaces.

Exercise and Recreation Area

Mahidol University fosters healthy communities by implementing health promotion policies that benefit staff, students, and the surrounding community. Through creating a supportive environment for well-being, the institution strives to establish itself as a “Healthy University” that prioritizes and encourages overall health for everyone on and around campus.

The 2008 Mahidol University Master Plan outlined the development of activity spaces, or “Social Activity Nodes & Facility Nodes,” designed to support community engagement on campus. Outdoor areas were planned to encourage interaction and exchange among the university community. These activity spaces are categorized into three types: activity plazas, activity walkways, and service points, providing versatile settings for social and recreational activities.

The Salaya campus offers a variety of sports and recreational facilities divided into four main types:

1. Main sports fields,
2. Grassy areas for exercise,
3. A rowing pond,
4. Cycling paths for both leisure and fitness activities.

These spaces provide opportunities for the campus community to stay active and enjoy outdoor recreation.

1. Main sports fields  are listed as follows:

• Football field and athletics track
• Basketball court
• Tennis court and practice area (Knock Board)
• Petanque court
• Tennis court
• Indoor badminton courts
• Swimming pool
• Diving pool

Sports and Wellness Area are listed as follows:

• Basketball court
• Volleyball court
• Futsal court
• Street basketball court

2. Grassy areas for exercise are listed as follows:

• Chaofaa Garden

The garden spans over 10 rai and features a natural, forest-like landscape with mature trees. Winding walking paths connect the space, crossed by small bridges over waterways, and seating is thoughtfully distributed throughout, creating a tranquil environment for relaxation and leisurely strolls.

• Mahidol Court

The site is a lush green lawn covering over 9 rai, lined with large trees and seating along both sides. At its center stands the emblem of Mahidol University, originally the personal emblem of Prince Mahidol Adulyadej, which was graciously granted by His Majesty King Rama IX as the university’s symbol. The emblem features the Great Crown above a wheel and trident, framed by the Thai initials “ม” and gilded in gold leaf. This ceremonial lawn serves as a venue for university events, official ceremonies, and student activities.

• Mahidol Eco Park

The area in front of the Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center spans over 6 rai and serves as an integrated learning and relaxation space. Designed as a public garden, it provides students and staff with a natural environment for study, reflection, and leisure.

• MU Salaya Park

The area beside the Ramathibodi Nursing Student Dormitory includes a variety of recreational and activity spaces, such as a relaxation plaza, an octagonal pavilion, outdoor fitness areas, a multipurpose activity zone, and a children’s playground, providing opportunities for exercise and leisure.

• Siree Park

• Musica Arboretum

The College of Music has transformed a 10-rai area into a forest garden and music tree museum, featuring over 62 tree species used for making various musical instruments, with a total of 1,500 trees and three marble sculptures. The garden offers a shaded, natural environment that promotes harmony with nature, provides educational value, highlights the cultural heritage of Southeast Asian communities, and enhances the university’s atmosphere with beauty and enjoyment.

• Somdej Phra Rajabida Court

• Botanical Garden (College of Music)

• Population Court

• White Duck Court

3. A rowing pond

Water Recreation Area at the behind of the University

4. Cycling paths for both leisure and fitness activities.

Mahidol University has redesigned its physical environment to promote health and well-being by shifting from a car-focused campus to one that prioritizes walking and cycling, in line with the “A Promised Place to Live and Learn with Nature” initiative. Key developments include upgraded roads, bicycle lanes, pedestrian pathways, and parking systems that support a green campus lifestyle. Main roads around academic areas have been converted into walking and cycling paths, encouraging exercise, social interaction, and casual encounters. Shaded trees and newly created spaces foster a “Green Lifestyle” and enable creative activities, such as pedestrian street events, enhancing the vibrancy and diversity of campus life.

Currently, Mahidol University features walking and jogging paths totaling approximately 2.5 to 3 kilometers.

• Pedestrian space 51,133 square meters.  
• Bicycle lanes span 24,586 square meters.

The sidewalks along the main roads and pathways around the academic area are covered (covered walkways) and designed to ensure safety and accessibility:

• Width ranges from 1.5 to 5.5 meters.

• Surfaces are smooth, even, non-slip, and free of obstacles that could pose hazards to people with disabilities.

• Within the academic area, the walkways are covered, with a 3-meter-wide pedestrian path and a 2-meter-wide bicycle lane.

• Pathways include clear signage and accessibility features to ensure ease of use for people with disabilities.

Along the main road’s sidewalks and bicycle lanes, seating is provided on both sides to accommodate the general public and people with disabilities. Rest areas are designed with sufficient space for wheelchair parking without obstructing pedestrian or cycling traffic, ensuring accessibility and comfort for all users.

Reference :

1. พื้นที่ออกกำลังกายและนันทนาการ

11.2.5 Arts and heritage contribution

Mahidol University actively contributes to the local arts by organizing and supporting public performances each year. These include concerts, theatre productions, and orchestral performances by university choirs, theatre groups, and orchestras, fostering cultural engagement and enriching the community’s artistic life.

Event College of Music (Performances)

Reference :

1. Events College of Music

11.2.6 Record and preserve cultural heritage

Mahidol University implements initiatives to systematically document and preserve intangible cultural heritage, encompassing local and regional folklore, traditions, languages, and knowledge. These efforts extend to national cultural heritage as well as the heritage of displaced communities, thereby ensuring the protection and transmission of diverse cultural expressions for future generations.

Recording and preserving cultural heritage: a legacy of academic continuity

The Research Institute for Languages and Cultures of Asia (RILCA) at Mahidol University serves as a national center for the preservation of languages and cultures, driven by decades of continuous research dedicated to addressing the crisis of linguistic and cultural diversity.

The Resource Center for Revitalization and Maintenance of Language and Cultures (RC-RMLC) is a hub for study, learning, revitalization, and exchange of methods related to the research and restoration of languages and cultures of various ethnic groups through an interdisciplinary approach. It supports both Thai and international scholars, as well as local communities.

Objectives:

Study and documentation of languages and cultures, including:

• Research and analysis of linguistic systems.
• Sociolinguistic and cultural studies across different regions and age groups.
• Development of dictionaries, and collection of folktales, folk songs, and other cultural materials to preserve knowledge before it disappears.

Collaboration with communities to conduct language and cultural revitalization activities based on each community’s interests and readiness, through:

• Organizing workshops, training sessions, and various cultural activities.
• Publishing and disseminating research outcomes, and hosting local, national, and international conferences.
• Providing consultation on language study and revitalization methods, including script development, writing training, production of local-language books, local curriculum design, and establishment of community learning centers.

National Cultural Heritage and Systematic Documentation

The Research Institute for Languages and Cultures of Asia (RILCA), Mahidol University, is a national leader in building and maintaining comprehensive databases through decades of continuous research and documentation.

🔑 Foundation of Research (Decades of Study):

Ethnolinguistic surveys in Thailand began between 1993 and 2004, conducted by faculty members and researchers from the Research Institute for Languages and Cultures for Rural Development, Mahidol University. The project, supported by the National Culture Commission, aimed to create a linguistic map of Thailand’s ethnic groups, combining ethnolinguistic research with Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping technology.

Researchers used structured questionnaires to collect demographic and linguistic data from communities across the country, including the number of language groups, population size, geographic coordinates, and village names. This effort resulted in a large-scale database covering over 70 languages, 66,272 villages, 7,284 sub-districts, 924 districts, and 76 provinces. The data were systematically organized to link linguistic and demographic information with geographic locations, identifying the distribution of ethnic groups across Thailand.

The research revealed that Thailand is home to more than 70 language groups, classified into five major language families:

• Tai
• Austroasiatic
• Austronesian
• Sino-Tibetan
• Hmong-Mien

Additionally, 15 language groups were found to have very small speaker populations, placing them in a critical state of endangerment. Meanwhile, several border languages were identified as having large speaker communities. These findings have led to further studies on language revitalization and the development of bilingual and multilingual education programs in schools serving ethnic minority students.

This systematic survey, conducted since the late 1980s, culminated in the creation of the “Linguistic Map of Ethnic Groups in Thailand”, a large-scale empirical national database that continues to serve as a foundation for research, preservation, and revitalization of Thailand’s linguistic and cultural heritage.

🌐 Digital Technology Development

Based on nationwide survey data, the database on languages, populations, and geographic locations has been developed into an interactive Geographic Information System (GIS) map, accessible in both Thai and English. The system allows users to explore information through three main dimensions:

• Language Dimension: Users can search by language family, endangered languages, border languages, and sign languages, with results displayed by province, district, and sub-district.
• Geographic Dimension: Users can browse data across five administrative levels — region, province, district, sub-district, and village.
• Research Project Dimension: Displays specific locations where the Center’s research teams and local communities collaborate on language and cultural revitalization activities.

The foundational data have been further enhanced through the GIS Technology Development Project to create the “Linguistic and Ethnic Map of Thailand.” This system enables precise identification and monitoring of the status and risk of disappearance of critically endangered language groups across the country.

📜 Preservation of Ethnic Written Heritage

Mahidol University has initiated a Digital Database Project for Ancient Manuscripts to create digital copies and disseminate the traditional written languages of ethnic groups in central and western Thailand. These manuscripts serve as vital evidence of the region’s historical and intellectual heritage.

The Crisis of Languages and Ancient Manuscripts

Central Thailand is home to a rich diversity of ethnic groups, including Tai Yuan, Tai Dam, Phuan, Lao Wiang, and Lao Khrang, all of whom possess their own spoken and written languages.

Today, these languages face a critical state of endangerment due to the dominance of Standard Thai in mass media, leading to a decline in intergenerational language transmission. Most children and youth can no longer speak their ancestral languages. Even more alarming is the decline of traditional writing systems, as ancient manuscripts—repositories of indigenous wisdom—are deteriorating and at risk of permanent loss. These manuscripts represent the last remaining sources for reviving traditional scripts, which embody both local knowledge and intangible cultural heritage (ICH).

Digital Database Project for Preservation

To address this crisis, Mahidol University launched the Digital Database of Ancient Manuscripts of Ethnic Groups in Central and Western Thailand in 2021, funded by the Office of the President’s internal research fund. The project is a collaboration among four partner institutions:

• Faculty of Archaeology, Silpakorn University
• Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre (Public Organization)
• Muban Chombueng Rajabhat University
• Faculty of Humanities, Naresuan University

Main Objectives:

1. Preservation: Create digital copies of ancient manuscripts to prevent permanent loss.
2. Dissemination: Publish the digital copies in a publicly accessible database.
3. Knowledge Extension: Produce community history books and educational materials based on the preserved manuscripts to transform traditional wisdom into learning resources.

📜 Preservation and Digital Archiving of Ancient Manuscripts

Types of Ancient Manuscripts:
Ancient manuscripts requiring preservation are categorized into three main types:

• Inscriptions: Engravings made with pointed tools (e.g., stylus, chisel) on materials such as stone, wood, or metal.
• Palm-leaf Manuscripts: Texts inscribed on prepared palm leaves using a stylus, available in both short and long formats.
• Samut Thai (Folding Books) and Others: Manuscripts made from various types of bark paper.

🛠️ Steps in Palm-leaf Manuscript Preservation

The preservation and digital archiving of palm-leaf manuscripts involve four key steps requiring careful handling:

1. Cleaning

• Objective: Remove dust and dirt from the surface of the palm leaves.
• Method:

• Use a soft brush to gently sweep in one direction to prevent breakage.
• After brushing, wipe with clean water or alcohol in the same direction.

2. Cataloging

• Objective: Record detailed information for each manuscript in a standardized catalog form.
• Details Recorded: Document code, source, condition, title, era, script and language, number of pages, dimensions, recorder’s name, and date of documentation.

3. Digitalization

• Objective: Capture high-resolution digital images of each manuscript.
• Process:

• Remove the binding string (sai sanong) before photographing for convenience.
• Photograph each leaf sequentially from the first to the last, always including a label showing the document code and title.
• Use any background color (white, black, blue, or green).

4. Repair and Storage

• Repair: Minor damages (e.g., tears) are repaired before storage.
• Rebinding: Manuscripts are re-threaded with new strings if the old ones are too fragile.
• Protection: Each manuscript is wrapped in unbleached cotton or chemical-free fabric to protect against dust and insects.
• Labeling: Each wrapped manuscript is tagged with its code and title for easy retrieval.

This initiative ensures the long-term preservation, accessibility, and revitalization of Thailand’s ethnic written heritage, safeguarding invaluable cultural knowledge for future generations.

🗺️ Local Cultural Heritage and Community-Driven Revitalization

Research conducted by the Research Institute for Languages and Cultures of Asia (RILCA), Mahidol University, has led to tangible community-based actions emphasizing collaboration with local communities.

From Research to Practice:
RILCA applies its expertise in educational innovation to develop context-appropriate methods for language revitalization, including the creation of dictionaries, folktales, and folk songs in various formats.

Community Empowerment (Mahidol Engagement):
Through its social engagement mission, Mahidol University continuously provides training and consultation for teachers and community leaders to support the creation of writing systems, local curricula, and community learning centers, ensuring sustainable knowledge transfer from within the communities themselves.

Flagship Project: Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE)

This initiative serves as a key strategy to promote equal educational opportunities for ethnic minority children and non-Thai-speaking learners.

In collaboration with UNICEF, Mahidol University supports Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) programs to enhance learning outcomes and improve Thai language literacy among ethnic minority students.

🎯 Empirical Outcomes and Learning Development

• Language Development:
  Evidence from pilot projects in Thailand’s southern border provinces (using Thai and local Malay) shows that ethnic children demonstrate improved academic performance and Thai literacy skills when taught in their mother tongue during the early years before transitioning to Thai as the main language of instruction.
• Competency Development:
  The project revealed that students develop Thai language skills more rapidly and perform better in other subjects.
• Recognition:
  The initiative received strong support from parents and local communities and was internationally recognized with the UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize (2016).

⚠️ Educational Inequality Challenges

• Learning Barriers:
  Children who do not speak Thai as their mother tongue often face learning difficulties, have lower school retention rates, poorer test performance, and are more likely to drop out.
• Literacy Gap:
  Although Thailand’s youth literacy rate is around 98%, a 2015–2016 survey found that one in three youths aged 15–24 from non-Thai-speaking families remain illiterate in Thai.

🛣️ Policy Recommendations for the Future

Stakeholders have called for the expansion of the MTB-MLE program to reduce educational inequality:

• Integration into National Policy:
  Incorporate mother tongue-based education as part of Thailand’s national education policy.
• Scaling Innovation:
  Expand MTB-MLE programs to other primary schools in the southern border provinces and replicate the model in other non-Thai-speaking regions across the country.
• Evidence-Based Policy:
  Policymakers should use empirical evidence from this project to inform Thailand 4.0 education strategies, addressing inequality and bridging the gap between urban and rural students.

Prof. Banchong Mahaisavariya, President of Mahidol University, stated that expanding this innovation will “build bridges toward a brighter future for countless children across the nation,” aligning with the principles of Education for All and Inclusive Education.

🌍 Heritage of Displaced and At-Risk Communities: Action and Vulnerability Management

Mahidol University’s initiatives focus on addressing crisis conditions that threaten languages and cultures, guided by the principles of multiculturalism and multilingualism to reduce inequality and respond to threats against cultural diversity in the Asian context.

Vulnerability Management:
RILCA’s research emphasizes studying crisis conditions that endanger languages and cultures, particularly among border ethnic groups and displaced communities.

Regional Knowledge Creation:
The institute develops context-specific knowledge for cultural revitalization that aligns with the social and cultural realities of Asia, ensuring that preservation strategies are both appropriate and sustainable for maintaining community identity.

🎓 Examples of Research and Preservation Projects

Mahidol University applies educational innovation and theoretical knowledge to support the survival of cultural heritage in vulnerable contexts.

1. Field Implementation: Education and Language Preservation

🏝️ Koh Lanta Project: Endangered Indigenous Language
This project addresses the language crisis among indigenous peoples.

• Target Group: The Urak Lawoi’ community, whose language is at risk of assimilation by dominant languages.
• Preservation Approach: Implementation of Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) using both Urak Lawoi’ and Thai as media of instruction. This approach preserves the language as intangible cultural heritage and uses it as a foundation for learning development.
• Tangible Output: The “Urak Lawoi’ Writing System Manual in Thai Script – Mahidol University Edition” serves as a standardized tool for language documentation and curriculum development.

👧 Ranong–Tak Project: Supporting Migrant Children’s Learning
This project directly addresses the heritage of displaced communities.

• Displacement Context: Focuses on migrant children in border areas (Ranong and Tak/Mae Sot) who require language support to access quality education.
• Heritage Connection: By training teachers in Teaching Thai as a Second Language (TSL), the project enables these children to adapt to new social environments while maintaining their original identity and language, thereby reducing educational inequality.

2. 🧠 Knowledge Creation: Intercultural Competence

💡 Migrant Workers Project: “Balanced Multiculturalism”
This project focuses on managing the heritage of displaced communities at the societal level.

• Target Group: Migrant workers from Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, who bring their languages, cultures, and lifestyles into Thai society.
• Objective: To build intercultural competence through the concept of balanced multiculturalism, fostering understanding, acceptance, and peaceful coexistence between Thai society and displaced communities, while reducing conflict and exclusion.
• Tangible Output: The “Basic Myanmar Language Book 1” — a linguistically designed learning resource for Thai speakers — promotes cross-cultural communication and reduces language barriers.

These projects demonstrate that Mahidol University’s work extends beyond language documentation. It integrates education, research, and community engagement to ensure that vulnerable cultural heritages can survive and coexist sustainably within modern societies.

🎯 Impact Linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The documentation and preservation of languages as intangible cultural heritage contribute directly to achieving global development goals:

• 🎯 SDG 11.4: Protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage
  All initiatives — including GIS mapping, ancient manuscript preservation, and community-based revitalization — aim to protect intangible cultural heritage from extinction through genuine stakeholder collaboration.
• 🎯 SDG 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

By transforming ancient manuscripts and linguistic knowledge into digital databases and local learning materials, these projects enable people of all ages — especially youth — to access and learn their ancestral languages and histories, reducing educational inequality and promoting lifelong learning.

The Museum of Cultural Anthropology

The Museum of Cultural Anthropology at the Institute for Language and Culture of Asia, Mahidol University, showcases the academic development of the Institute in studying and understanding the lives and mindsets of various ethnic groups.

The exhibition represents an innovative approach to contemporary learning, featuring key components such as a specialized library on Thailand’s ethnic groups, accessible both online and offline, and educational programs adaptable to different contexts. The museum also includes a shop and café offering ethnic handicrafts, which support cultural enterprises and help generate funding for the museum.

Reference

1. การบันทึกและอนุรักษ์มรดกภูมิปัญญาทางวัฒนธรรม: มรดกแห่งความต่อเนื่องทางวิชาการ
2. พิพิธภัณฑ์มานุษยวิทยาวัฒนธรรม สถาบันวิจัยภาษาและวัฒนธรรมเอเชีย มหาวิทยาลัยมหิดล  

The Museum of Cultural Anthropology > Permanent Exhibition

The Ethnic Ways Exhibition showcases the cultural practices of various ethnic groups in Thai society. The exhibition is organized into four sections:

1. the history, establishment, and academic development of the Institute for Language and Culture of Asia, Mahidol University.
2. displays of academic work in teaching, research, and community service related to ethnic cultures, including language and cultural preservation projects.
3. a simulated ethnic village featuring elements such as village entrances, stilt houses, interior spaces, and backyard areas.
4. a children’s activity corner, offering hands-on experiences such as dressing paper dolls in ethnic costumes, coloring, drawing, and writing to share personal reflections on the exhibition.

Reference

1. Museum of Cultural Anthropology (Permanent Exhibition)

Geopark and Museum

The Mahidol University Geopark and Museum at the Kanchanaburi Campus spans approximately 70 rai and serves as an open-air learning center for geology. It emphasizes self-directed learning through real specimens and models representing rocks, minerals, and fossils from across Thailand. Exhibits are arranged along the geopark’s trails according to geological eras, from the Precambrian (over 542 million years ago) to the present, providing a comprehensive journey through Earth’s geological history.

Reference

1. Geopark and Museum

11.3 Expenditure on arts and heritage

11.3.1        Arts and heritage expenditure

11.3.1        Arts and heritage expenditure	0.17
University expenditure	22,993,095,100.00
University expenditure on arts and heritage	38,007,000.00

11.4 Sustainable practices

11.4.1 Sustainable practices targets

Mahidol University has an established body responsible for measuring and setting targets to promote more sustainable commuting methods, including walking, cycling, carpooling, vanpooling, shuttle buses, public transportation, and the use of electric or other low-emission vehicles.

• Sustainable public transportation and communications systems

Since the implementation of the 2008 Mahidol University Master Plan, the university has promoted sustainable transportation and communication systems aimed at creating a safe, healthy, and environmentally responsible campus. The initiative focuses on transforming the university from a vehicle-dominated area into a pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly environment, reducing reliance on fossil fuel-powered transport. To support this goal, Mahidol University provides energy-efficient transportation options, including electric trams offering free on-campus travel, and shuttle buses that facilitate shared commuting between campuses. Additionally, the Jakka Center serves as a one-stop facility promoting the use and maintenance of eco-friendly bicycles. These initiatives collectively enhance physical well-being, improve air quality, and align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Goal 13: Climate Action.

• Number of vehicles at Mahidol University:

16 Electric Trams (EV Trams) — operation until August 30, 2025

15 Electric Mini Buses (EV Mini Buses) — operating 189 rounds per day, starting from September 1, 2025

900 Bicycles

15 Shuttle Buses — operating 130 rounds per day 1

• Electric Mini Bus “MUVE BUS”

Mahidol University has launched the “MUVE BUS” (Mahidol University Vehicle for Environment) electric mini bus service, consisting of 15 buses, starting from September 1, 2025. These are air-conditioned electric buses with a capacity of no less than 20 seats, providing free transportation for all members of the university community.

The service aims to enhance convenience and safety for on-campus travel while promoting environmentally friendly transportation. It helps reduce the use of private vehicles, lower fossil fuel consumption, decrease traffic congestion and parking demand, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions within the university.

The “MUVE BUS” has been designed and operated with a focus on safety standards, universal accessibility, and passenger comfort.

• The key features are as follows:

1. Each bus is manufactured in accordance with engineering principles and ISO 9001 factory standards, powered by electric batteries that support Quick Charge technology to enhance service efficiency and vehicle rotation throughout the day.
2. Regular maintenance and condition inspections are conducted to ensure that all vehicles remain in optimal working condition at all times.
3. The interior structure is designed for ease of use and passenger safety. Features include non-flammable wall materials that help reduce toxic smoke and noise, non-slip rubber flooring, and a low-floor design for accessibility.
4. The buses are also equipped with automatic doors with anti-pinch sensors, emergency exits, safety glass windows, and a CCTV surveillance system for enhanced security.
5. The buses are accessible for wheelchair users and the elderly, featuring a wheelchair ramp, a 360-degree turning space for wheelchair maneuvering, and a designated area on the bus to park and secure wheelchairs, ensuring enhanced safety during travel.
6. Installation of emergency equipment, such as glass-breaking hammers and dry chemical fire extinguishers.
7. Installation of a GPS tracking system providing real-time service through a mobile application, allowing passengers to check the bus location, schedule, and plan their trips.

• Mahidol University operates a fleet of 15 electric mini buses (MUVE BUS), providing up to 70 trips per day. The service is divided into three routes:

Route 1 – Green Line

• Tram Station – Dormitories 8 & 9 – Faculty of Science, Building 3 – Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities – International College – Office of the President – Gate 4 – Faculty of Engineering, Building 3 – Library and Knowledge Center – Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies – College of Sports Science and Technology – Multipurpose Building

Route 2 – Blue Line

• Tram Station – National Institute for Child and Family Development – Residential Buildings – Football Field 3 – Faculty of Liberal Arts – Faculty of Physical Therapy – Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital – Faculty of Medical Technology – Institute for Population and Social Research – Institute of Molecular Biosciences – Gate 3 – Office of the President – ASEAN Institute for Health Development – Thai House – Research Institute for Languages and Cultures of Asia – Parking Building 2 – Sirirukchati Natural History Park Institute Establishment Project.

Route 3 – Red Line

• Tram Station – Dormitories 8 & 9 –  Faculty of Science, Building 3 – Artist House – College of Music – Faculty of Nursing – Atittayatorn Building –  International College – Office of the President – Gate 4 – Faculty of Engineering, Building 3 – Faculty of Engineering, Building 2 – Organic Farm – Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital – Residential Buildings – College of Religious Studies

The Buses operate every day as follows:

MUVE BUS	Monday–Friday (70 trips per day)		Saturday–Sunday and public holidays (30 trips per day)
	Operating hours	Timetable	Operating hours	Timetable
Green Line	6:30 AM – 8:00 PM	6:30 AM – 9:00 AM (Every 10 minutes) 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Every 20 minutes) 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Every 10 minutes) 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Every 20 minutes) 4:00 PM – 6:40 PM (Every 10 minutes) 6:40 PM – 8:00 PM (Every 20 minutes)	8:00 AM – 6:00 PM	Every 20 minutes
Blue Line	6:30 AM – 8:00 PM		8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Red Line	6:30 AM – 8:00 PM		8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Cycling : Mahidol Lifestyle

Mahidol University promotes sustainable and low-carbon commuting through the “Mahidol Bicycle Campus with Anywheel” project, a collaboration with Anywheel Thailand to modernize the campus public bicycle system. The initiative provides convenient, affordable, and eco-friendly short-distance transportation for students, staff, and visitors across campus. With over 40 service points and 700 bicycles at Salaya Campus, as well as 200 bicycles at the Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, the program supports daily mobility while reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions. The bicycles feature smart technologies such as QR code unlocking, GPS tracking, solar-powered LED lights, and automatic safety systems, enabling efficient management and data collection to enhance infrastructure and safety. Offered at discounted rates for Mahidol users, the system encourages regular cycling as part of campus life. Between December 2024 and September 2025, the project averaged 47,737 rides per month, covering over 69,000 kilometers and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 65 tons of CO₂ equivalent, exemplifying the university’s commitment to sustainable and healthy transportation.

Public Bicycle Service Statistics

Heatmap of Public Bicycle Usage

• Connection between the University’s Transportation System and Public Transportation

• Salaya Link Shuttle Bus

Mahidol University promotes convenient and sustainable commuting to the Salaya Campus through its shuttle bus services, which are well-connected to major public transportation systems such as the BTS Skytrain, MRT subway, intercity trains, and public bus routes (515, 556, 124, and 84ก). This integrated transport system offers students and staff flexible travel choices based on distance and traffic conditions, while reducing private car usage and promoting environmentally friendly mobility.

The main connection routes include

• BTS Bang Wa – Salaya Link Shuttle Bus – Salaya
• MRT Bang Wa – Salaya Link Shuttle Bus – Salaya
• Public Bus Routes – Salaya,
• Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) Railway Station – Salaya

with additional shuttle points at major transport hubs such as Victory Monument, Nakhon Pathom, Bang Bua Thong, Bang Khae, and the Ministry of Public Health.

• Mahidol Electric Vehicle Buses

Mahidol University operates a fleet of 15 Electric Vehicle Buses (EV BUS), each with a capacity of up to 40 passengers, providing free shuttle services for students, staff, and the general public between the university’s various campuses.

References

1.  ระบบขนส่งและคมนาคมสาธารณะที่ยั่งยืน

11.4.2 Promote sustainable commuting

Mahidol University has an appointed body responsible for implementing actions to promote a higher percentage of sustainable commuting among students and staff.

 

• Sustainable public transportation and communications systems

Since the implementation of the 2008 Mahidol University Master Plan, the university has promoted sustainable transportation and communication systems aimed at creating a safe, healthy, and environmentally responsible campus. The initiative focuses on transforming the university from a vehicle-dominated area into a pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly environment, reducing reliance on fossil fuel-powered transport. To support this goal, Mahidol University provides energy-efficient transportation options, including electric trams offering free on-campus travel, and shuttle buses that facilitate shared commuting between campuses. Additionally, the Jakka Center serves as a one-stop facility promoting the use and maintenance of eco-friendly bicycles. These initiatives collectively enhance physical well-being, improve air quality, and align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Goal 13: Climate Action.

References

1. ระบบขนส่งและคมนาคมสาธารณะที่ยั่งยืน

11.4.3 Allow remote working

Mahidol University Promotes Telecommuting and Flexible Work Practices

Mahidol University promotes and allows telecommuting (Work from Home) and remote working as part of its institutional policy and standard practice. The University also offers options for a condensed working week to help reduce employee commuting, energy use, and environmental impact.

When hazardous PM2.5 air pollution or COVID-19 outbreaks occur, the University implements On-Campus Work Guidelines to support remote working through Work from Home (WFH) arrangements. Due to the continued rise of PM2.5 particulate matter to hazardous levels affecting the health of staff and students across different campuses, Mahidol University issued operational guidelines until the situation improves, as follows:

Allow staff and students to work from home or participate in academic activities online as the primary mode of operation, provided that essential services to stakeholders are not disrupted.

This measure aligns with previous University announcements, including the Mahidol University Announcement on COVID-19 Health and Safety Measures and Preventive Measures and Practices during the COVID-19 Outbreak.

These guidelines aim to ensure preparedness, reduce the spread of airborne pollutants and infectious diseases, minimize travel, and safeguard the health and well-being of all University personnel. The Work from Home (WFH) policy supports Mahidol University’s ongoing mission and strategic development goals while promoting sustainable and flexible work practices.

Extension of On-Campus Work Guidelines to Support Measures Addressing Hazardous PM2.5 Levels

11.4.4 Affordable housing for employees

Mahidol University provides affordable housing options for its employees to support their well-being and reduce commuting challenges.

11.4.5 Affordable housing for students

Mahidol University provides affordable housing options for its students.

Mahidol University is committed to enhancing the well-being of its students and staff by offering affordable on-campus housing. This initiative not only reduces travel expenses and private vehicle use—thereby lowering campus-related pollution—but also provides greater convenience in accessing classrooms, facilities, and university activities. The residences are designed to ensure a safe, comfortable, and high-quality living environment, with accommodations categorized into student dormitories and staff housing.

• Staff Dormitories

Mahidol University provides on-campus housing for staff to ensure convenient commuting, reduce living expenses, and promote a high quality of life within the campus. A variety of accommodation options are available, including the Ratchasuda Residence and staff condominiums (Banjamas Condo B and Chaba Condo C), with maintenance fees starting at 2,000 THB per month—significantly lower than off-campus housing rates. These residences are located in areas that offer easy access to university workplaces. Additionally, the university provides special housing benefits for staff with a base salary below 20,000 THB per month, offering a 20–30% discount on room rates depending on the type of accommodation. This policy ensures equitable and inclusive access to affordable housing for all employees.

Salaya Campus

Rajasuda Institute Dormitory , Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital  

Condominium Building B (Benjamas) Building C (Chaba)

Sam Phran

Namthong Sikhalai Dormitory

Bangkok Noi Campus

Siriraj Hospital Faculty of Medicine Dormitory

Faculty of Nursing Dormitory

Nakhon Sawan Campus

Kiangkiree Dormitory 1 Kiangkiree 2

Amnat Charoen Campus

Dolmeta Building

• Student Dormitories

Mahidol University provides on-campus dormitories to offer students a safe and well-managed living environment. The dormitories feature 24-hour security and management practices that emphasize efficient use of resources. Common areas are available to support group activities, promoting interaction among students from different faculties and disciplines, while fostering social skills, responsibility, sharing, and community living.

Additionally, living in the dormitories provides students with opportunities to learn good residency etiquette, shared resource management, and coexistence in a diverse environment, preparing them for life in broader society.

Examples of dormitory buildings include ฺBuilding A (Anchan) and Building D (Dusita), as well as Inthanin House, Chaiyapruek House, Kanpai Mahidol House, and Puttaraksa House, with maintenance fees starting at 3,000 THB per month.

Moreover, the university provides housing support for financially disadvantaged undergraduate students by offering dormitory scholarships to help reduce living and educational expenses. Scholarships are valued at up to 12,000 THB per academic year, with a maximum of 20 scholarships awarded per year, ensuring students can continue their studies with adequate support and maintain a good quality of life on campus.

Salaya Campus

Building A (Anchan) and Building D (Dusita)

Inthanin House

Chaiyapruek House

Kanpai Mahidol House

Puttaraksa House

Leelawadee House

Sitrang House

Ramathibodi School Of Nursing Dormitory

Rajasuda Dormitory Building A, B, C

ASEAN House Dormitory

Sam Phran

Namthong Sikhalai Dormitory

Bangkok Noi Campus

Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital Dormitory

Faculty of Nursing

Phayathai

Medical Student Dormitory

Kanchanaburi Campus

Kanchanaburi Student Dormitory

Nakhonsawan Campus

Pa Sak Dormitory

Amnat Charoen Campus

Student Dormitory Building 1

Student Dormitory Building 2

Mahidol University’s student dormitories and staff residences are fully equipped with modern facilities to ensure safety, comfort, and convenience. These include 24-hour CCTV surveillance and security services, communal areas for social activities and relaxation, Wi-Fi access, self-study spaces, convenience stores, coin-operated washing machines, and elevators in residential buildings with four or more floors for easy accessibility. Additionally, Smart Card access systems are installed to control entry and enhance residential security. The facilities also feature wheelchair ramps to accommodate individuals with mobility limitations and indoor bicycle parking areas to promote environmentally friendly commuting within the campus.

Mahidol University Student Dormitories (Academic Year 2024/2025)

Mahidol University provides a total of 45 student dormitory buildings, comprising 3,833 rooms and accommodating 9,117 students across various campuses and faculties, as detailed below:

Faculty/Division	Location	Number of Dormitory Buildings	Number of Rooms	Number of Residents (Students)
Division of Student Affairs	Salaya	8	1,070	2,365
Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital	Bangkok Noi	3	420	1,073
Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital	Salaya / Phaya Thai	13	1,579	4,491
Faculty of Nursing	Salaya / Samut Prakan	4	216	369
College of Religious Studies	Salaya / Sam Phran	3	120	122
Kanchanaburi Campus	Kanchanaburi	7	238	315
Nakhon Sawan Campus	Nakhon Sawan	4	73	188
Amnatcharoen Campus	Amnatcharoen	3	117	194
Total		45	3,833	9,117

References:

1. Accommodations

11.4.6 Pedestrian priority on campus

Mahidol University prioritizes pedestrian accessibility across its campus, promoting a safe, walkable, and environmentally friendly environment for students, staff, and visitors.

• Walking Street

Mahidol University’s 2008 Salaya Campus Master Plan establishes a framework for sustainable physical development, aiming to create a learning-friendly environment that harmoniously integrates with nature and community life. Aligned with the policy “A Promised Place to Live and Learn with Nature,” the plan focuses on transforming the campus from a vehicle-oriented space into a pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly environment under the Green Campus vision. Guided by the principles of safety, cleanliness, environmental sustainability, and community satisfaction, the university has implemented a project to redesign major roads in the academic zone into walking and cycling paths. Covering 51,133 square meters of pedestrian areas and 24,586 square meters of cycling lanes, the project encourages active mobility, social interaction, and outdoor recreation. Shaded walkways and green spaces enhance comfort and well-being while supporting creative activities such as the Walking Street event, fostering a vibrant and eco-conscious campus culture.

References

1. ทางเดินทาง

11.4.7 Local authority collaboration : re- planning re-development

Mahidol University collaborates with local authorities on urban planning and development initiatives, ensuring that community needs are addressed and that local residents have access to affordable and inclusive housing.

• Ageing in Place with Multisectoral Health and Social Innovation Services

The Institute for Population and Social Research (IPSR) at Mahidol University developed a policy brief titled “Ageing in Place through Multi-Sectoral Health Services and Social Innovations” to address the challenges posed by Thailand’s transition into a fully aged society, with around 14 million people aged 60 and over in 2024—projected to reach 20 million by 2040. The policy is centered on the concept of “Ageing in Place,” reflecting the preference of most older adults (95.8%) to remain in their homes for as long as possible. To achieve this, the proposal highlights three key components: supportive environments and technology, accessible health and long-term care services, and comprehensive social care systems. It introduces a community-based care model tailored to different dependency levels—focusing on infrastructure, healthcare access, and daily life support for independent seniors, and expanding long-term care services through family doctors and specialized community centers for those with high dependency. Policy recommendations include home modifications, affordable assistive innovations, and non-medical health services such as meal delivery and equipment support. Socially, it emphasizes empowering community organizations to organize activities and promote financial literacy and fraud awareness, enabling older adults to live healthy, active, and dignified lives within their own communities.

References

1. การสูงวัยในถินทีอยู่ด้วยบริการ ด้านสุขภาพและนวัตกรรมทางสังคม ของหลายภาคส่วน

11.4.8 Planning development - new build standards

Mahidol University constructs new buildings in accordance with sustainable design and construction standards to ensure environmental responsibility and long-term energy efficiency.

• Policy framework and action plan for upgrading building energy efficiency towards low carbon goals (Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy)

Mahidol University actively advances Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) through comprehensive policies and initiatives that promote energy efficiency, renewable energy use, and environmentally responsible construction practices. The university’s 2025 Energy-Saving Building Improvement or Construction Policy emphasizes efficient use of energy and natural resources, mandating the adoption of energy management systems, renewable energy integration, and climate-responsive building design. All new and renovated buildings follow Building Energy Code (BEC) standards to ensure compliance with national energy conservation regulations. As a “controlled building” under Thailand’s Energy Conservation Promotion Act, the university implements an 8-step energy management system to systematically monitor, evaluate, and improve energy performance. Technical measures include upgrading air-conditioning and lighting systems, expanding energy management systems and smart monitoring, preventive maintenance, and transitioning to high-efficiency equipment. Mahidol University currently operates solar installations with a capacity of 18.73 MW, generating approximately 1.36 million kWh per month and reducing carbon emissions by about 660 tons of CO₂ monthly, with further expansions planned. Several university buildings have received the Building Energy Code (BEC) Award and Thailand Energy Award, recognizing their excellence in sustainable and energy-efficient design. Flagship projects, such as the Mahidol Learning Center and Ramathibodi Hospital’s Chalermprakiat Building, exemplify passive and active energy-saving strategies, including natural ventilation, shading, efficient lighting, and advanced air-conditioning systems. Through these integrated efforts, Mahidol University demonstrates leadership in institutional sustainability and contributes significantly to Thailand’s transition toward low-carbon, energy-efficient development.

References

1. กรอบนโยบายและแผนปฏิบัติการยกระดับประสิทธิภาพพลังงานอาคารสู่เป้าหมายคาร์บอนต่ำ (Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy)

11.4.9 Building on brownfield sites

Mahidol University prioritizes construction on brownfield sites, where feasible, utilizing areas that have previously been developed to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainable land use

• Mahidol Eco Park

Mahidol University has transformed previously unused land into Mahidol Eco Park, an integrated learning and recreation space designed to harmonize with nature and enhance the campus environment. Guided by the university’s master plan, “A Promise Place to Live and Learn Together with Nature,” the project focuses on creating a green, sustainable, and inclusive space that promotes learning, relaxation, and community engagement. The 6-rai area in front of the Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center was redeveloped in 2022 to serve as a central green hub in the educational zone. The park’s design integrates softscape elements—including large trees, shrubs, and groundcover plants for shade and soil conservation—and hardscape areas that support diverse activities. About 80% of the space is dedicated to passive recreation, such as reading and meditation, while 20% supports active use, such as cultural and social events. Equipped with renewable energy systems (solar cells) and universal design features, the park provides accessible, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible facilities. Completed in March 2023, Mahidol Eco Park embodies multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 7 (Clean Energy), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), reaffirming Mahidol University’s commitment to sustainability and holistic campus development.

Reference

1. Mahidol Eco Park