Total Green and Open Space Area on Campus
Total Green and Open Space Area on Campus
Number of campus sites
Walailak University, located in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand. It is the largest university in the country by land area, covering a total area of 15,350,400 square meters. Established in 1992, the university is not only significant in higher education but also plays an important role in research and regional development.
The campus of Walailak University has been carefully designed to balance modern educational facilities with natural beauty. It includes advanced infrastructure, widespread green areas, and variety of facilities that together create a supportive environment for both learning and personal growth.
The history of Walailak University reflects the strong commitment of the local people. The idea of establishing a university in Nakhon Si Thammarat was first raised in 1967. Until 1979, the local Members of the House of Representative submitted an official bill for the Establishment of a University. The movement gained greater momentum in 1984, when local leaders established the “Committee for the Campaign to Establish a University in Nakhon Si Thammarat.” This effort eventually led to Cabinet approval in April 1990.
In February 1992, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great graciously bestowed the name “Walailak University”, derived from the royal title of Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Walailak, Princess Srisavangavadhana. The university was formally founded under the Walailak University Act, B.E. 2535 (1992) as a Comprehensive University. The place offered programs in Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Technology, and Health Sciences. The campus was developed as a Residential University, equipped with full infrastructure, utilities, and modern facilities. It is designed to provide a clean, green, shady, and pollution-free learning environment. The official founding day of the university is March 29, 1992.
On May 23, 1998, about 70 high school graduates, mostly from Nakhon Si Thammarat and nearby provinces, became the first students of Walailak University. Five days later, on May 28, 1998, the university officially began teaching and learning activities.
Walailak University was designed as a comprehensive institution offering a wide range of disciplines to serve the needs of Thai society. The university expects its graduates to have academic knowledge, hands-on experience, adaptability, liberal vision, technological skills, and strong ethical values. Its vision and mission are expressed as “To be a Well-Governed Organization, a Learning Hub, a Pillar in the Region, and Excellent at the Global Level.”
The university’s strategies focus on creating value and achieving international excellence in all academic fields, promoting modernized innovation in fulfilling its mission, and developing both human resources and assets with unique strengths and potential. Walailak University is dedicated to preparing for national and global competitions, building cooperation with all sectors, and fostering a well-being society and a happy organization, based on the philosophy of the Sufficiency Economy introduced by His Majesty King Bhumibol.
Located in the scenic mountainous area of Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat, the university offers a fully integrated residential system, with modern educational facilities and the use of advanced technology in teaching and learning. Accommodation and services for both students and staff are thoughtfully designed to support comfortable and efficient living within the university.
The campus only 32 kilometers from downtown Nakhon Si Thammarat and about 2.5 hours from tourist destination such as Koh Samui in Surat Thani Province and Krabi Province. It is also well connected to commercial centers and the Hat Yai International Airport in Songkhla Province. Transportation is highly convenient, with daily flights, trains, and buses linking Nakhon Si Thammarat to Bangkok, Hat Yai, Phuket, and Malaysia.
In addition to its main campus in Tha Sala District, Walailak University also has a liaison office in Bangkok and a service center in Surat Thani Province, to facilitate communication and provide services to students, staff, and others interested in the university’s activities in different regions.
Campus Setting
Walailak University is located in Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, approximately 32 kilometers from the city center. It is situated in a suburban area that offers a balance between urban accessibility and environmental quality. The surrounding landscape is picturesque, peaceful, and verdant, encompassing mountains, forests, and extensive green spaces. Despite its tranquil setting, the university remains conveniently connected to urban areas, commercial zones, and tourist destinations through an efficient transportation network.
Designed as a Residential University, Walailak University provides a fully integrated living and learning environment. The campus includes comprehensive facilities such as student and staff accommodations, a health center, learning and research spaces, and recreational areas — all within a spacious, green, and sustainable environment that enhances quality of life, learning, and long-term research development.
Moreover, the university is surrounded by a strong and collaborative local community that actively engages in academic services, research, cultural exchange, and community development. This close partnership fosters sustainable growth between the university and its neighboring areas, exemplifying the essence of a suburban university — one that harmoniously integrates academic advancement with local lifestyle and environmental stewardship.
Definition of “Suburban” A suburban area refers to a zone located on the outskirts of a major city, typically serving as a residential or community area connected to the urban core. It generally has a lower population density and fewer buildings compared to urban areas, but a higher density than rural areas. Suburban zones lie between urban and rural regions, often featuring housing estates, schools, shops, and basic public facilities. Many residents may work in the city but live in the suburbs. These areas are usually well-connected to the city through major roads, railways, or public transportation systems.
Total Campus Area
Walailak University is the university with the largest campus area in Thailand, covering over 15,350,400 square meters. The extensive campus provides a wide range of facilities, academic programs, field lectures, practicums, educational training, and research opportunities.
The university comprises administrative buildings, student and staff activity buildings, classrooms, dormitories, canteens, and modern laboratories. Forested areas, fields, and other spaces are utilized to support teaching and research across various disciplines. In addition, the university offers safe and comfortable on-campus housing for both students and staff.
With its expansive and well-planned environment, Walailak University serves as a leading center for higher education and knowledge innovation, playing a vital role in supporting national development and promoting long-term sustainability.
Total Campus Area (meter2): 15,350,400 m2
Total campus buildings area
Walailak University occupies a total area of 15,350,400 m². As of 2025, the total building floor area amounts to 507,981.53 m², representing 3.31% of the entire campus. The planning and construction of buildings have been systematically managed with an emphasis on safety and comprehensive user facilities, supporting academic, administrative, residential, and recreational functions. The campus buildings include educational and academic buildings, student and staff dormitories, service facilities, canteens, Walailak University Hospital, sports complex, laboratories, learning centers, and the HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Natural History Museum.
Building designs focus on functionality, sustainability, and harmony with the natural environment. A substantial proportion of green and open spaces has been preserved to ensure a balance between built structures and nature. This development fosters a conducive learning atmosphere and enhances the quality of life for students, staff, and visitors. Furthermore, Walailak University continues to advance its infrastructure development, prioritizing smart buildings and green buildings in line with its sustainability mission.
Total campus ground floor area of buildings (m2): 259,833.43 m2
Total campus building area (m2): 507,981.53 m2
Ratio of building area to total area (m2): 3.31%
The ratio of open space area to total area
