20Oct 2025 by Kittipong Bunlear
Sustained International Collaboration and Research for Best Practices Development on Blue Swimming Crab Resources

Sustained International Collaboration and Research for Best Practices Development on Blue Swimming Crab Resources

Blue Swimming Crab2025, Outreach and Engagement
Outreach and Engagement Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs) are collaborative, multi-stakeholder initiatives designed to enhance fishing practices and management systems, ensuring the long-term sustainability of marine species, ecosystems, and the livelihoods of fishing communities. These projects leverage the influence of the private sector to drive positive changes in fisheries and aim to solidify those improvements through the development of new government policies. In Ban Don Bay, Surat Thani, Thailand, blue swimming crab populations faced a significant decline prior to the implementation of the FIP, largely due to overfishing in heavily exploited inshore areas, the harvesting of undersized crabs and gravid females, and the absence of effective management plans, harvest strategies, and enforcement mechanisms. In response, the Thailand Blue Swimming Crab Fishery Improvement Project (Thailand BSC FIP) was established as an international…
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20Oct 2025 by Kittipong Bunlear
International Collaboration for Data Gathering and Best Practice Development for Climate Smart Agriculture

International Collaboration for Data Gathering and Best Practice Development for Climate Smart Agriculture

Outreach and Engagement
Outreach and Engagement The Center of Excellence for Ecoinformatics at Walailak University, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krisanadej Jaroensutasinee is dedicated to advancing research, knowledge development, and the application of Ecoinformatics to support technological solutions for community and national development. For over five years, the center has been actively engaged in research projects and forming international partnerships to address various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With a team of 19 experienced researchers, experts, and scientists, the center strives to be a leading institution in Thailand for human resource development, research excellence, and innovation in Ecoinformatics. The Establishment of International Collaboration of Walailak University and TICA and International Partners Walailak University and the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) have been fostering international cooperation with countries worldwide, particularly least-developed and developing nations, to…
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20Oct 2025 by Kittipong Bunlear
WU Initiating and Participating in Cross-Sectoral Dialogues for Tackling SDGs 

WU Initiating and Participating in Cross-Sectoral Dialogues for Tackling SDGs 

Outreach and Engagement
Outreach and Engagement 2024 was another year that Walailak University both organized and participated in various events of cross-sectoral dialogues to bring together experts or representatives from multiple sectors, such as researchers, NGOs, government organizations, the private sector, civil society representatives, politicians, and others, to exchange, express and share opinions, experiences and suggestions to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The Roles of Universities in Enhancing Quality of Life in the Turbulent World: Cross-Sectoral Dialogue on Sustainable Education In 2024, Walailak University hosted a cross-sectoral dialogue as part of the Walailak Research Convention 2024 (WRC2024), celebrating the university’s 32nd anniversary. Held under the theme "Roles of Higher Education in the Turbulent World,". The convention, WRC2024, was dedicated to serving as a public forum for the presentation of academic research…
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20Oct 2025 by Kittipong Bunlear
WU Providing Free Public Access to Open and Green Spaces for All 

WU Providing Free Public Access to Open and Green Spaces for All 

Sustainability and Stewardship
sustainablility and stewardship Walailak University remains firmly committed to becoming a sustainable and eco-friendly residential campus. In pursuit of this vision, the university continually enhances and transforms its internal and external environments into multifunctional, environmentally conscious spaces. Notably, the university has developed extensive open and green areas designed to harmoniously integrate people and nature. These spaces are permanently open to the public, offering free access for all to enjoy. Figure: Map showing green and open spaces at Walailak University Click on the map for a clearer view with more details. Free Access to Open Spaces 1. The Science and Wisdom Learning CenterThe Science and Wisdom Learning Center comprises a main building and an outdoor learning area, serving as an educational hub for students and the general public. Staff are available to…
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17Oct 2025 by Kittipong Bunlear
WU’s Collaborations with Governments and NGOs for Tackling Climate Change, Promoting Marine Resource Conservation, and Improving Well-being for Thai Society

WU’s Collaborations with Governments and NGOs for Tackling Climate Change, Promoting Marine Resource Conservation, and Improving Well-being for Thai Society

Outreach and Engagement
Outreach and Engagement Walailak University has direct involvement in, and provides substantial input into, national government and regional non-governmental organizations in SDG policy development. This includes identifying existing and emerging problems and challenges, formulating policies and strategic frameworks, modeling future scenarios with and without targeted interventions, monitoring and reporting on policy implementation and impacts, and supporting adaptive management to improve long-term sustainability outcomes. Since Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong assumed the presidency, Walailak University researchers have increasingly collaborated with government bodies and NGOs to advance policy and strategy development toward achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. This aligns with the university’s commitment to becoming a leading institution in SDG implementation.In 2024, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Warit Jawjit continued to work with partners on the development of the Provincial and Municipal Action…
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17Oct 2025 by Kittipong Bunlear
Transformation of Brownfield Land for the Construction of the Sirin Museum

Transformation of Brownfield Land for the Construction of the Sirin Museum

Sustainability and Stewardship
sustainablility and stewardship Most of the area where Walailak University (WU) is now located was once a vast, dense forest. Over time, much of this land was cleared and used for agricultural purposes. Before the university was established, the area had been utilized for various types of farming, including agriculture, aquaculture, and livestock activities such as dairy, Nile tilapia, goat, and pig farming, as well as mangosteen and rubber tree cultivation. Consequently, some parts of the land had already become brownfield sites due to possible contamination from chemical substances or fertilizers, while other areas were left abandoned.In later years, Walailak University developed several of its new buildings on these brownfield sites—both on land that had been previously contaminated and on areas affected by the university’s earlier activities. For example, the…
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17Oct 2025 by Kittipong Bunlear
Adopting Sustainable Standards for New Building Construction

Adopting Sustainable Standards for New Building Construction

Sustainability and Stewardship
sustainablility and stewardship Walailak University (WU) has long prioritized sustainability and the application of high standards in its infrastructure development and energy management initiatives. A notable example is the Center for Library Resources and Educational Media, which was constructed in accordance with the Engineering Institute of Thailand (EIT) Standard under His Majesty the King’s Patronage. This standard emphasizes precision, structural integrity, and meticulous implementation throughout the design and construction process. The building’s maintenance is also overseen by licensed architects and engineers from the Division of Landscaping and Building, ensuring continuous adherence to safety and quality standards. In addition to meeting EIT requirements, the center operates in full compliance with the Building Energy Code (BEC) — Thailand’s national standard for energy efficiency in buildings. The BEC certification, granted by the Department…
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17Oct 2025 by Kittipong Bunlear
Collaboration with Local Authorities to Provide Affordable Housing for Local Communities

Collaboration with Local Authorities to Provide Affordable Housing for Local Communities

Outreach and Engagement
Outreach and Engagement Walailak University is surrounded by vibrant local communities, many of which face significant socio-economic challenges. One such community, the Satit Walailak Pattana community located behind the university, has long struggled with limited access to affordable and stable housing. Severe poverty, lack of financial opportunities, and barriers to accessing housing loans have forced many residents to rent small rooms instead of establishing secure homes. This instability has placed additional burdens on families, making it difficult to achieve long-term stability in their livelihoods, health, and education. In 2024, Walailak University initiated a collaborative effort with government partners to address this pressing issue. The Agricultural Land Reform Office, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, and the Thai Buri Subdistrict Administrative Organization joined hands with WU to design practical solutions for…
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17Oct 2025 by Kittipong Bunlear
Pedestrian Access Prioritization on Campus

Pedestrian Access Prioritization on Campus

Sustainability and Stewardship
sustainablility and stewardship Walailak University places great importance on prioritizing pedestrian access for students, staff, and the general public within the campus. The university has implemented an infrastructure development project to construct pedestrian walkways covering all areas of the campus, aiming to enhance safety, convenience, and overall quality of life for students, personnel, and visitors. This project is part of the university’s Sustainable Campus Policy, which focuses on creating an environment conducive to learning and high-quality living. The construction of walkways spans key areas of the university, including routes connecting academic buildings, dormitories, libraries, cafeterias, and outdoor activity spaces, facilitating safe and convenient movement for students and staff. The design of the walkways also adheres to safety standards, accessibility principles for persons with disabilities (Universal Design), and the use of…
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16Oct 2025 by Kittipong Bunlear
Providing Affordable Housing for Students

Providing Affordable Housing for Students

Sustainability and Stewardship
sustainablility and stewardship Walailak University (WU) is committed to supporting students’ well-being by ensuring access to affordable, high-quality housing on campus. Recognizing that off-campus rental costs in Tha Sala District have risen significantly due to urban expansion and increased migration, WU has consistently set dormitory fees lower than market prices. By doing so, the university helps reduce students’ financial burdens and creates an environment where they can focus on their academic and personal development. Click on the map for a clearer view with more details. Affordable Housing Management and Evaluation The Center of Property Management oversees all student dormitories and plays a central role in maintaining affordable pricing and quality facilities. To strengthen student participation, the center has established Student Dormitory Committees in every dormitory. These committees represent student voices by…
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