His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun graciously appointed Mr. Palakorn Suwanrath, Privy Councilor, to award degrees to the 4,457 graduates, including those receiving master’s and doctorate degrees, on Thursday, February 8th, 2024. The ceremony was held at the Phaya Ngam Muang Auditorium in the Mueang Phayao District of Phayao Province, with 2,568 graduates in attendance. The University of Phayao Council has approved the Honorary Doctorate Degree for the academic year 2022. This prestigious degree will be awarded to individuals who have consistently contributed to the betterment of both the university and society as a whole.
The following individuals have been selected as exemplary role models for this honor:
1. Honorary Doctorate Degree in Philosophy, Department of Statistics
Professor Timothy E. O’Brien, Ph.D.
2. Honorary Doctorate Degree in Fine and Applied Arts, Department of Music and Dance
Mrs. Buariao Rattanamaneephon
3. Honorary Doctorate Degree in Philosophy, Department of Dentistry
Professor Dame Petchara Techakumpuch
In this regard, two exceptional professors were honored with royal award plaques for their teaching excellence:
1. Assistant Professor Jantima Choorassamee, Pharm.D.
2. Assistant Professor Narin Nonthamand, Ph.D.
Nine outstanding researchers were honored with royal awards:
1. Associate Professor Surasak Saokaew, Pharm.D.
2. Assistant Professor Sukrit Kanchanasurakit, Pharm.D.
3. Associate Professor Aiyared Iampan
4. Professor Warat Matthayomburut
5. Associate Professor Dr. Luecha Ladachart
6. Associate Professor Dr. Phanintra Teeranon
7. Assistant Professor Phayungsak Intawicha
8. Professor Wittawas Sajjapong
9. Assistant Professor Somchart Tana, Ph.D.
The University of Phayao is committed to “Wisdom for Community Empowerment” and has a vision of becoming a university that creates wisdom for sustainable community development with international standards. This mission encompasses teaching, research, innovation, academic services, and the preservation of arts and culture. The university focuses on community participation from both public and private agencies to enhance the potential and well-being of communities and society, towards achieving sustainable development goals and holistic economic development using the BCG economic model. The University of Phayao has been approved as a university in the local community development group and other communities (Area-based and Community Engagement). However, the university has also gained international recognition and has been ranked highly by world university ranking agencies, including THE Impact Rankings, Scimago Institutions Rankings, and UI GreenMetric World University Rankings.
Additionally, the University of Phayao has the best student loan repayment rate for the Student Loan Fund Project, ranking number 1 among educational institutions nationwide. The university has also received a certificate of honor as an “Outstanding Educational Institution for the Promotion of Good Governance” for the year 2023. These achievements are a result of the university’s policies, support from the province and community, and the determination and dedication of administrators, teachers, personnel, and students. As a result, the university’s operations are progressing and achieving success as intended, leading Phayao Province towards becoming a city of lifelong learning. In fact, Phayao Learning City was certified by UNESCO on September 2nd, 2022, and has been continuously operating since then.
The Privy Council addressed the graduates at the Royal Graduation Ceremony of the University of Phayao for the academic year 2022 on behalf of His Majesty the King. They expressed their appreciation to the experts and graduates who have received honors and achieved success. A true graduate must possess both knowledge and Bhumi Dhamma, which refers to having a solid and broad knowledge base in their field of study and a strong moral foundation. The graduates were encouraged to reflect on whether they embody these qualities and to work on improving any deficiencies. These qualities should serve as a foundation for their personal and professional lives, contributing to the prosperity and stability of both themselves and the country. The Privy Council concluded by wishing the graduates happiness and progress in their careers on behalf of His Majesty the King.