On 18 March 2025, Mae Fah Luang University had the great honour of receiving Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who on behalf of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, presided over MFU’s commencement ceremony for the Academic Year 2023 at the C4 Auditorium. This commencement marked the graduation of MFU’s 22nd class of students.
This year, MFU presented honorary doctoral degrees to three distinguished individuals:
1. Mr. Banthoon Lamsam received an Honorary Doctorate in Social Sciences for his outstanding contributions as a leader in the financial sector, particularly in sustainable development initiatives such as the conservation of Nan's headwater forests, educational support, and the advancement of public health system.
2. Assoc. Prof. Pinyo Suwankiri received an Honorary Doctorate in Social Sciences for his significant contributions to the conservation and development of Thai architecture.
3. Assoc. Prof. Yuen Poovarawan received an Honorary Doctorate in Digital Transformation Technology for his pioneering work in Thailand’s computing and information technology sector.
Additionally, Emeritus Professor Dr.Somchit Hanuchareankul was honored with the "Golden Tung" Award for 2024, recognizing her as the first nursing educator in Thailand to achieve the rank of professor in nursing science.
In the academic year 2023, a total of 2,431 graduates from 15 schools participated in the commencement ceremony, including 73 international students, from a total of 116 foreign graduates, representing Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Japan, Myanmar, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, and others worldwide.
On this occasion, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn delivered a royal address, stating: "To lead a successful life and career, it is essential to build a foundation upon correct and good reasoning." Her Royal Highness also cited a royal remark from His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great: "Thought is of utmost importance. Before speaking or acting, one must pause to consider whether what they are about to say or do is right or wrong, beneficial or harmful, necessary or avoidable. Such consideration will prevent inappropriate speech and harmful actions. Speaking and acting only in a right and beneficial manner will lead to prosperity. " Her Royal Highness encouraged all graduates to take these words as a guiding principle in their personal and professional lives.
Following the ceremony, Her Royal Highness proceeded to preside over the casting of bronze statues of His Royal Highness Prince Mahidol of Songkla (Father of Modern Medicine and Public Health in Thailand) and Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra at courtyard in front of the royal statue of HRH Princess Srinagarindra.
The casting of the royal statues serves as a tribute to the immeasurable contributions of His Royal Highness Prince Mahidol of Songkla and Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra to the Thai people, particularly in the fields of education and public health. The new statue, depicting both figures together, will stand at Mae Fah Luang University Medical Center, as a revered monument for the Mae Fah Luang University community and the general public, symbolizing wisdom, compassion, and national development for generations to come.
On the same occasion, Her Royal Highness visited the digital exhibition "Integrating Knowledge and Art for Disaster Preparedness towards Sustainable Communities" at the Vanchai Sirichana Building, Mae Fah Luang University. The exhibition showcased innovative disaster management approaches based on lessons learned from the severe flooding in Chiang Rai in 2024. Key highlights of the exhibition included:
Mae Fah Luang University has developed a disaster management framework focusing on three aspects:
1. Prevention: Strengthening information systems, preparedness manuals, risk management strategies, and the emergency medical service system.
2. Mitigation: Establishing emergency operations centers, disseminating information during crises, providing healthcare services, setting up shelters, and providing comprehensive support.
3. Post-Disaster Recovery: Restoring well-being, social, economic, and environmental aspects of affected communities.
The university emphasized the importance of multi-sector collaboration to ensure successful disaster preparedness and response. The university reaffirmed its role as a leading institution for this interdisciplinary collaboration in disaster preparedness, in alignment with its guiding philosophy ‘Restore Forests, Cultivate People", a commitment to sustainably improve people’s quality of life and well-being.
On this occasion, Mae Fah Luang University humbly presented a special gift to Her Royal Highness, consisting of a handcrafted ceramic tray made from clay collected from flood-affected areas in Chiang Rai Province. The ceramic piece was created by Mr. Somluk Pantiboon, a renowned ceramic artist from the Doi Din Daeng Pottery. Additionally, a set of educational books on Wiang Nong Lom Wetland and a model of VR Chiang Saen l were also presented. The visit concluded with a music performance of the song "Naree Rattana" in tribute to Her Royal Highness, performed by the university’s official band, MFU Band.
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