Prince of Songkla University Prince of Songkla University is one of Thailand’s major public research universities and the first higher education institution established in Southern Thailand. The university was founded in 1967 under the Southern Development Plan to expand educational opportunities and promote economic, social, and academic development across the southern region of the country. It was named by King Bhumibol Adulyadej in honor of Prince Mahidol Adulyadej, Prince of Songkla, who is widely respected as the father of modern medicine and public health in Thailand.
The university initially began with plans to establish faculties across several southern provinces, with early development focused on engineering, education, medicine, and commerce. The first permanent campus was established in Pattani in 1968, while the Hat Yai Campus later became the main campus after expansion in the early 1970s. Over time, PSU continued to grow and now operates five campuses located in Hat Yai, Pattani, Phuket, Surat Thani, and Trang.
Prince of Songkla University has developed into a comprehensive university offering hundreds of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across a wide range of disciplines. Academic areas include engineering, medicine, dentistry, pharmaceutical sciences, natural sciences, management, economics, law, hospitality, information technology, agriculture, environmental studies, arts, and social sciences. The university also provides international and English-medium programs that attract students from many countries.
Research and innovation are central to PSU’s mission. The university is recognized for contributions in health sciences, nanotechnology, environmental management, sustainable development, marine sciences, agriculture, and energy research. PSU is part of Thailand’s National Research Universities Project and actively collaborates with international institutions, industries, and research organizations worldwide.
The university places strong emphasis on student-centered learning, practical education, and lifelong learning development. Its educational philosophy focuses on preparing students to adapt to social and global changes through problem-solving, interdisciplinary learning, and real-world application. PSU also promotes arts, culture, ethics, and community engagement as important parts of student development.
Prince of Songkla University is consistently recognized among Thailand’s top universities and has earned international rankings for academic quality, sustainability, and research performance. Today, PSU continues to serve as a major educational and research hub for Southern Thailand while expanding its international presence and contribution to global higher education.
