On April 24, 2025, Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI) initiated a strategic planning retreat aimed at enhancing research and innovation across the country’s nine Rajamangala Universities of Technology (RMUTs). The event took place at the Hilton Hua Hin Resort and Spa in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, and marked a coordinated effort to align university development with national policy and the evolving needs of the industrial sector.
The initiative, titled “Strategic Retreat for the 9 RMUTs,” was established to develop a unified direction for these universities. The objective is to shift the institutions toward roles that focus more heavily on applied research, innovation, and the production of skilled professionals equipped to meet the demands of rapidly changing economic, technological, and environmental conditions. The planning is designed to align with both national strategies and the Ministry’s own educational policies.
Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, emphasized the significance of the RMUT system in producing practice-oriented graduates and conducting research with direct application to local and national contexts. She stated that the Ministry is committed to supporting the universities in all dimensions, to help strengthen their educational quality, boost research capabilities, and foster sustainable development across regions.
Associate Professor Dr. Udomvit Chaisakulkiet, Chair of the RMUT Council of University Presidents, noted that the retreat also served as a platform for exchanging perspectives on operational strategies. Discussions covered each institution’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges, with the aim of creating a clear and actionable strategic plan. Such a plan, he said, is expected to support capacity building, increase the universities’ competitive edge, and foster collaboration among institutions.
Approximately 300 participants attended the retreat, including university presidents, faculty, administrative staff, and students from all nine RMUTs. Among the key attendees were Supachai Jaisamut, Assistant Minister; Dr. Petchdao Toemina, Ministerial Advisor; General Charan Kullawanit, Chair of the Council of RMUT Presidents; and Associate Professor Dr. Khosit Sriphutorn, Head of the RMUT Strategic Drafting Committee for Fiscal Years 2027–2031.
