Organization:Rajabhat University system

Emblem of Rajabhat University system

The Rajabhat Universities (มหาวิทยาลัยราชภัฏ, RTGS: Mahawitthayalai Ratchaphat) mean normal universities in Thailand.

They were formerly called Rajabhat Institutes and originally formed the teachers college system. In 2005, King Bhumibol Adulyadej collectively elevated them to be universities. Many provinces have one—there are 38 total—and they are generally easier to gain admission to than the public universities (formerly the government universities). Most Rajabhat Universities offer graduate degrees, some even to the doctoral level. Enrollments have been shrinking. (As of 2018), students numbered 540,000, down from 600,000.

These institutions are equivalent to British polytechnics that have become universities. They face a similar challenge of matching the prestige of older institutions. They were conferred the royal word Rajabhat to possibly shield them from criticism and help raise their status.

Name

The word "Rajabhat" is derived from the same origin as the Hindi, "Rajput" (from Sanskrit raja-putra, "son of a king"). In this sense, a "Rajabhat University" might be regarded as being analogous to the English "King's College", or "Royal Institute", or more literally as a "Prince's University" ("Rajabhat" could be considered to mean "prince"). For simplicity they may be considered a "Royal University".

List of Rajabhat Universities

Bangkok group

• Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University
• Chandrakasem Rajabhat University
• Dhonburi Rajabhat University
• Phranakhon Rajabhat University
• Suan Dusit Rajabhat University (since 2015 change to Suan Dusit University)
• Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University

Northern group

• Chiang Mai Rajabhat University
• Chiang Rai Rajabhat University
• Kamphaeng Phet Rajabhat University
• Lampang Rajabhat University
• Nakhon Sawan Rajabhat University
• Phetchabun Rajabhat University
• Pibulsongkram Rajabhat University (Phitsanulok)
• Uttaradit Rajabhat University

Northeastern group

• Buriram Rajabhat University
• Chaiyaphum Rajabhat University
• Kalasin Rajabhat University (since 2016 combined to Kalasin University)
• Loei Rajabhat University
• Rajabhat Maha Sarakham University
• Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University
• Roi Et Rajabhat University
• Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University
• Sisaket Rajabhat University
• Surindra Rajabhat University
• Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University
• Udon Thani Rajabhat University
• Nakhon Phanom Rajabhat University (since 2005 combined to Nakhon Phanom University)

Central group

• Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Rajabhat University (Ayutthaya)
• Muban Chom Bung Rajabhat University (Chom Bung, Ratchaburi)
• Kanchanaburi Rajabhat University
• Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University
• Phetchaburi Rajabhat University
• Rajabhat Rajanagarindra University (Chachoengsao)
• Rambhai Barni Rajabhat University (Chanthaburi)
• Thepsatri Rajabhat University (Lopburi)
• Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University (Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani)

Southern group

• Nakhon Si Thammarat Rajabhat University
• Phuket Rajabhat University
• Songkhla Rajabhat University
• Suratthani Rajabhat University
• Yala Rajabhat University