Yotsanan expressed pride in the international rankings where seven Thai universities broke into the global Top 100. Mahidol University and Thammasat University claimed first place for specialized excellence and announced their role as the nation's front-runners in driving progress.
On 27 June 2026, Mr. Yotsanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, stated that Thailand has more reason to celebrate with the remarkable success of Thai universities in the THE Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026. This marks a historic milestone for Thai higher education on the international stage.
The rankings come from Times Higher Education (THE), a UK-based global university ranking institution recognized as highly credible internationally. This year, over 1,600 higher education institutions worldwide participated in the rigorous evaluation.
What makes this ranking unique and trustworthy is its focus not only on academic reputation but on the “real-world positive impact” universities create for society. It assesses through transparent indicators across four main dimensions: research, institutional stewardship, societal outreach, and teaching. These align with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). On behalf of the Ministry of Higher Education, I warmly congratulate all institutions, especially the three leading universities achieving world-class excellence.
Mahidol University achieved the No. 1 global ranking in SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), demonstrating excellence as a pillar in public health, international medical research, and proactive health services benefiting people at all levels.
Thammasat University held the No. 1 global rank in SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), reinforcing its commitment as a reliable legal support for society, practicing transparent governance, and fostering genuine participatory spaces for the new generation.
Chulalongkorn University earned 19th place globally and first in Thailand, marking the first time a Thai university entered the Top 20 in this overall assessment.
Even more encouraging is the sustainable growth of Thai universities as a whole, with seven institutions joining the global Top 100: Chulalongkorn University (19th), Thammasat University (46th), Walailak University (47th), Chiang Mai University (49th), Mahidol University (56th), Prince of Songkla University (81st), and Khon Kaen University (91st).
These rankings are no coincidence. Our educational institutions have proven they can integrate high-quality academic and research work to address social problems across various dimensions, sustainably enhancing quality of life. This has become the “new DNA” of Thai higher education today.
I thank all members of the academic community—faculty, researchers, staff, and students—for their dedication and sacrifice. This achievement confirms that the Thai higher education system has the capacity and readiness to compete globally. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation is committed to supporting all mechanisms to promote universities as key drivers for sustainable development of Thailand.