In 2024, Suan Dusit University emphasized its role as a “University for Community,” aiming to promote equitable access to learning resources, arts, and culture in multiple dimensions. This includes both the university’s own premises—its main campus, regional campuses, and learning centers—and its engagement with surrounding communities through collaboration with local authorities and partner organizations.
The university has provided opportunities for the general public to access academic buildings, historical structures, monuments, and natural heritage areas of cultural significance on an equal and inclusive basis. These efforts are designed to foster learning, community participation, and the sustainable preservation of cultural values so that heritage and education can coexist harmoniously within society.
This initiative reflects Suan Dusit University’s commitment to serving as an “Open Learning Space” accessible to everyone, aligning with the goals of SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, which seeks to build safe, inclusive, and culturally and environmentally sustainable communities.
A Living Heritage of Thai Education and Culture
Suan Dusit University has a history spanning more than nine decades. It was founded in 1934 under the name “Wissamarn Home Economics Secondary School”, under the Department of Vocational Education, Department of Academic Affairs, Ministry of Public Instruction (now the Ministry of Education). The school was originally located at the Palace of Prince Abhakara Kiartivongse, Prince of Chumphon, and was established to train women in home economics and teacher education. It is regarded as the first home economics school in Thailand.
Later, in 1937, the school was relocated to Wang Chan Kasem Palace, and in 1941, it moved to its current location at Suan Sunandha Palace, where it was renamed “Pranakhon Home Economics School.” This became the origin of Suan Dusit’s enduring identity in arts, culture, and traditional wisdom, particularly in the field of culinary arts, which has been passed down to the present day.Today, SDU integrates cultural heritage with educational innovation, blending traditional wisdom with modern learning systems, to advance sustainable social development in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In 1956, Pranakhon Home Economics School became the first institution in Thailand to offer a Certificate in Education (Home Economics) program. Later, in 1961, it was elevated to the status of Suan Dusit Teachers College, with the mission of producing high-quality teachers to serve Thai society.
Between 1975 and 1991, Suan Dusit Teachers College expanded its academic programs and established the La-or Uthit Demonstration School as a training center for early childhood education. This initiative later became one of Suan Dusit’s most distinctive institutional identities, reflecting its long-standing excellence in early childhood teacher preparation.
In 1992, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) graciously bestowed the name “Rajabhat Institute” upon the teachers’ colleges across the nation. Subsequently, in 1995, the institution was renamed “Suan Dusit Rajabhat Institute,” expanding its academic mission to cover programs from diploma to doctoral levels. During this period, the institute also established regional education centers nationwide, extending educational opportunities and promoting equitable access to higher education across the country.
In 2004, the institution was elevated to Suan Dusit Rajabhat University, and later, in 2015, it was reconstituted as Suan Dusit University under the Suan Dusit University Act B.E. 2558 (2015). The Act granted the university the status of an autonomous state institution, enabling it to operate independently while remaining under the supervision of the government.
Today, Suan Dusit University stands as a center of learning that harmoniously integrates cultural heritage with educational innovation, driving Thai society toward sustainability in alignment with the goals of Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11): Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Further Information
https://www.dusit.ac.th/home/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/history_suandusit.pdf
“Every part of Suan Dusit University serves as a living learning space, telling the story of Thai history and culture through its architecture, landscape, and enduring identity that have been passed down from the past to the present.”
Before becoming, what it is today, the area of Suan Dusit University was once part of the Dusit Palace, which was commissioned by His Majesty King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) in 1899 on the Thung Som Poi plain, north of Bangkok. The palace was designed as a royal garden and retreat, featuring landscapes and architectural layouts inspired by Western styles, gracefully blended with traditional Thai art and aesthetics.
Later, in 1908, His Majesty King Chulalongkorn ordered the construction of “Suan Sunandha” within the Dusit Palace complex as a royal residence for Her Majesty the Queen Consort and the ladies of the royal court. The area, covering more than 112 rai (approximately 18 hectares), was surrounded by numerous small royal residences built in the Italian Renaissance architectural style, nestled among flower gardens and serene ponds, creating an atmosphere of grace and tranquility.
After the political change in 1932, the Suan Sunandha Palace area was transferred to the Ministry of Public Instruction for the establishment of a national educational institution. It subsequently became the site of Pranakhon Home Economics School, later Suan Dusit Teachers College, and eventually Suan Dusit University, continuing its legacy as a center of learning to the present day.
Further Information
https://www.silpa-mag.com/history/article_10437
https://dusitpoll.dusit.ac.th/UPLOAD_FILES/POCKETBOOK/SDP-pocket-building-full.pdf
“This area of Suan Dusit University is open and accessible to all, allowing everyone to study, experience, and appreciate the value of arts and culture on an equal basis. It reflects the university’s strong commitment to its role as a “University for Community.”
The wall of Suan Dusit University at Gate 4 is an ancient structure dating back to the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). Built of traditional Mon bricks and plaster, it has remained strong and well-preserved for over a century. The wall was originally an extension of the Dusit Palace boundary, enclosing the grounds of Suan Sunandha Palace, stretching from what is now Ratchawithi Road (formerly Sang Hi Road) to Samsen Road and U-Thong Nai Road.
Over time, the wall has been carefully restored while retaining its original charm. Its distinctive deep-pink color derives from the color associated with the royal Tuesday birthday of King Rama V. The wall’s design shows the influence of Western classical art, with plaster floral motifs adorning the upper panels—intended by its creator to evoke the atmosphere of a delightful royal garden. Historical records reveal that the floral pattern depicts the hibiscus mutabilis (phuttan) flower, adapted with subtle Western stylistic elements. The wall stands today as a symbol of enduring heritage and strength, representing the lasting stability and cultural identity of Suan Dusit University.
Source: Interdisciplinary Tourism Program, School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Suan Dusit University.
Further Information
Further Information
Further Information
Suan Dusit University has also expanded its role beyond preserving on-campus cultural heritage to actively collaborating with local communities surrounding its campuses. The university works to sustain and preserve the architectural, artistic, and local wisdom values of each area through academic service projects, community-based learning, and creative activities in public spaces.
Promoting surrounding communities while preserving and continuing the values of architecture, art, and local wisdom through the knowledge and expertise of Suan Dusit University.
Collaboration in preserving and continuing cultural heritage and local wisdom in the Dusit District, Bangkok, in cooperation with the Dusit District Office.
This role reflects the approach of a “University for Community,” which does not replace the community but rather serves as a supportive force that enables communities to preserve, protect, and further develop their own cultural heritage sustainably. It aligns with the principles of SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
To advance this mission, Suan Dusit University has implemented several initiatives, including the Research and Development Institute organizing collaborative meetings with the Dusit District Office to develop Khlong Sam Sen and Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem into cultural tourism areas. https://www.dusit.ac.th/home/2024/1224349.html
Another example is the “New Breed Graduates Project” offering the course “Nostalgia Tourism Design and Green Tourism Management,” which integrates topics such as “Laws and Regulations on Heritage Building Development for Nostalgia Tourism” and “Case Study: Social Enterprise in Heritage Building Development for Nostalgia Tourism.” The course features guest lecturers from the Legal Affairs Division, Department of Fine Arts, and uses case studies from Suan Dusit University, Bang Rak District, and Samphanthawong District in Bangkok.
In addition, the Wapi Busabakorn Academic Project, held under royal permission in its 12th year, presented the theme “Chalerm Ratch 72 Maha Vajiralongkorn: From Front Palace to Grand Palace.” The project was organized by the Bachelor of Arts Program in Interdisciplinary Tourism, School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Suan Dusit University, with the aim of disseminating knowledge in geography, archaeology, history, and cultural tourism, contributing to the creation of a knowledge-based learning society.
Throughout 2024, the university has opened its grounds for public visits year-round, particularly during major annual events such as the 2024 Royal Commencement Rehearsal Ceremony. https://www.dusit.ac.th/home/2024/1341717.html The university has also welcomed study visit delegations from various organizations and opened its historic buildings for public viewing, including the visit from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Culture (MHESC) of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. https://www.dusit.ac.th/home/2024/1352381.html
In addition, the university has utilized the area around the Yaowapa Building as a space for learning, recreation, and various community activities, particularly for parents and students of La-or Uthit Demonstration School. The area has been opened as the “La-or Uthit Morning Market,” providing a relaxing sitting area beneath the Yaowapa Building and offering food, snacks, and beverages for visitors. https://www.dusit.ac.th/home/2024/1235396.html
