University History and General Information

Before being upgraded to an autonomous university, University of Phayao was under the supervision of Naresuan University, which recognized the importance of distributing educational opportunities and creating equality in education. The university, together with the provincial governor and members of Phayao's representatives, including representatives from the public and private sectors, worked to address problems of income and education among the population in Phayao Province, which on average was low. Therefore, a project to distribute educational opportunities to Phayao Province was organized in response to the policy of the Ministry of Universities, which encouraged the university to expand its educational area into the region, with the objective of raising the status to an independent university in the future.

The Ministry of Universities considered and presented the proposal to the Cabinet for approval. At the meeting on October 8, 1996, the Cabinet resolved to use the name "Naresuan University Phayao Information Campus." Teaching and learning in the initial phase used the building of Phayao Pittayakom School temporarily. Naresuan University then cooperated with Phayao Province to provide a permanent location at Tambon Mae Ka, Amphoe Mueang, Phayao Province, comprising 2,039 acres (5,158 rai) of land, and teaching has been conducted there since 1999. Later, on July 21, 2007, at the 13th meeting (4/2550) of the Naresuan University Council, it was resolved to change the name from "Naresuan University Phayao Information Campus" to "Naresuan University of Phayao."
Main campus, Phayao campus (University of Phayao, Thailand)

Main campus, Phayao campus (University of Phayao, Thailand)

General Information

University of Phayao is committed to developing local wisdom, strengthening community potential, and supporting the potential of the population in various dimensions, based on the principle of area development, especially in the upper northern region of Thailand. The University of Phayao provides opportunities and services of international quality to communities, students, educators, and various organizations.

Currently, there are the following units: 1. Office of the University Council 2. Administrative Divisions (14 offices, 3 centers) 3. Academic Divisions (17 faculties, 2 colleges) and 4. Other Divisions, including 2 Learning Centers, a Hospital, a Demonstration school, a Hotel, Staff and student dormitories, and a power plant and water supply factories.

University of Phayao has a total area of 8,254,024 m² and a total population of 24,384, resulting in a population density of 2.95 persons per km².

Sustainability Vision and Core Values

Due to the climate change crisis, University of Phayao has launched many green infrastructure projects such as solar rooftops, rain gardens, and plant selection to increase green space not only on campus but also in surrounding communities. Moreover, University of Phayao encourages all students and staff to get involved in social responsibility activities which will contribute to a sustainable society. During the past few years, University of Phayao has been concentrating on developing best practices under the concept of a Green and Clean University. Sustainable development plans in correspondence to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are applied to promote ecological awareness among UP's students and staff. Furthermore, University of Phayao aims to integrate the concepts of sustainable development into all learning activities, especially for research practices and academic services.

True wisdom springs from lived experiences. University of Phayao organizes education by using a learning process that emphasizes practicality (Learning by Doing) through educational management which focuses on learning outcomes (Outcome-based Education). It is the guideline for building skills, competencies, and experiences for learners, and for creating manpower that uses wisdom to develop the community in a sustainable way (Community change agent). This supports the vision of being a University to Create Wisdom and Social Innovation of International Standards for Sustainability.

The University's core values, which every school follows, consist of 7 concepts, promoting an organizational culture that creates mutual trust, learning organization, and internationalization:

1. Competence – paying attention to highly competent personnel first; it is the responsibility of members of the organization to continuously improve their own knowledge and skills, in order to enhance and support competitiveness and leadership.
2. Freedom – having freedom to accomplish jobs to promote excellence, which generates a multitude of excellence according to each specialization.
3. Justice – always being righteous and just so as to hold on to morality and ethics, promoting respect and trust.
4. Generosity – helping each other, especially prioritizing the right of those who are weak to get assistance, and it is the duty of those who are stronger to provide help and promote a culture of living happily together.
5. Team learning and working – with a focus on learning by doing and living to promote collective intelligence.
6. Shared Vision – having shared goals that enhance collaboration and promote knowledge-based organizations.
7. Local and Global spirit – adhering to the idea that "global knowledge serves the spirit of the community and Thai society" and promotes internationalization.


The plan below shows the layout of the main campus, including green spaces, building clusters, and learning areas of the university, with a ground building area of 547,350 m².
Architectural Masterplan - University of Phayao

Architectural Masterplan - University of Phayao

Main Campus, Phayao Campus

Phayao Campus is the main campus of the University of Phayao, located at 19 Moo 2, Maeka Subdistrict, Muang Phayao District, Phayao Province 56000, Thailand. This 2,039-acre campus is located on the south side of Mueang Phayao District, Phayao Province, surrounded by protected forest and conservation areas. The university offers programs across 3 distinct fields of study, including Health Sciences, Science and Technology, and Humanities and Social Sciences. These fields comprise various schools, including the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, School of Information and Communication Technology, School of Dentistry, School of Law, School of Business and Communication Arts, School of Nursing, School of Energy and Environment, School of Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Political and Social Science, School of Science, School of Medical Sciences, School of Engineering, School of Architecture and Fine Arts, School of Allied Health Sciences, School of Public Health, School of Liberal Arts, and School of Education.

Phayao Campus is promoted as a "Green and Clean" campus because its surrounding area is covered with lush greenery. Furthermore, the University of Phayao is also known as a "Walk and Run Society" campus, where more than 2,500 runners participate in activities annually.
Main campus, Phayao campus (University of Phayao, Thailand)
Phayao Campus scenery Phayao Campus scenery Phayao Campus scenery
Phayao Campus scenery Phayao Campus scenery Phayao Campus scenery

Main campus of the University of Phayao

The main campus has a total area of 8,254,024 m², with a total main campus distance of 20,480 m.
Land use plan of the main campus, University of Phayao
Main campus area and distance measurement, University of Phayao

Total area and distance measurement of the main campus

Chiang Rai Campus

University of Phayao recognizes the importance of promoting equal access to education and fostering educational equity. To this end, it has established the Chiang Rai Provincial Academic Service Center to expand educational opportunities throughout the Chiang Rai region. This initiative is expected to bring substantial benefits to Chiang Rai and neighboring areas, encompassing education, economic development, social well-being, public health, arts and culture, and other essential activities that contribute to human advancement.

Currently, the Chiang Rai campus is situated within the Chiang Rai Provincial Government Center, located in Ban Fang Min, Rim Kok Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chiang Rai Province 57100. Approximately 12 acres (30 rai) of land has been officially allocated for its use. The campus currently offers weekend classes—held only on Saturdays and Sundays—at the master's and doctoral levels. Chiang Rai Campus is located in Chiang Rai Province, a province full of cultural heritage, historical sites, beautiful landscapes, and natural attractions, suitable for academic learning and researching.

The Chiang Rai campus has a total area of 48,720 m², with a total distance of 1,010 m.
Chiang Rai Campus (University of Phayao, Thailand)
Chiang Rai Campus (University of Phayao, Thailand) Chiang Rai Campus (University of Phayao, Thailand) Chiang Rai Campus (University of Phayao, Thailand)

Chiang Rai Campus, University of Phayao

Total area measurement of Chiang Rai Campus, University of Phayao

Total area measurement of Chiang Rai Campus

Total Campus Area Summary

University of Phayao is one of Thailand's leading institutes which provides environments that foster world-class education and research opportunities. Bio-resources, Energy, Engineering, Environment, Linguistics, Science, and Technology are strengths of the university. University of Phayao consists of 2 campuses: Phayao Campus and Chiang Rai Campus, with a total area of 8,302,744 sq. meters.
Table of total campus area, University of Phayao

Total campus area of University of Phayao