Unwavering commendation was given by the respected Minister of Higher Education Science Research and Innovation (MHESI), Supamas Isarabhakdi, as 19 Thai universities spurred their way into the coveted Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2024. This prominent international list was crowded by a staggering 1,904 universities, encompassing 108 different countries and regions.
The prestigious THE worked its magic to meticulously analyze over 134 million citations from academic writings, encompassing an impressive 16.5 million research publications, as well as survey responses from 68,402 elite scholars, to create the rankings. Participating universities were measured across five crucial domains including: teaching quality (the learning environment); research capability (volume, income, and reputation); research quality (citation impact, research strength, and influence); international perspective (staff, students, and research); and lastly, industry involvement (income and patents).
The crown for the world’s most prestigious university for the eighth year in succession was won by the University of Oxford. However, a notable shift witnessed Stanford University rising through the ranks to claim the second spot, thereby relegating the esteemed Harvard University to the fourth rank. Supamas ardent expression of pride echoed as she pronounced that within the cohort of 19 Thai universities, four of them had successfully achieved a higher ranking than their previous year.
The eminent Thai universities, Chulalongkorn and Mahidol, successfully marked their presence within the significant 601-800 range worldwide. These universities broke their previous record in rankings, soaring up from the 801-1,000 range from the previous year. Closely following this trend, Chiang Mai University bagged a rank in the 801-1,000 range, toppling its earlier status within the 1,001-1,200 range. Moreover, Walailak University witnessed advancement by placing itself within the 1,201-1,500 range from earlier standing within the 1,501+ rank. Notably, the University of Phayao made its debut in the rankings list and admirably positioned itself in the 1,501+ bracket.
An evident sense of accomplishment was palpable as Ms Supamas reflected on the progress made by Thai universities. She attributed their improved rankings to their unfettered potential and unswerving pursuit of academic excellence. She added, that this growth was not unanticipated and was in fact the result of MHESI’s determined efforts to enhance the quality of universities including their personnel, management, research initiatives, and international collaborations. In her words, “The ministry aims to see Thai universities reach the top 400 in the world.”
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