History of Payap University
The First Private Higher Education Institution in Thailand
Educational Philosophy: “Education based on ‘Truth-Service’ to create good and capable people with morality, to develop and serve society.”
The Church of Christ in Thailand had a commitment for over 50 years to establish a Christian higher education institution. However, this intention was halted due to various reasons. In 1969, when the government enacted a law allowing private entities to establish higher education institutions, the Church of Christ in Thailand revived the idea in 1970 by upgrading the existing institutions, McCormick School of Nursing and Midwifery and McGilvary Theological Seminary, to higher education institutions. A committee was appointed to establish a private college under the Church of Christ in Thailand. Eventually, the government granted permission to establish Payap College on March 21, 1974. The college initially offered bachelor’s degrees in seven fields and an associate degree in one field, with the first batch of 189 students from 15 provinces. Later, Payap College was granted permission to change its status from “college” to “university” on July 25, 1984, becoming the first private university in Thailand.
Payap University is abbreviated as P.Y.U. in English.
Payap University is accredited by the Ministry of University Affairs and the Civil Service Commission (CSC), which recognizes the qualifications of graduates from Payap University as equivalent to those from state institutions.
Mission
Payap University, the first private university in Thailand, was established by the Foundation of the Church of Christ in Thailand to demonstrate God’s love, human faith in God, and mutual support among humanity.
Payap University adheres to the principle of “Truth-Service” by striving for academic and moral excellence to foster understanding and enlightenment in the truth of life. It aims to cultivate a positive attitude towards service and societal contribution.
Students at Payap University are expected to develop themselves, possess knowledge, creativity, good conduct, responsibility towards themselves and others, and the ability to work efficiently.
Vision
A Global Learning Resource, Developing People into Global Citizens
Global Learning Resource means being a resource of learning with quality standards that are universally recognized, to enhance knowledge and wisdom through lifelong learning processes.
Developing People into Global Citizens means instilling and developing individuals to have global competencies in academics, professional skills, and life skills, to live and coexist peacefully in the global society.
Identity
Global Learning Resource: Internationalization
The internationalization of Payap University means:
Diversity: Increasing the number of international students and staff, and embracing diversity in race, language, religion, and culture.
International Cooperation & Collaboration: Engaging in international cooperation in all missions, including teaching, research, academic services, and various exchanges.
Mobility of Programs & Students: Offering joint programs or activities with educational institutions abroad.
Service Learning & Extra-Curricular Activities: Enhancing foreign language skills for students and staff, organizing international volunteer camps or social service activities, and learning about different cultures through campus life.
Teaching & Learning Process: Implementing teaching and learning that emphasizes internationalization, using educational media that allows students to learn about global perspectives, offering bilingual education, and using foreign languages as a medium of instruction.
Identity
Global Citizen: Guided by Morality (Truth), Serving Society (Service), Advancing Academically (Learning Resource), Developing Globally (Global Citizen)
Desired Characteristics of Payap University Graduates
Guided by Morality (Truth): Possessing morality, ethics, and professional conduct, adhering to religious teachings as a guide for life, being good religious followers, having good behavior, respecting others, loving neighbors as oneself, living a sufficient life, and coexisting peacefully with others.
Serving Society (Service): Having social consciousness and responsibility, being helpful to others, having a public spirit, and preserving local culture and wisdom.
Advancing Academically (Learning Resource): Having academic knowledge, professional skills, the ability to work efficiently, creativity, analytical thinking, and integrated research capabilities.
Advancing Academically (Learning Resource): Having academic knowledge, professional skills, the ability to work efficiently, creativity, analytical thinking, and integrated research capabilities.
Objectives
Payap University aims to support national policies in higher education and economic development by developing individuals with knowledge and skills that meet international standards, keeping pace with global changes, and having professional competencies in approved fields of study. The objectives are as follows:
1. To operate as a non-profit educational institution.
2. To provide higher education in various fields.
3. To produce graduates and develop professionals with the potential to contribute to national development.
4. To be a source of values, ethics, and positive attitudes, fostering maturity in individuals.
5. To be a center for research and academic promotion.
6. To serve as a community service center.
7. To preserve and promote national arts and culture.