In an era where food security and sustainable development are critical global issues, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna has demonstrated a firm commitment to systematically addressing food insecurity and hunger among its students. The university leverages its strengths, being located in an ecologically rich region across six northern provinces, a major watershed and agricultural area of Thailand.
Recognizing that the root of food insecurity among students often stems from poverty, the university has established a structural solution by setting tuition fees and credit rates at accessible levels, in line with its founding mission to serve grassroots populations. A diverse scholarship system has also been established, including grants and loans, such as the Equitable Education Fund (EEF) and the Student Loan Fund, covering accommodation, food, and other essential expenses. Beyond financial support, the university has fostered a food-secure environment through integrated agricultural systems on campus, producing rice, fruits, vegetables, and livestock. These products are accessible to students for meal preparation and are supplied to university food vendors to reduce costs and maintain affordable prices. The university also distributes seeds to students and local communities, promoting long-term self-sufficiency and preserving nutritionally valuable local plant varieties, in line with sustainable agriculture development.
Activity for Developing New Theory Agriculture Areas Based on the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy to Enhance Area Potential and Create a Model for Well-being with University and Community Participation.
In 2023, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna (RMUTL) has implemented a project to develop agricultural areas using the “New Theory” farming approach, in line with the philosophy of sufficiency economy. The aim is to enhance the area’s potential and establish a model for well-being, with collaborative involvement from the university and local communities. The project involves restoring and optimizing the Khok Nong Na (hill, swamp, and rice field) areas at RMUTL’s Doi Saket campus, focusing on efficient and safe agricultural practices. This area will serve as a learning center for New Theory agriculture, following the philosophy of sufficiency economy. Participants include university staff and students, particularly undergraduate students who receive scholarships from the Equitable Education Fund (EEF), targeting those from disadvantaged or low-income backgrounds. These students collaborate with farmers and nearby community members in various agricultural activities:
Post-Rice Crop Cultivation: Planting crops such as Tiger-striped beans after rice harvest. The produce is distributed to farmers and locals, with some reserved as seed stock for future planting.
Integrated and Safe Agriculture: Growing vegetables like tomatoes, eggplants, basil, pumpkins, and kale, as well as raising egg-laying chickens to help reduce food expenses for EEF scholarship students. Surplus produce is sold at low prices to university staff, giving students an opportunity to earn extra income while studying at RMUTL.
Organic Rice Planting – “Rajamangala Unity, Rice for the Nation”: Planting organic rice to serve as food for students and staff, with part of the harvest donated to disadvantaged individuals and those in need. Some rice is also stored as seed for future planting after rice harvest.
Another noteworthy initiative is the establishment of a food bank, in the form of “Pantries of Sharing,” continuously active since the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative helps distribute essential food and consumables to students in need. The university also organizes free meal services during special occasions, such as Buddhist events, Christmas, New Year, dormitory ceremonies, sports competitions, and special training sessions. This not only alleviates financial burdens but also fosters a culture of sharing and compassion within the university community. Recognizing the importance of clean water, the university has invested in essential infrastructure, including Hydro Pure water production facilities, mobile drinking water stations, and strategically located drinking water points across campus, ensuring all students have sufficient access to clean drinking water.
Through its curriculum, the university promotes income generation during studies by collaborating with the industry in cooperative education programs and internships, offering stipends or support from industrial partners. The university also facilitates part-time and full-time employment opportunities in various sectors, helping students earn income and develop professional skills alongside their studies.
By integrating sustainable development with educational and welfare management, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna not only addresses immediate food insecurity and hunger issues but also creates a sustainable ecosystem that prevents such problems in the long run, enabling students to fully focus on self-development and education without concerns about food security and basic living needs.
In support of the “Happy Community, Safe Food” military project by the 3rd Army Region, on August 3, 2023, Assistant Professor Dr. Chaturit Thongpron, Acting President of Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, alongside other university officials, met with Major General Kittipong Chuenjaichon, Deputy Commander of the 3rd Army Region, to discuss support for vocational certificate and bachelor’s degree programs for students in this special project, covering 69 schools. The university is prepared to expand educational opportunities to students along the borders and remote areas in 17 northern provinces, aligning with SDGs and supporting the university’s sustainable development goals in the future.
RMUTL Tak Welcomes the Rajaprajanugroh Foundation for a Royal Gift Presentation to Students
December 20, 2023, at 9:00 a.m., Assistant Professor Dr. Tanongsak Yathalay, Director of the Office of Administration at Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna (RMUTL) Tak, welcomed Mr. Sarawut Moolpo, Director of the Department of Welfare Protection and Quality of Life Development under the Rajaprajanugroh Foundation, and his team at Kamphut Meeting Room. They were present to present royal gifts to scholarship students for the second semester of the 2023 academic year. Nine scholarship recipients received royal gifts as follows:
Miss Siriwimon Saelor – Second-year Higher Vocational Certificate student, RMUTL Tak
Miss Nongkhran Jaroenphol – Second-year Higher Vocational Certificate student, RMUTL Tak
Mr. Preecha Chanmahasakul – Third-year Bachelor’s Degree student, RMUTL Tak
Mr. Somchai Tawanmuangtak – Third-year Bachelor’s Degree student, RMUTL Tak
Miss Pawinee Jaroenphol – First-year Bachelor’s Degree student, RMUTL Tak
Mr. Chatchai Saekue – Fourth-year Bachelor’s Degree student, RMUTL Tak
Mr. Chatchai Hinladmongkolkul – Second-year Higher Vocational Certificate student
Mr. Wansongchai Laosritong – First-year Higher Vocational Certificate student, Tak Technical College
Mr. Thanapong Saema – Second-year Higher Vocational Certificate student, Mae Sot Technical College
