The interventions to prevent or alleviate hunger among students and staff (e.g., food distribution and access to food banks/distribution centers) reflect the concept of “Leave No One Behind.” These proactive measures to address hunger issues among the community of Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna encompass both students and staff. The university leverages its advantageous location across six northern provinces, which are rich in natural resources, and major agricultural and water source areas of the country, to develop a holistic support plan that connects social, economic, and wellness dimensions.
Early Warning and Screening for Risks: For students, the Office of Student Development, the Academic Promotion and Registration Office, faculties, and colleges collectively monitor and screen for risk factors. For staff, the university’s personnel management department oversees this task. Various indicators are used to identify at-risk groups who might face food insecurity, including geographic information during regional flooding, health data linked to annual check-ups, family income, and applications for assistance or scholarships.
Recognizing these concerns, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna implemented emergency aid interventions in 2023 for students affected by disasters and urgent crises, establishing a Student Development Fund to provide financial assistance, according to university regulations. Additionally, a range of scholarships and loans are offered, including those from the Equitable Education Fund (EEF) and the Student Loan Fund, covering expenses such as accommodation, food, and essential needs.
Staff Benefits and Food Aid Measures: The university provides various benefits, including a provident fund, social security, and a savings cooperative. Short-term interventions also include the establishment of a “Food Reserve Center” and food bank options, such as community kitchens, free meals, water dispensers, and food-sharing cabinets, providing dried foods, ready-to-cook, and ready-to-eat items as well as basic cooking ingredients on specific occasions and through various activities.
“RMUTL sends happiness for the year 2024 through ‘Blessing Baskets’
On December 18, 2023. Assistant Professor Dr. Jatturit Thongpron, Acting President of Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna (RMUTL), revealed that each year, the university organizes New Year gift baskets for esteemed individuals and university supporters. These gifts are intended to spread happiness, goodwill, and auspicious wishes to the recipients. For 2024, RMUTL has prepared a special gift basket to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its establishment as a university in 2025. Named the “Blessing Basket,” it includes products developed from research conducted by RMUTL’s faculty and students across its five campuses: Chiang Rai, Lampang, Nan, Tak, and Phitsanulok. The concept behind these products is that they are consumable, useful, marketable, and sustainable. Designed by faculty from the Department of Packaging Technology, Faculty of Fine Arts and Architecture, the basket showcases innovation combined with Lanna wisdom. The environmentally-friendly packaging is made from paper and decorated with intricate Lanna-inspired patterns, representing the unique Lanna identity seamlessly.
Access to Clean Water: The university has invested in essential infrastructure, such as Hydro Pure water production technology, mobile drinking water units, and water stations distributed across campus. Food vendors on campus collaborate with the university and external agencies, using donated ingredients to prepare quality meals for those in need.
Medium-Term Interventions for Food Security: Through projects in various areas, the university has created a supportive ecosystem for food security. It encourages students and staff to cultivate rice, vegetables, fruits, and raise livestock on available university land, providing comprehensive support in land, seeds, agricultural tools, and organic farming knowledge. The university also produces and distributes plant seeds to students and local communities, fostering long-term self-sufficiency and preserving local, nutritious plant varieties. Produce can be consumed or shared within the community, fostering a culture of self-sufficiency and sharing.
Long-Term Economic Security Measures: These initiatives include skill development for diverse income opportunities, such as beer production, air conditioning maintenance, home electrical system installation, solar panel installation, zero-cost online selling, language skills for guiding tours, cooking, baking, beverage making, and small-scale commercial farming. The university provides selling channels through on-campus markets and online platforms. Additionally, partnerships with industry enable students to earn income through work-integrated learning, cooperative education, and paid internships, addressing both financial needs and professional skill development.
The university has also built networks with external partners, including government agencies, private sector, and civil society organizations, to continually gather resources and expertise for sustainable solutions to hunger issues among students and staff. These efforts aim to foster food security within the campus community. Success is measured not only by reducing hunger incidents but also by raising awareness and encouraging community involvement in problem-solving. These sustainable development models enhance the educational experience, helping students focus on their personal and academic growth to their fullest potential. Success stories from 2023 will be presented in the following sections.
The “Under His Majesty’s Patronage” project group from Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna donated rice from the Sufficiency Economy Learning Center to orphanages, disadvantaged children, and the elderly.
On March 4, 2023, led by Assistant Professor Dr. Jatturit Thongpron, Acting President of Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Assistant Professor Phisit Wimonthanasit, Vice President for Policy and Strategic Planning, and Assistant Professor Dr. Worachak Muangjai, Assistant President and Head of the “Under His Majesty’s Patronage” project group, together with the university’s management and project team, presented rice harvested from the Khok Nong Na Lanna Model at the Sufficiency Economy Learning Center, RMUTL (Doi Saket). This learning center applies royal agricultural principles to develop sustainable, modern sufficiency economy practices and imparts rice-growing knowledge to young people and the public, allowing them to learn rice cultivation techniques and sustainable agriculture through hands-on experience. The quality rice harvested was donated to partner organizations as follows:
50 kg of Lanna fragrant rice and 50 kg of Thansirin rice were given to the Chiang Mai Boys’ Home on Chotana Road, Don Kaew Sub-district, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai.
50 kg of Thansirin rice was given to the Wiangping Children’s Home in Don Kaew Sub-district, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai.
50 kg of Lanna fragrant rice and 50 kg of Thansirin rice were given to the Thammapakorn Elderly Care Home, Mueang District, Chiang Mai.
The purpose of this initiative is to uphold and honor good traditions, promote support for impoverished children, underprivileged individuals, persons with disabilities, and the elderly, enhance their quality of life, and reduce social inequality. Additionally, the project fosters collaboration and strengthens bonds between organizations, contributing to a more resilient society.
Provident Fund of Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna
The fund serves as a welfare benefit for employees in higher education institutions, promoting savings and providing financial security to ensure stability and suitability for employees’ livelihoods.
Regulations/Announcements
- Regulations of Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna on the Provident Fund, B.E. 2558 (2015)
- Amendment No. 2 to the Provident Fund Regulations, B.E. 2561 (2018)
- Amendment No. 3 to the Provident Fund Regulations, B.E. 2566 (2023)
- Announcement on Membership Application for the Provident Fund, B.E. 2567 (2024)
- Announcement on Changes to Contribution Rates for the Provident Fund, B.E. 2567 (2024)
- Membership Application Forms for the Provident Fund
Provident Fund Membership Forms
- Membership application form and beneficiary designation (Download)
- Voluntary investment plan selection form (Download)
- Risk assessment form for investment policy/plan selection (Download)
- Contribution rate selection form (GSC 1) (Download)
- Contribution rate change notification form (GSC 2) (Download)
Investment Plan Change
- Member’s investment plan change notification form (KA-FE N401) (Download)
Documents Required for Provident Fund Membership Application
- Membership application form and beneficiary designation
- Voluntary investment plan selection form
- Risk assessment form for investment policy/plan selection
- A certified copy of the applicant’s ID card
- A certified copy of the applicant’s house registration
- A certified copy of the beneficiary’s ID card
- A certified copy of the beneficiary’s house registration
Documents for Members Changing Investment Plans
- Risk assessment form for appropriate investment policy/plan selection
- Member’s investment plan change notification form (KA-FE N401)
- Sample of the investment plan change notification form (KA-FE N401) (Download)
Eligibility Requirements for Provident Fund Membership
- Must be an employee at a higher education institution
- Must have passed the probationary period according to the criteria of Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna
