In a milestone achievement for Thailand’s academic sector, five Thai universities have earned spots in the Top 100 of the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings.
Evaluating over 2,500 institutions worldwide for their contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this year’s results highlight how Thai universities are rising to meet global challenges — not just through teaching and research, but through stewardship, outreach, and real-world impact.
At the forefront are Chulalongkorn University and Chiang Mai University, both ranked 44th globally. They are followed closely by Mahidol University and Thammasat University, tied at 64th, while Walailak University makes a remarkable debut at 93rd.
Impact beyond the classroom
The five universities deliver on academic excellence as well as advancing sustainability in their own distinct ways:
- Chiang Mai University ranks 10th for Gender Equality (SDG 5), 15th for Partnerships (SDG 17), and 17th globally for Quality Education (SDG 4), demonstrating the transformative power of regional institutions.
- Chulalongkorn University scored a near-perfect 99.7 in Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9) and placed fifth for Health & Well-being (SDG 3) — a testament to its urban innovation and healthcare leadership.
- Mahidol University, known for its public health prowess, achieved a standout third place globally for Health & Well-being (SDG 3), reinforcing its global relevance in healthcare education and research.
- Thammasat University showed significant gains in Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions (SDG 16) — climbing to 4th globally — and improved dramatically in Gender Equality (SDG 5), now ranking 5th.
- Walailak University, based in Nakhon Si Thammarat, rose from the 101–200 range last year to claim 93rd place overall, notably securing fifth place for Gender Equality (SDG 5), setting a new national benchmark.
These rankings serve as both a reminder of and a mark of progress for the diverse strengths of Thai universities, from metropolitan innovation to regional empowerment, demonstrating that world-class sustainability leadership is not confined to a single type of institution. Their achievements also showcase how local commitment, global partnerships, and inclusive governance can translate into tangible progress on the international stage.
A vision for sustainable education
According to government spokesperson Anukul Prueksanusak, Thailand views this achievement as reflecting both the potential and commitment of Thai higher education in supporting the UN’s SDGs, particularly in the areas of education, research, and social services, as well as ethically, socially, economically and environmentally responsible management, in line with the nation’s policy to sustainably drive national development.
With 83 Thai institutions ranked overall, up from 77 in 2024, the Kingdom’s academic landscape is showing a clear upward trend in global engagement and SDG alignment.
The government has reaffirmed its support to elevate Thai universities to global standards, empowering the next generation as scholars and stewards of sustainability.
Teerin Julsawad