Thai Universities Shine in 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings

Thailand’s higher-education sector is making waves on the global stage, with five universities earning spots in the prestigious Top 100 of the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025. The rankings measure how well universities align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—a global blueprint for a better and more sustainable future.

Leading the Thai contingent are Chulalongkorn University and Chiang Mai University, both achieving an impressive joint ranking of 44th globally. They are closely followed by Mahidol University and Thammasat University, which shared the 64th spot, while Walailak University made its debut in the Top 100 at 93rd place.

The recognition reflects not just academic excellence but the universities’ ongoing commitment to sustainability, social progress, and impactful research.

According to Prof. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI), this year’s evaluation included 2,526 universities from 130 countries, with 77 institutions from Thailand taking part—an impressive show of participation and progress.

Standout Performances

• Walailak University stood out in the Gender Equality category, earning the top global ranking for its initiatives in promoting equal opportunities and women’s empowerment.
• Mahidol University ranked third in the world for its contributions to Good Health and Well-Being, highlighting its leadership in medical and public-health advancements.

Other Thai universities also made strong impressions in the 101st–200th bracket, including:

• Asian Institute of Technology (AIT)
• Kasetsart University
• Khon Kaen University
• King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT)
• Prince of Songkla University

Meanwhile, Nakhon Si Thammarat Rajabhat University achieved a remarkable leap in rankings, rising from below 1,500 in 2024 to inclusion in 2025’s 401–600 range in the Partnerships for the Goals category. The university has been lauded for developing strong domestic and international collaborations aimed at grassroots community development and fostering a creative economy in the region.

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A Growing Global Presence

Thailand’s growing visibility in the THE Impact Rankings reflects its educational institutions’ dedication to not only academic quality but also broader social responsibility. As universities strengthen their roles in driving sustainable development, the country’s academic landscape continues to gain respect on the world stage.