CMU Welcomes Privy Councilor Gen Kampanat Ruddit During Visit for CMU-RPF Academic Collaboration Updates

21 May 2025
Corporate Communication and Alumni Relations Center (CCARC)
On May 21, 2025, Chiang Mai University welcomed General Kampanat Ruddit, Privy Councilor and Chairman of the Royal Project Foundation (RPF) Executive Board, along with other executives of the Foundation, on his visit to oversee the progress of the bilateral academic collaboration and discuss relevant issues. General Kampanat and his delegation was received by President Professor Dr. Pongruk Sribanditmongkol and the university executive team at the Phraya Srivisanvacha Room, Office of the University. The visit featured a video presentation giving an overview of the university and a progress report on the long-standing collaboration between CMU and RPF, starting in 1968. The most recent memorandum of understanding signed on December 23, 2019, aims to integrate knowledge across disciplines to promote sustainable highland development, following His Majesty King Rama IX’s wishes.
President Pongruk explains, ‘The CMU-RPF collaboration is a sustainable development model initiated as a result of the shared commitment between both parties. This visit by the Privy Councilor and his delegation offers a valuable opportunity to review progress and exchange ideas for future partnerships.’ Since 2021, the CMU-RPF partnership has resulted in several development projects, covering multiple aspects of development, as follows: (1) Over 20 projects by the Faculty of Agriculture on agricultural and community economic development. (2) The Faculty of Medicine offers a healthcare mobile unit service and nursing scholarships. (3) The Faculty of Dentistry provides a dental mobile unit service in the RPF areas. (4) The Faculty of Agro-industry is actively engaged in healthy food and herbal product development. (5) The Data Science program has implemented the social and community data service platform for driving RPF projects. (6) The CMU Main Library has developed an e-book database and organized events providing education related to the Thai monarchy. (7) The Energy Research and Development Institute of Nakornping (ERDI) provides alternative energy services and contributes to the development plan of a net zero/smart agriculture model.
After the progress report, the delegation travelled in one of the university’s electric shuttles to the 7th Cycle Birthday Anniversary Building, which serves as a learning centre of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, featuring exhibitions that illustrate his profound visions and invaluable contributions. The delegation also paid a visit to the Pin Malakul Art Hall, or the CMU Hall of History, as well as the Dhamma Darsana Hall, which commemorates the Supreme Patriarch Somdet Phra Sangkharat Chao Kromma Luang Wachirayannasangwon.
General Kampanat's visit underscores the robust partnership between CMU and RPF in advancing sustainable highland development. This collaboration aligns with royal initiatives aimed at sustainably improving the quality of life for the people and enhancing national security.

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