Prince of Songkla University (PSU)
The Prince of Songkla University (PSU), established in 1967, is a prominent public research university located in southern Thailand. Named after His Royal Highness Prince Mahidol Adulyadej, PSU was the first university in the southern region of Thailand. The university has an esteemed record in teaching, research, and contributing to community development.
Prince of Songkla University Official Emblem. Prince of Songkla University – Derivative from The Office of The Prime Minister announcement concerning specification of government sector emblem, followed in Government Sector Emblem Act B.E. 2482 (1939) Issue No. 57 (Prince of Songkla University)
Moreover, PSU’s philosophy centers on progressivism and aims to develop students holistically to thrive in society and adapt to changing circumstances. This philosophy is reflected in their educational approach, which focuses on Active Learning, Problem-based Learning, Project-based Learning, and Service Learning.
PSU is part of Thailand’s National Research Universities Project and hosts the Center of Excellence in Nanotechnology for Energy, established in April 2012. This center focuses on micro- and nanoscale energy, including energy conversion, storage, and saving.
The university is spread across several campuses, with faculties covering a wide range of disciplines. These faculties include Agro-Industry, Dentistry, Economics, Engineering, Environmental Management, Law, Liberal Arts, Management Sciences, Medical Technology, Medicine, Natural Resources, Nursing, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sciences, Traditional Thai Medicine, Veterinary Sciences, Peace Studies, and International College. Additional faculties are located in Pattani, Phuket, Surat Thani, and Trang campuses, offering programs in Communication Sciences, Education, Fine and Applied Arts, Hospitality and Tourism, International Studies, Technology and Environment, and more.
In 2022, PSU had over 33,000 students and around 2,500 academic staff, with approximately 70% holding doctoral degrees. The university offers more than 300 programs ranging from Bachelor’s degrees to Post-doctoral levels. PSU’s global and national recognition is evident in its rankings, where it is consistently ranked among the top universities in Thailand and has notable global rankings in various disciplines.
PSU is a member of several international networks, including the ASEAN University Network, East Asia Academic Cooperation Council, and the Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning, among others. These affiliations reflect its commitment to international collaboration and academic excellence.
Top International Education in Thailand
Living in Thailand for a year can be a culturally rich and affordable experience, depending on your lifestyle and location. Thailand offers a blend of vibrant city life, serene countryside, and stunning beaches, making it a popular destination for expatriates and students. Here’s a breakdown of the average living expenses you might encounter in a year:
1. Accommodation:
- Bangkok: In the capital city, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around 15,000-30,000 THB (Thai Baht) per month, while outside the center, it may range from 8,000-15,000 THB.
- Chiang Mai: This northern city is more affordable, with similar apartments costing around 6,000-12,000 THB in the city center and 3,000-6,000 THB outside.
2. Food and Dining:
- Eating at local markets and street food can be very cheap, with meals costing around 30-70 THB.
- Dining at mid-range restaurants can cost around 150-300 THB per meal.
- Groceries for a month might range from 3,000-6,000 THB, depending on your diet.
3. Transportation:
- Local transport like buses and Songthaews (shared taxis) are inexpensive, with fares typically under 30 THB.
- Monthly public transport passes in cities like Bangkok can cost around 1,000 THB.
- Renting a scooter is a popular option, costing about 2,000-3,000 THB per month, excluding fuel.
4. Utilities (Monthly):
1686 Map of the Kingdom of Siam
- Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) can cost about 2,000-4,000 THB.
- Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) can be around 600-1,000 THB.
5. Leisure and Entertainment:
- Gym memberships can range from 500-2,000 THB per month.
- Movie tickets are around 200-300 THB.
- Other leisure activities will vary in cost depending on the type of entertainment.
6. Health Insurance:
- It’s advisable to have health insurance, which can vary greatly in cost, from basic plans of about 15,000 THB per year to comprehensive coverage that can exceed 100,000 THB.
7. Miscellaneous:
- Personal care, clothing, and other miscellaneous expenses will vary, but setting aside 2,000-4,000 THB per month is a reasonable estimate.
Total Estimated Monthly Cost:
- For a moderate lifestyle in Bangkok, expect to spend around 30,000-50,000 THB per month.
- In more affordable areas like Chiang Mai, this could reduce to around 20,000-30,000 THB per month.
Yearly Estimate:
- Bangkok: Approximately 360,000-600,000 THB.
- Chiang Mai: Around 240,000-360,000 THB.
Remember, these are average figures, and actual costs can vary based on your lifestyle choices and spending habits. Living in Thailand allows you to enjoy a high quality of life at a relatively low cost, especially when compared to Western countries. However, it’s essential to plan and budget according to your personal needs and preferences.