Kasetsart University

Kasetsart University (KU) established in 1943, was the first higher educational institution with the primary goal to promote the study of agricultural sciences in Thailand. Kasetsart literally means “agricultural sciences”. In addition to its academic functions, the university prides itself as a working university for the betterment of Thai farmers’ livelihood and the augmentation of productivity/quality of their produce. Throughout the years, it has firmly developed facilities and human resources, with satellite campuses and research stations strategically located in all parts of the country to synergize efforts toward its vision/mission.

By the genuine visionary guidance of the university leaders, Kamphaeng Saen Campus (KPS) was established 30 years ago in the heartland of Thai agriculture, 80 km west of Bangkok in Kamphaeng Saen district, Nakhon Pathom province. The area is well-known for its abundant and diversified agricultural practices, ranging from rice and sugarcane to famous tropical fruits, vegetables, orchids, and decorative plants; from swine, poultry, beef/dairy cattle, and goats to aquaculture including ornamental fish. Most importantly, it is primed by the most intensive irrigational system and good logistic infrastructure with easy access to both national and international markets. With these excellent supporting environments, Kasetsart University, Kamphaen Saen Campus (KU-KPS) has attracted renowned scholars, scientists, staff, and students who dedicate themselves to propelling KU-KPS to swiftly become a leading university for agricultural sciences.

KU-KPS occupies an area of approximately 1,272 hectares, carefully divided to serve and promote academic excellence in parallel with quality campus life. Academic buildings, sophisticated research facilities, vegetable and field crops including animal pastures, indoor and outdoor sport complexes, and staff and student housing, are all a part of the picturesque landscaping, with a wonderful blend of plants, animals and wild bird species.

KU-KPS is one of the major educational incubators for research and graduate study in all aspects of agriculture sciences: animal husbandry, novel disease diagnostic technology, and fruit/vegetable/field crop sciences, including advance molecular biotechnology. As such, the university has attracted funding and partnerships with government and private sectors enabling the continual flow of outstanding academic achievement. The success is stemmed from strong networking of national and international peer institutions allowing excellent opportunities for students to partake in every facet of the academic process.

In the late 1980’s, the Thai government chose to promote research and graduate study by initiating seven centers of excellence. KU-KPS was chosen to host the only center for agriculture, the Agricultural Biotechnology Center (CAB). Since opening, new discoveries, publications, patents, and awards have been made year after year. The center has seen hundreds of students graduating with MSc and PhD degrees, who have then moved on to further contribute not only in scientific communities but the agricultural community at large.

The Advance Rice Research Center and Rice Gene Discovery Unit is not only a research facility but acts as Thailand’s prominent rice gene bank. The center’s research spans to cover a wide range of domains, from fragrance control gene identification and drought-flood tolerance varieties to special nutritious varieties, including but not limited to rice rich in antioxidant, iron, iodine, and complex starches for diabetic patients.

Another KU-KPS hallmark, Kamphaeng Saen Beef, is a result of decades of research and development. This beef cattle is the only Thai breed developed for the tropical environment and production system in the country. The meat is lean and of high quality, with acceptable growth performance without the aid of hormones.

Kasetsart University has traditionally been deep rooted in agriculture, however, it offers its students opportunities to study in a variety of disciplines such as engineering, architecture, liberal arts, humanities, social sciences, economics, education, etc. Whether academic functions, research, or community outreach, KU strives to maintain its position as an internationally recognized educational hub.

Kasetsart University Kamphaengsaen Campus | Nakhonpathom, 73140 Thailand | T: +66 (0) 3428 2494-8 | agrclh@ku.ac.th
dnatec.kps.ku.ac.th