Kasetsart University Appoints New 16th President
Assistant Professor Dr. Khongsakdi Thiengthum became Kasetsart University's 16th rector in a formal ceremony on August 17, 2026, pledging to advance the institution through collaboration and shared leadership.
Kasetsart University held a ceremony on August 17, 2026, to formally receive a royal decree appointing Assistant Professor Dr. Khongsakdi Thiengthum as the university's 16th rector. University Council Chairman Dr. Krit Kiratikorn presided, joined by council members, administrators, faculty, and staff.
After the ceremonial lighting of candles and incense, Dr. Thiengthum accepted his appointment and expressed profound gratitude. He pledged to perform his duties with full responsibility, integrity, and ethics to advance Kasetsart University and create benefits for education, society, and the nation.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Thiengthum outlined his management philosophy, emphasizing collaboration and unity. He stressed the importance of shared leadership, breaking down organizational silos, and adopting a university-wide and national perspective. He highlighted three core principles: Syntegration (collaborative work), shared resource use, and Glocalization (thinking globally while understanding local context).
Dr. Thiengthum noted that the university possesses excellent resources, particularly its talented personnel. He called on all administrators and staff to work together to overcome challenges and fulfill Kasetsart's role in shaping Thailand's future, especially in agriculture and related fields. The new rector emphasized that success requires genuine cooperation, shared ownership of goals, and a commitment to addressing both global issues and Thailand's specific needs.
