Sunan University Launches Thailand's First Sports Science Faculty

Rajabhat Sunan University has established the Faculty of Sports Science and Health, the first of its kind among Rajabhat universities, to advance knowledge in sports and health, develop professional personnel, and promote physical fitness, mental wellbeing, and quality of life through sports science and technology.

The Nakhon Pathom campus faculty represents a historic milestone for Rajabhat Sunan University and is the first Rajabhat institution nationwide to establish a dedicated faculty in sports science and health. This reflects the university's vision under Rector Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chutiakanya Srivibul to develop human resources that meet the needs of the growing sports and health industry while advancing quality of life.

The faculty establishment received formal approvals from the Science and Technology Committee on August 10, the Academic Council on August 11, and the university council, led by Council Chair Assoc. Prof. Dr. Reuadech Getwijchai, on August 26. On September 1, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suriyan Sompong was appointed acting dean to lead the faculty during its foundational phase.

The Faculty of Sports Science and Health aims to become a center for learning, research, and academic services that integrates knowledge across sports science, exercise, health, technology, and management. It will produce graduates and professionals capable of working effectively in the rapidly growing sports and health sector.

A key strength is learning that connects science with practice—from developing physical and mental performance and designing training programs to promoting health, managing sports operations, and applying data, technology, and innovation to serve diverse populations including youth, athletes, elderly people, and those seeking appropriate health improvements.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suriyan Sompong, acting dean, said: "The transition from a branch to a full faculty is not merely an organizational upgrade, but an elevation of our responsibility to society. We want to build a faculty that produces capable, competent professionals who understand the value of Olympism, ready to apply science, technology, and innovation to develop athletic excellence, public health, and social quality of life."

The faculty's future goals include developing curricula for emerging professions, building partnerships with sports organizations, businesses, communities, and educational institutions both domestically and internationally, and advancing research and innovation with real-world applications.