February 14 –
Rajabhat University Day
February
14 of every year is not only widely
known as Valentine’s Day, the day
of love, but it is also an important day
in the history of Thai education and for
the Rajabhat community across the
country. On February 14, 1992, Bhumibol
Adulyadej, graciously bestowed the name
“Rajabhat Institute” upon
teacher training colleges nationwide,
replacing the former title
“Teachers
College.”
This royal
bestowal took place in the context of
the development of teachers colleges
across Thailand. Under the Teachers
College Act B.E. 2518 (1975), teachers
colleges were granted the authority to
produce graduates up to the
bachelor’s degree level. Later,
the Second Amendment of the Teachers
College Act B.E. 2527 (1984) further
defined their mission, emphasizing the
role of teachers colleges in providing
education that responds to the needs of
local communities.
As a result,
the 36 teachers colleges throughout the
country experienced rapid development in
many aspects. Originally established to
produce teachers at the certificate
level, these institutions gradually
advanced to produce teachers with
bachelor’s degrees—highly
educated individuals who would become an
important intellectual force of the
nation. Their development continued
beyond teacher education, eventually
expanding to produce graduates in
various academic fields in both the arts
and sciences.
However, despite
these advancements, teachers colleges
faced a significant challenge arising
from misunderstandings and inappropriate
social perceptions. Many people still
believed that teachers colleges produced
graduates solely for the teaching
profession. This misconception led to
limited employment opportunities for
graduates holding Bachelor of Science
(B.Sc.) and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
degrees from these institutions.
Consequently, many graduates experienced
feelings of disappointment and
discouragement, not because of their
capabilities, but due to societal
misunderstandings.
The Department
of Teacher Education made significant
efforts to address this issue. One of
the proposed solutions was to amend the
Teachers College Acts to better reflect
the evolving roles of these
institutions. Another important matter
under consideration was the name
“Teachers College” itself,
which was viewed as a key factor
contributing to the misunderstanding.
Although the issue was discussed several
times, progress remained difficult and
many began to feel
discouraged.
Recognizing the
seriousness of the situation, the
Department of Teacher Education sought
royal guidance by requesting a new name
for teachers colleges. To ensure the
most appropriate choice, various names
were proposed and carefully considered
before being formally submitted to the
Royal Secretariat for royal
consideration.
Among the proposed
names, “Rajaphatthana
Institute” received the strongest
support from the committee. The
Department of Teacher Education
therefore submitted a formal request to
the Royal Secretariat, explaining the
difficulties faced by teachers colleges
and humbly requesting that His Majesty
graciously bestow a new
name—either “Rajaphatthana
Institute” or another name deemed
appropriate by royal
judgment.
Unexpectedly, His
Majesty graciously bestowed the name
“Rajabhat Institute” upon
all teachers colleges nationwide on
February 14, 1992. This royal act was
regarded as an auspicious and deeply
meaningful milestone.
The term
“Rajabhat” was not among the
proposed names. It was a term
thoughtfully selected by His Majesty
himself, demonstrating his profound
interest and concern for the development
of teachers colleges. This act of royal
benevolence is considered an
immeasurable grace bestowed upon the
institutions.
The word
“Rajabhat” is an ancient
term which, according to the dictionary,
means “royal servant” or
“servant of the king.” In a
broader sense, it refers to scholars who
serve the monarch, individuals who
possess wisdom, knowledge, and
intellectual capability in order to
serve under the royal
authority.
Thus, the word
“Rajabhat” carries a noble
and honorable meaning. It stands as a
constant reminder of the royal grace
bestowed upon these institutions.
Members of the Rajabhat University
community, as institutions of higher
education dedicated to local
development, are therefore encouraged to
uphold this honor and demonstrate
loyalty by committing themselves to
fulfilling their duties and following
the royal guidance in serving society
and the
nation.
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Article
by Raveeroj Singlampong
Suan Sunandha
Rajabhat University