On June 12, 2025, the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) officially inaugurated its new Sikhio Campus in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, marking a significant step forward in collaborative efforts between the public sector, private enterprises, and civil society. The new campus is set to become a central hub for innovation and knowledge in development administration, with a strong focus on advancing sustainable development in Thailand’s northeastern region.
The launch ceremony was held at the Sikhio Campus and presided over by NIDA President, Professor Tippawan Lorsuwannarat, Ph.D., who outlined the mission and strategic vision for the campus. Associate Professor Kasemsarn Chotchakornpant, Ph.D., Vice President for Sikhio Campus, also spoke about the importance of the occasion and its implications for regional development.
According to Professor Tippawan, the Sikhio Campus aims to expand access to education, cultivate transformational leadership, and serve as a center for administrative and developmental knowledge. This initiative aligns with NIDA’s long-standing commitment to regional education outreach, which began in 1990 with the launch of its first education center in Sikhio. Initially offering a Master’s degree in Public Administration for executives, the center has since produced approximately 3,000 graduates. In recognition of its growth and impact, NIDA’s Council approved the center’s upgrade to a full-fledged campus on December 18, 2024.
The establishment of the Sikhio Campus represents a transformative milestone for NIDA.
The campus will initially offer graduate programs in Public Administration and Law, while also providing professional training in development administration. Academic programs will integrate sustainable development principles across economic, social, and environmental dimensions, shaping both the curriculum and research activities. Community engagement will also be a key component of the campus’s mission.
Notably, the campus incorporates spiritual development through mindfulness practices inspired by Luangphor Viriyang Sirintharo, aimed at strengthening inner well-being and enhancing productivity across sectors such as industry, agriculture, services, and tourism. Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and artificial intelligence (AI), the campus is positioned to become a hub for leadership development and smart community management, contributing tangibly to Thailand’s sustainable development goals.
“The launch of NIDA Sikhio Campus marks a pivotal step toward establishing a center of innovation and knowledge in development administration, aligned with sustainable development goals,” said Professor Tippawan. The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests including Mr. Prasert Jantararuangtong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society; Associate Professor Juree Vichit-Vadakan, Ph.D., Chairperson of NIDA Council; along with faculty members, local scholars, community leaders, executives from government and the private sector, alumni, and students.
Envisioned as a dynamic and holistic learning environment, the Sikhio Campus blends formal education with mindfulness and meditation. A mindfulness center named after Luangphor Viriyang Sirintharo will soon be established to offer meditation training to all—regardless of nationality, religion, or age—to enhance concentration, work efficiency, and overall quality of life.
The campus also plays a strategic role in bridging agriculture and industry. It will act as a key intermediary connecting local farmers with entrepreneurs across the value chain. Notable initiatives include:
● A vetiver grass cultivation project, in collaboration with the Dental Innovation Foundation, to produce herbal mouthwash
● A cocoa cultivation project with Kanvela chocolate Co., Ltd. for chocolate production
● A vanilla cultivation demonstration project with a local vanilla farm in Nakhon Ratchasima aimed at export
● A partnership with Grow Eco Village Khaoyai and the Community Organizations Development Institute (CODI) to promote organic farming
● A collaboration with Chaophya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital Foundation to establish a herbal garden in the region
These projects not only create income-generating opportunities for farmers—who form the majority of the local population—but also serve as real-world models for agricultural and industrial development. They offer valuable case studies for students, researchers, and policy-makers focused on evidence-based public policy.
Importantly, the Sikhio Campus is envisioned as a “Social Laboratory”—a space where community members and stakeholders can come together to exchange ideas and co-create innovative solutions. Through interdisciplinary collaboration spanning economics, social sciences, environmental studies, and human resource development, the campus promotes inclusive and forward-thinking development.
To support this mission, NIDA has built a strong network of partners, including government agencies, private sector entities, and international organizations. This collaborative framework ensures that the Sikhio Campus is well-resourced to serve as a model for sustainable development and as a training ground for future leaders equipped to tackle today’s complex challenges.
The event also featured the signing of academic cooperation agreements with eight sustainability-focused partners:
- Chaophya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital Foundation
- Kanvela chocolate Co., Ltd.
- Community Organizations Development Institute (CODI)
- Grow Ecovillage Khaoyai Social Enterprise Co., Ltd.
- SSA Network (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
- Mancool Technology Co., Ltd.
- Nakhonratchasima Chamber of Commerce
- Tourism Council of Nakhon Ratchasima
The day concluded with a ceremonial tree planting, guided campus tours, and exhibitions highlighting the key initiatives and partnerships that will shape the future of the Sikhio Campus.
