Mahidol University has since developed into one of the most prestigious universities in Thailand, internationally known and recognized for the high caliber of research and teaching by its faculty, and its outstanding achievements in teaching, research, international academic collaboration and professional services. This diversified institution now offers top quality programs in numerous social and cultural disciplines, including the most doctoral programs of any institution in Thailand, yet has maintained its traditional excellence in medicine and the sciences.

In the Pali language, this translates as the Golden Rule in English: 'Do unto others as you would have others do unto you'. This underlying theme pervades every aspect of Mahidol University as it endeavors to imbue graduates with the conviction that, aside from achieving academic excellence, they have a solemn duty to improve the quality of life for all humanity.

The university's namesake, H.R.H. Prince Mahidol, has eloquently stated Mahidol University's universal view of higher education: 'True success is not in the learning, but in its application to the benefit of mankind'. With the Royal Philosophy as a guiding light, Mahidol University continues to take progressive action to internationalize and diversify itself, so that its graduates will be globally informed as well as socially aware. In this globalized and interconnected world, Mahidol University recognizes that achieving academic and moral excellence requires maintaining strong relationships with the world community, and offering lifelong and equitable quality education for all.

The meaning of mahidol
The word mahidol is derived from the Pali, and also Sanskrit, mahī “land” + tala “ground, level.” Mahītala can thus be translated as “the ground of the earth.” Other words in Thai with the same morphological structure and meaning are phasuthadol, phuwadol and methanidol (derived respectively from vasudhā + tala, bhuva + tala and medanī + tala. This whole set of words, which can be found in the 1999 edition of the Royal Institute’s Thai Dictionary, can all be translated as “the ground of the earth; the surface of the earth.” ...
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Mahidol University continues to develop two additional provincial campuses of 672-acres in Nakorn Sawan province in the north of the country, and 169-acres in Amnaj Chareon province in the northeast. Nakhon Sawan Campus, with an Administration Building and a lecture and Laboratory Building, is currently accepting students in Management. It is expected that a Science program will be offered in the future. Amnaj Charoen Campus is undergoing construction, with a multipurpose building expected to be completed in 2009.

Always looking toward the future, Mahidol University at Salaya has constructed more facilities and buildings to better accommodate an increasing number of students. The Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies has built a new 6-story Laboratory of Environmental Science and Technology Building to support research, academic activities and services of the Faculty. Mahidol University International College has just finished constructing a new 8-story building adjoining the west side of the old building. This building will provide additional classrooms, studios, offices and also extensions to the College’s Atrium Canteen, Salaya Pavilion Hotel and Herb Garden Restaurant.

A major expansion of Siriraj Hospital has also begun: the çSiriraj toward Medical Excellence in Southeast Asiaé project. Twelve acres of land adjacent to Bangkok Noi Campus have been allocated by the Royal Thai Government to house several innovative new facilities, highlighted by Centers of Excellence in Biomedical Research and Medical Care, which promises to solidify Siriraj Hospital’s reputation as a premier health care institution in the region.

Recognizing the challenges facing humanity in the new millennium and the fundamental responsibility of higher education institutions to assist in meeting those challenges, Mahidol University follows a policy of constant expansion in the breadth and depth of its facilities and academic endeavors. By remaining
globally aware and staying abreast of new academic discoveries and technologies worldwide, Mahidol University continues not only to meet the needs of Thailand for education, training and research, but through internationalization, the needs of the global community as well.