Rajabhat Day
On 14 Febuary, known as Rajabhat Day that His Majesty King Bhumibol, the Great graciously bestowed the name Rajabhat Institute to teacher universities across the country.

February 14: Rajabhat University Day

Every year, February 14 is not only known as Valentine's Day but also marks a significant milestone in the history of Thai education and for the Rajabhat community nationwide. On February 14, 1992, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great (Rama IX) graciously bestowed the name "Rajabhat Institute" to replace the former title, "Teachers’ College."

This change stemmed from the evolution of Teachers’ Colleges across the country. Operating under the Teachers’ College Act of 1975 (which elevated their status to grant degrees) and the second amendment in 1984 (which tasked them with providing education to serve local communities), all 36 colleges had progressed rapidly. They evolved from offering basic teaching certificates to producing degree-level graduates—the "intellectual workforce" of the nation. Furthermore, they successfully expanded to produce graduates in various fields of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

However, the colleges faced a crisis due to social misconceptions and outdated values. The public still perceived Teachers’ Colleges as institutions strictly for training teachers. This misunderstanding caused graduates in Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programs to lose job opportunities, leading to feelings of discouragement and a sense of inequality among students. These problems were rooted entirely in societal misinterpretation.

The Department of Teacher Training made several attempts to resolve this, including proposals to amend the Teachers’ College Acts and reconsider the name "Teachers’ College" itself. After many setbacks and a growing sense of hopelessness, the department decided to seek Royal Grace. They brainstormed for the best possible new names to submit for Royal Consideration, hoping His Majesty would grant a new title for the colleges.

The search for a name was intensive. Initially, the committee favored the name "Rajapattana Institute." The Department of Teacher Training then submitted a letter to the Office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary, explaining the hardships faced by the colleges and requesting the name "Rajapattana" or any other name His Majesty deemed appropriate. Ultimately, in an unexpected and momentous act of grace, His Majesty bestowed the name "Rajabhat Institute" upon all Teachers’ Colleges nationwide on February 14, 1992.

The name "Rajabhat" was a term no one had anticipated. It was a word chosen and considered by His Majesty himself, reflecting his profound interest in the affairs of the colleges. "Rajabhat" is an ancient term which literally translates to "Government Officer," but its deeper connotation refers to "The King’s Scholars." It implies that those who serve the Sovereign must be knowledgeable, wise, and possess sharp intellect.

The name "Rajabhat" is considered highly auspicious and serves as a constant reminder of Royal Grace. As higher education institutions dedicated to local development, all members of Rajabhat Universities should uphold this honor with loyalty and resolve to fulfill their duties following in His Majesty’s footsteps.