Inequality between urban and rural areas in Thailand has always been a problem that needs to be fixed. To address the issue, CMU has come up with numerous projects implemented by its academic staff who work in the field to integrate their knowledge and help with the resolution of the problem. The university has also produced graduates in various disciplines who return to their hometowns and engage in local development.

Since 2013, the Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences at CMU, has assisted in the project initiated by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, ‘Sustainable Quality of Life Development and Community Potential Enhancement in Om Koi District’. Aiming to induce development in a school-centered community in the Om Koi District of Chiang Mai, continuous field visits reveal that a large number of students could not pursue higher education, particularly in the field of medical sciences, causing a lack of local younger-generation workers necessary for hometown development. Thus, the faculty has initiated a special admission programme for eligible students from the targeted areas. With her hard work and with the support from the department throughout her studies, Ms. Nadtawadee Ramphaiphanali, a successful candidate of the programme, was recently awarded her degree in Physical Therapy at the 55th CMU Commencement Ceremony on January 14, 2021, along with 2,300 other graduates attending the event. Her achievement has brought great joy to her family, the department and the faculty who have contributed to community development through education and producing qualified medical professionals.

Inequality and social gap in Thailand are priority issues for CMU. Society as a whole has to address the problem and provide a universal foundation for community development, both in urban and rural areas. The university has implemented several projects that provide educational opportunities for students in remote areas so that they can return to their hometown and help improve their local community once they’ve graduated. Keeping in line with CMU’s target regarding social responsibility, and as stated in its vision, ‘A Leading University Committed to Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development’, this initiative has made positive impacts on the local communities, as well as the country as a whole.