History / Background
History
Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Phayao was established under the Fourth National Health Development Plan (1977–1981) to increase the number of nursing education institutions in Upper Northern Thailand. The construction was funded by a World Bank loan combined with national government budget totaling 29,065,760 Baht, on land graciously granted to Phayao Hospital in 1967 by H.R.H. Prince Chaloem Phon Thikhamporn.
Construction began on 25 October 1980 and was completed on 20 January 1982. The College officially opened on 7 June 1982, offering its first cohort of the Certificate in Nursing and Midwifery, with 85 students. Since then, the College has continuously developed its academic programs to meet the evolving needs of the national health system and the demand for professional nurses.
College Timeline
1982 – Establishment of the College
The College officially opened on 7 June 1982 with its first cohort of Certificate in Nursing and Midwifery students (85 students), offering two cohorts per year, each with a two-year duration of study.
1987–1996 – Expansion of Certificate Programs
An additional interim program in Nursing and Midwifery was introduced, later developed into the Primary-Level Certificate in Nursing Science, which was discontinued in 1996 after producing 19 cohorts.
1990 – Introduction of the 4-Year Nursing Program
The College upgraded its nursing education to a 4-year Bachelor-level program to enhance academic rigor and professional competence.
1992–1994 – Institutional Renaming
The Ministry of Public Health established the Praboromarajchanok Institute to oversee public health education. In 1994, Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra graciously bestowed the name “Boromarajonani” upon all affiliated colleges of nursing, making the official name Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Phayao.
1997–1999 – Transition to Bachelor’s Degree Level
The College offered a 2-year continuing program equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, later refined into the Continuing Bachelor of Nursing Science Program (2-year).
1998 – Affiliation with Chiang Mai University
According to the Royal Gazette announcement dated 27 February 1998, the College became an affiliated institution of Chiang Mai University. Graduates received the Bachelor of Nursing Science degree from Chiang Mai University, reflecting strong academic standards and recognition.
2002–2012 – Curriculum Development under National Qualification Framework
The College revised its Bachelor of Nursing Science curriculum in 2002, followed by subsequent improvements in 2009 and 2012 to align with the Thai Qualifications Framework for Higher Education (TQF) in Nursing Science.
2016–2017 – Curriculum Modernization
The curriculum was further enhanced to emphasize integrated knowledge, critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and holistic healthcare, preparing graduates for modern health system challenges.
Key Milestones
A Regional Institution for Upper Northern Thailand
Established to strengthen the regional nursing workforce, the College was built with combined World Bank and national funding on land graciously granted by royalty.
Royal Bestowal of the Name “Boromarajonani”
In 1994, Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra bestowed the name “Boromarajonani” upon all affiliated nursing colleges—an enduring honor and core identity of the institution.
Advancing to Higher Education Through Chiang Mai University
In 1998, the College became an affiliated institution of Chiang Mai University, allowing its graduates to earn degrees accredited at a national and international level.
With over 40 years of legacy, Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Phayao is committed to producing knowledgeable, ethical, and service-minded nurses, dedicated to strengthening the health and well-being of communities in Northern Thailand and beyond.
