E-sarn University

Ubon Ratchathani University was founded in 1987 as a regional campus of Khon Kaen University. It was established as a university by Royal Charter in 1990. It provides education for the people of North-East Thailand, servicing specifically the provinces of Amnat Charoen, Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Si Sa Ket, Ubon Ratchathani and Yasothon. The university is located on the Warin-Detudom Road, 15 kilometres south of Ubon. It is accessible by public transport from the airport and the bus terminals in Ubon, and the train station in Warin. The campus is situated in a rural setting, occupying approximately 2,100 acres (848 hectares). It has 15,000 students in 10 faculties and one college. The university logo is in the form of a Lan Chang period chedi, a religious structure common in Esarn. The chedi contains a lotus blossom resting upon a three-tiered pedestal representing the main rivers of the province, the Mekhong, the Chii and the Moon. The two bottom petals of the blossom represent the qualities of morality and intellectuality. The three top petals represent the “Triple Gem” of Buddhism, a pathway to happiness. The pink of the lotus is the official colour of the province, and the blue outline of the logo represents the strength and stability of the university. The yellow background is the official colour of the University. The symbolic tree of the University is the Kan-Krao, a fragrant yellow flowering tree that grows prolifically on campus. Kan-Krao can grow even in infertile soil. Its timber is very hard and can withstand termites, so it is excellent in the construction of houses and furniture. The tree represents the strength and unity of the university working towards the future.