Discover the Department of Physics, CU.
From the Origins of Knowledge… to a Driving Force in Thai Science
The Department of Physics is dedicated to applying physics knowledge to meet the diverse needs of society—spanning education, research, and technological development. We provide academic services, hands-on workshops, technical consulting, and technology transfer to government agencies, the private sector, and local communities. We also encourage students and faculty to participate in volunteer initiatives and public-interest projects, fostering a sense of responsibility in using science for the benefit of society.
History of the Department of Physics
A Legacy of Excellence
Founded within the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, the Department of Physics was established to advance physics education and research, generate new knowledge, and produce physicists capable of driving progress in Thailand.
On March 26, 1916, university-level physics instruction began in Thailand, coinciding with the founding of Chulalongkorn University under the royal patronage of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). Initially, physics was taught as a basic subject for pre-medical students under the Faculty of Arts and Science. In 1923, Prince of Songkla, a…Read More
Although physics was originally taught for pre-medical students, it became a full-fledged program under the Physics Division, led by Professor Abraham Press (appointed in 1924). In 1930, the Faculty of Arts and Science introduced a three-year diploma in science education. By 1934, a Bachelor of Science in Physics program was…Read More
Graduate-level study began even before the official establishment of Chulalongkorn’s Graduate School in 1962. In 1942, the first master’s degree in physics was awarded. The 1943 Chulalongkorn University Act separated the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Arts, with Science comprising only four departments: Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
In 1957, Dr. Rawee Pawilai, a prominent Thai astronomer, established an astronomical observatory and installed a 12⅓-inch telescope atop Physics Building 1. In 1958, King Bhumibol Adulyadej personally visited the observatory to observe the stars. In 1992, a 45 cm telescope, donated by the Japanese government, was installed in a…Read More
Around 1964, Physics Building 2 was completed; it was later replaced in 1995 by the Mahamakut Building to accommodate the expanding Faculty of Science. The 1979 Chulalongkorn University Act officially changed the name from the “Physics Division” to the “Department of Physics.” In 1982, the doctoral program in physics was…Read More
List of Heads of the Department of Physics
Prof. A.C.Baily
1928 – 1931
ศ.ม.จ.รัชฏาภิเษก โสณกุล
1931 – 1934
ศ.หลวงพิทยพยัต
1934 – 1940
ศ.หลวงประวัติวรวิชชุการี
(ม.ล.ประวัติ อิศรางกูร)
1940 – 1949
ศ.เย็น สุนทร-วิจารณ์
1949 – 1961
ศ.เพ็ง โสมนะพันธุ์
1961 – 1971
ศ.ยรรยง ณ ตะกั่วทุ่ง
1971 – 1975
ศ.วิชัย หโยดม
1975 – 1979
รศ.ดร.วิจิตร เส็งหะพันธุ์
1979 – 1983
ผศ.ฉันทนา อิศรางกูร ณ อยุธยา
1983 – 1987
รศ.ดร.รัชนี รักวีรธรรม
1987 – 1991
ผศ.สมพงษ์ ฉัตราภรณ์
1991 – 1995
รศ.ดร.อนันตสิน เตชะกำพุช
1996 – 2000
ผศ.ดร.พิศิษฐ์ รัตนวรารักษ์
2000 – 2004
ผศ.ดร.ขจรยศ อยู่ดี
2004 – 2012
รศ.ดร.รัฐชาติ มงคลนาวิน
2012 – 2016
ศ.ดร.บุญโชติ เผ่าสวัสดิ์ยรรยง
2016 – 2020
รศ.ดร.ธิติ บวรรัตนารักษ์
2020 – 2021
ผศ.ดร.โศจิพงศ์ ฉัตราภรณ์
2021 – Present