11.2.1 Public access to buildings

Srinakharinwirot University: Public Access to Buildings of Cultural Significance

In 2025, Srinakharinwirot University (SWU) provided public access to university buildings of cultural significance and to its learning and recreational facilities, all free of charge, at its Prasarnmit campus in Bangkok and its Ongkharak campus in Nakhon Nayok. The Central Library and the Ongkharak Library offer free access to the general public, and the SWU Archives, housed in the university’s first school building, are open free of charge to the general public as walk-in visitors and to groups by appointment. These buildings let local residents, school pupils and visitors learn about the university’s cultural and educational heritage.

1) Free public access to the Central Library and the Ongkharak Library

Since 1 March 2024, the SWU Central Library at the Prasarnmit campus and the Ongkharak Library have been open free of charge to members of the general public, SWU alumni, school pupils and students from other universities. This free access continued throughout 2025. Visitors can use the reading spaces and consult the libraries’ books and other information resources without an admission fee. This supports lifelong learning and equal access to knowledge for people of all ages.

2) Public access to the SWU Archives in the historic Prasarnmit Building

The SWU Archives, run by the Institute of Culture and Arts, are located in the Prasarnmit Building (Building 3) at the Prasarnmit campus. Built in B.E. 2493 (1950), the Prasarnmit Building was the first school building of the Higher Teacher Training School, the institution from which SWU developed. As the first school building of the institution, it is of historical and cultural significance to the university. The permanent exhibition inside tells the history of the university, from the founding of the Higher Teacher Training School in B.E. 2492 (1949), through its upgrade to the College of Education in B.E. 2497 (1954), to its establishment as Srinakharinwirot University in B.E. 2517 (1974), using historical photographs, documents and artefacts.

The Archives are open Monday to Friday, 10.00–14.00 (closed on public holidays). Members of the general public can visit free of charge as walk-in visitors by registering at the entrance, with no admission fee. Groups such as schools can book a free guided visit in advance by telephone, letter or email, and staff guide the group through the exhibition.

3) Public access to sports facilities at the Ongkharak campus

At the Ongkharak campus, the Sirindhorn Sports Center of the Faculty of Physical Education opens its sports facilities free of charge to SWU students and to members of the public. From 19 November 2025, anyone interested can book the outdoor tennis courts online through the Sports Center website, with courts open Monday to Friday, 16.30–20.30. The Sports Center also provides eight indoor badminton courts in Sports Building 2 with a registration and booking system. These facilities support physical activity, recreation and social interaction for the university and the surrounding community.

Contribution to SDG 11

Together, these buildings show how SWU makes its cultural and learning heritage accessible beyond the university community. By opening its libraries free of charge and opening the historic Prasarnmit Building, the SWU Archives and its sports facilities free of charge to the general public, the university supports cultural heritage preservation, lifelong learning and inclusive public spaces, in line with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.