The Suranaree University of Technology BackgroundDuring the period of the Fifth National Economic and Social Development Plan, the Royal Thai Government directed that more opportunities in higher education be available in the regional and rural areas. Thus, in 1984, the Ministry of University Affairs (now the Office of the Higher Education Commission, a part of the Ministry of Education)(ONESQA), 2008. "An outstanding research university" — Thai University Ranking by the Office Higher Education Commission (OHEC), 2006. "Graduates with the highest employment rate" — Office of Higher Education Commission (OHEC