SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

[17.3.11 / 11_Summary] Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) Annual SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) Progress Report for Data Year 2025.

RUTS Provides Public Access to Cultural Heritage Buildings and Natural Coastal Landscapes Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) provides public access to culturally significant buildings and natural coastal landscapes through its university-managed sites, including Baan Rattanaphruek Saw in Songkhla Old Town and Rajamangala Beach at Trang Campus. These spaces support public engagement with local cultural heritage, traditional craftsmanship, and coastal environments. Public Access to Cultural Heritage at Baan Rattanaphruek Saw From 28 August to 7 September 2025, the Fashion and Textile Design Program, Faculty of Architecture, RUTS, presented the “FOS: Fashion of the South Exhibition” as part of Pakk Taii Design Week 2025.

Books, journals, computers, Wi-Fi and co-working spaces open to non-students throughout 2025 Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) allowed members of the public who are not its students to use its libraries, computers, wireless internet and co-working spaces free of charge throughout 2025, so that the libraries serve as lifelong learning centers for the community. The RUTS Library building (Building 38), located opposite Cafe Amazon. Six campuses, one open door The libraries are located at six sites: Songkhla Campus, Nakhon Si Thammarat Campus (Thung Yai), Nakhon Si Thammarat Campus (Sai Yai), Nakhon Si Thammarat Campus (Khanom), Trang Campus and Rattaphum College. What visitors can use Inside, external users can read books and journals, use search computers, tablets and wireless internet, and search online databases. A film streaming service is also available.

11.2.3 Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) provides public access to educational, artistic, and cultural exhibitions through its university facilities and events held in public venues. These include marine life exhibitions at Trang Aquarium, Thai textile and fashion showcases, student fashion thesis exhibitions, and art exhibitions and cultural activities in Songkhla Old Town. Together, these initiatives provide opportunities for the public to engage with knowledge, creative works, and local cultural heritage, with free admission to selected exhibitions and cultural events. RUTS Provides Public Access to Marine Life Exhibitions at Trang Aquarium

11.2.4 Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) provides free public access to open spaces and recreational facilities across its campuses, supporting outdoor recreation, physical activity, and community well-being. These include Rajamangala Beach at Trang Campus and sports facilities at Nakhon Si Thammarat Campus. Public Access to Rajamangala Beach Rajamangala Beach, located within RUTS Trang Campus in Sikao District, Trang Province, is a natural coastal open space accessible to the general public. The beach features a long sandy shoreline, clear blue waters, and a distinctive limestone mountain rising from the sea. During low tide, an extended sandbank emerges, adding to the area's natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy walking along the shore, relaxing on the beach, and appreciating the surrounding coastal landscape.

11.2.5 Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) contributed to arts and cultural activities in 2025 through traditional performances, fashion shows, public art, exhibitions, and collaborations with cultural organisations and local communities. These activities involved university students, lecturers, artists, and external partners, providing opportunities to present and share artistic and cultural expressions with local, national, and international audiences. Traditional Performances and Cultural Festivals Songkhla Old Town International Art Workshop 2025 (26–30 May 2025) The Faculty of Architecture organised an international art workshop under the Culture Smart City: Songkhla Old Town project, bringing together 70 artists from eight countries.

11.2.6 In 2025, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS), through its Faculty of Architecture, implemented a range of projects to preserve and transmit intangible cultural heritage in southern Thailand. Working with local artisans, communities and cultural practitioners, the university supported the continuation of traditional craftsmanship, cultural practices and local knowledge through hands-on learning, participatory research and heritage documentation. Preserving Traditional Textile Knowledge and Craftsmanship Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS), through its Faculty of Architecture, worked with local communities and traditional artisans to preserve and transmit textile knowledge and craftsmanship in southern Thailand.

11.4.1 Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) provides shared shuttle transportation services at its Trang Campus to support mobility for students, staff and visitors. The service offers group transportation between campus facilities, providing an alternative to individual vehicle use. The shuttle features covered passenger seating and designated boarding areas to facilitate convenient transportation within the campus. By offering shared transportation, RUTS supports more efficient campus mobility and provides an option that may help reduce reliance on individual vehicles. This service represents an operational measure supporting sustainable commuting at Trang Campus.

11.4.2 Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) provides an electric tram service at its Trang Campus to facilitate group transportation for visitors during festivals, special events and official visits. The service allows passengers to explore various locations within the campus, including the beachfront area, university grounds and museum facilities. The electric tram offers a shared transportation option for sightseeing and campus visits, allowing groups of passengers to travel together rather than relying on separate vehicles. As an electric-powered vehicle, the tram also provides an alternative to conventional fuel-powered transportation for these activities.

11.4.3 Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) implemented temporary work-from-home arrangements in response to severe flooding in southern Thailand. On 20 November 2025, the university issued an official announcement allowing eligible staff to perform their duties remotely when flooding affected their residences or disrupted their ability to travel to work. To address the continuing impact of the flooding, RUTS subsequently extended the work-from-home arrangements from 1 to 5 December 2025. The extension applied to employees whose residences had been affected by flooding or whose travel routes had been cut off, preventing them from commuting to their workplaces. Under these arrangements, staff were required to request permission to work from home, subject to approval by the heads of their respective units.

11.4.4 Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) provides rent-free staff accommodation across all its campuses as part of its employee welfare arrangements. Eligible personnel can access university-managed residential facilities without paying rent, while residents are responsible for their own water and electricity expenses. This provision helps reduce employees' housing costs and supports access to affordable accommodation near their workplaces. Staff Housing Allocation and Applications at Songkhla Campus At Songkhla Campus, RUTS provides rent-free accommodation for eligible personnel under its 2017 regulations governing the allocation and occupancy of government-owned staff housing. The regulations establish a formal housing allocation committee, eligibility requirements, application procedures and six categories of residential accommodation.

11.4.5 Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) provides affordable on-campus accommodation for students at its Trang Campus through university-managed dormitory facilities. The accommodation offers students access to furnished residential facilities at clearly established rates, supporting their housing needs and helping them manage living expenses while pursuing higher education. The university offers two types of student accommodation. Rooms with private bathrooms are available at THB 10,200 per room per semester and can accommodate up to four students, equivalent to THB 2,550 per student per semester when fully occupied. Rooms with shared bathrooms are available at THB 6,900 per room per semester, accommodating two students at THB 3,450 per student per semester. Both rates include water and electricity charges, as well as free Wi-Fi.

11.4.6 Enhancing Pedestrian Connectivity and Weather Protection Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) has established a network of covered walkways connecting academic buildings and university facilities at its Songkhla Campus. These pathways provide sheltered pedestrian routes, protecting students, staff, and visitors from direct sunlight and rainfall, which are important considerations in southern Thailand's tropical climate. By connecting buildings and faculties, the covered walkways facilitate movement between classrooms, offices, and academic facilities. The interconnected pedestrian network includes routes providing access to the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Industrial Education. This infrastructure supports convenient pedestrian circulation and contributes to a more walkable campus environment. Promoting Universal Accessibility and Inclusive Mobility

11.4.7 Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS), through its Faculty of Architecture, works with local authorities and community organizations to address housing needs, urban planning and community development in Songkhla Province. In 2025, these collaborations focused on accessible housing, public infrastructure development, climate-resilient urban planning and post-disaster recovery. Collaborative Planning for Affordable and Accessible Housing Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS), through its Faculty of Architecture, works with local authorities and community organizations in Songkhla Province to address housing needs, improve residential accessibility and support community-based housing development.

11.4.8 Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) demonstrates its commitment to sustainable campus development through the architectural design and proposed development of the Office of Academic Promotion and Registration. The project reflects the university's efforts to integrate functional infrastructure, environmental considerations, and user-oriented spaces into campus development. The architectural design incorporates contemporary building elements, landscaped outdoor areas, and integrated spaces intended to support academic services and university administration. The proposed building features a combination of modern architectural forms, natural-looking materials, and external shading elements, reflecting an approach that considers both functionality and the surrounding environment. A notable aspect of the design is the incorporation of landscaped green spaces and outdoor communal areas.

11.4.9 RUTS Promotes Sustainable Campus Development through Brownfield Redevelopment and Integrated Academic Services Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) demonstrates its commitment to sustainable campus development through an initiative to redevelop the former registration building and its surrounding underutilized land into an integrated One-Stop Service Center. The initiative promotes the productive reuse of previously developed land and aims to improve the efficiency of existing campus infrastructure. In 2024, RUTS identified the former registration building and adjacent underutilized land as an opportunity for campus redevelopment. Rather than focusing exclusively on new development areas, the university proposed transforming the existing site into a modern facility that better responds to the needs of students, staff, and university administration.