Mahidol University has its origins in the establishment of Siriraj Hospital in 1888 by His Majesty King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), and later become the University of Medical Sciences after 7th February 1943. On 21st February 1969, the name 'Mahidol' University was given with great honor by H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej , after his Royal Father, H.R.H Prince Mahidol of Songkla.
In 2006, Mahidol University has been ranked as an excellent university and top ranked university both in teaching and research from the ranking of Thai universities by the Office of the Higher Education Commission. Moreover, the Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment (Public Organization) has certified the standard of Mahidol University at a very good level. In 2009, the QS Asian Universities Ranking 2009 ranked Mahidol University to be the 1st in Thailand and 30th in Asia. At present, Mahidol University organizes teaching and learning in 16 faculties, 7 institutes, 6 colleges, graduate school and other institutes all together teaching 551 courses which have been divided into 6 campuses; Salaya Campus, Phayathai Campus, Bangkok Noi Campus, Kanchanaburi Campus, Nakhon Sawan Campus and Amnatcharoen Campus.