Walailak University is 31 years on 29th March 2023. However, a movement by the locals to have a university in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province started some 50 years ago, in 1967. But it took 12 years before Members of the Parliament from Nakhon Si Thammarat first proposed to the Parliament in 1979 legislation to establish a university in the province. A stronger momentum gathered five years later in 1984 when a group of influential locals of Nakhon Si Thammarat set up A Group to Campaign for a University in Nakhon Si Thammarat. Finally, in April 1990, the Cabinet passed a resolution to formally establish a university in Nakhon Si Thammarat. In February 1992, the late King, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, King Rama IX, named the University Walailak University, after the second name of his youngest daughter, Princess Chulabhorn Walailak. On the 29th March 1992, the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej formally approved the legislation establishing Walailak University. The 29th of March became the Foundation Day of the University. On 23rd May 1998, some 70 high school leavers, most of whom were from Nakhon Si Thammarat and neighboring provinces, enrolled in their classes as Walailak University students. And, five days later, on 28th May 1998, the first class began!