On 3 August 2024, PSU hosted a musical performance by the FOOTPATH TRIO in honor of the 110th anniversary of the birth of His Excellency Senior Colonel Dr. Thanat Khoman at the Thongchan Hongladarom Hall, Faculty of Medicine, PSU. Asst. Prof. Dr. Niwat Keawpradub, the PSU president, presided over the event. The gathering was well-attended by university administrators, staff, students, alumni, and public participants, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere.
Dr. Thanat Khoman played a pivotal role in the founding of PSU, serving as its first president and as chairman of the university council for four terms. He was instrumental in initiating the ASEAN community and chaired the Southern Development Committee, dedicating himself to the development of southern Thailand. His efforts led to the establishment of the first university in the southern region, originally named "Southern University," in Rusamilae, Pattani Province. The university was later renamed "Prince of Songkla University" by royal decree during the reign of King Rama IX, becoming the first royal-named university under King Bhumibol Adulyadej. In 2018, PSU established the ASEAN Studies Center to honor His Excellency Senior Colonel Dr. Thanat Khoman’s contributions to both the ASEAN community and the university.
In addition, as Chairman of the John F. Kennedy Foundation of Thailand, Dr. Thanat Khoman initiated and oversaw the construction of the "John F. Kennedy Library" at PSU's Pattani campus. At the time, it was one of the most modern and comfortable libraries in Thailand. Today, there are only two John F. Kennedy Libraries in the world: one in Pattani, Thailand, and the other in Boston, USA.
