1965
The program in Mass Communication and Public Relations was first offered under the Faculty of Political Science, with classes commencing on July 5, 1965. This date has since been recognized as the founding anniversary of the Faculty of Communication Arts. The program’s first instructor was Professor Bumroongsuk Seeha-umpai.
1966
A Royal Decree officially established the “Department of Mass Communication and Public Relations” on October 11, 1966, granting it a status equivalent to that of a faculty. Initially, the department offered 3 programs: Journalism, Mass Communication, and Public Relations. Professor Kasem Uthayanin, then Dean of the Faculty of Political Science, served as the Acting Head of the Department, with Professor Bumroongsook Seeha-umpai as Secretary. In 1970, Professor Bumroongsook was appointed Head of the Department. The department adopted royal blue, representing the color of ink, as its official color, and chose the conch shell as its emblem.
1969
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The first cohort of graduates received their degrees in a royal commencement ceremony. On this occasion, His Royal Highness Prince Naradhip Bongsprabandh graciously coined the Thai terms “นิเทศศาสตร์” (Nitadesart) for Communication Arts and “นิเทศศาสตรบัณฑิต” (Bachelor of Communication Arts) for the degree title.
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The department inaugurated Communication Arts Building 1, a four-story structure forming the main frontage. In 1972, a studio wing was added to the rear of the building.
1974
The Royal Decree establishing the “Faculty of Communication Arts” was enacted on March 19, 1974, officially elevating its status to become the 14th faculty of Chulalongkorn University. At its founding, the faculty comprised 4 departments: 1) Journalism, 2) Mass Communication, 3) Public Relations, 4) Speech Communication and Performing Arts. Professor Bumroongsook Seeha-umpai became the first Dean of the Faculty. Shortly after, on March 26, 1974, the faculty held the official opening ceremony of Communication Arts Building 1, marking the beginning of its new chapter as a full-fledged faculty dedicated to advancing communication education in Thailand.
1976
The Film Major was established as part of the undergraduate program, separating from the original Mass Communication Major, which had previously encompassed radio, television, film, and photography. The new major was placed under the Department of Mass Communication.
1978
The Master of Communication Arts program was launched for the first time.
1979
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Under the Chulalongkorn University Act of 1979, the Thai name of the department was changed from“แผนกวิชา” to “ภาควิชา”
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The Advertising Major was introduced in the undergraduate program under the Department of Public Relations, expanding the faculty’s offerings to 7 majors: Journalism, Mass Communication, Public Relations, Advertising, Speech Communicaion, Performance Arts, and Film & Still Photography.
1981
The Communication Arts Building 2, a six-story building, was inaugurated with a distinctive architectural feature — a cylindrical staircase symbolizing a pencil. Later, the connecting corridor and spiral staircase were demolished to make way for the construction of the Mongkutsamatiwong Building.
1988
The Secretariat of the Cabinet announced the establishment of the Department of Motion Pictures and Still Photography on 18 August 1988, making it the 5th department of the Faculty of Communication Arts, Chulalongkorn University.
1992–1993
The Bumroongsook Communication Arts Foundation — also known as “Nitadesart Bumroongsook” — was established on September 2, 1992, in remembrance of Professor Bumroongsook Seeha-umpai, the pioneering founder who established the first Faculty of Communication Arts in Thailand. Professor Bumroongsook retired from government service on September 30, 1992, and passed away on January 31, 1993. In his honor, January 31 of each year has since been designated as “Bumroongsook Day,” a day of gratitude and remembrance for his dedication, vision, and lasting contributions to the field of communication education in Thailand.
1995
The Thai name of the Department of Journalism was renamed from “ภาควิชาการหนังสือพิมพ์” (Newspaper) to“ภาควิชาวารสารสนเทศ” (Journalism), covering a broader range of media, in order to align with societal and academic shifts toward an increasingly information-technology-driven society.
1996
The Faculty launched Thailand’s first Doctor of Communication Arts program in the field of Communication Arts.
2004
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Launched the English Bachelor’s Program in Communication Management, which was revised into an international program in 2012.
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Established the Tsunami Information Service Center to provide accurate information to affected communities and coordinate with relevant agencies, as well as to monitor news coverage across all television channels—an initiative that later led to the establishment of media monitoring in Thailand.
2011
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Inaugurated the Faculty’s new building to commemorate the 200th anniversary of King Mongkut’s birth (King Rama IV) and to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Faculty of Communication Arts. The building was named “Mongkutsamatiwong Building” by His Majesty King Rama IX, with Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presiding over the opening ceremony on 26 March 2011.
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Established the Center of Excellence in Digital Media (CEDM).
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Launched the International Master’s Program in Strategic Communication Management.
2018
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Established the Digital Intelligence and Literacy Research Unit (DIRU).
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The field of Broadcasting was renamed to Media Design and Production.
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The field of Journalism was renamed to Journalism and New Media.
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The field of Advertising was renamed to Advertising and Brand Communications.
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The field of Speech Communication’s Thai name was renamed from “วาทวิทยา” to “วาทนิเทศ”
2021
Undergraduate admissions began accepting a portfolio-based evaluation method, starting with the fields of Speech Communication and Media Design & Production. In 2022, this method was also applied to the fields of Performing Arts and Film & Still Photography.
2023
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Collaborated to establish CU Nitade Xtension, a company working with the faculty to develop communication innovation, provide hands-on experience for students, and generate revenue for the faculty.
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Established the Center of Excellence in Communication Innovation for the Development of Quality of Life and Sustainability.
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Launched the Immersive Sound Studio, making it the first communication arts institution in Thailand to feature a Dolby Atmos–standardized audio laboratory.
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The field of Film and Still Photography was renamed to Cinematic Arts.
2025
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Established Nitade Academy to promote lifelong learning and serve as a revenue-generating unit for the Faculty.
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Established Nitade Studio to integrate academic learning with hands-on practical experience for students.