The idea to establish a private university to support private sector development in Thailand and the region was initiated in 1996 by Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra and Professor Dr. Purachai Piumsombun. This was followed by the design development of an environmentally friendly campus by Dr. Soontorn Boonyatikarn in 1997. A year later, the innovative plans were presented to Her Royal Highness Princess Mahachakri Sirindhorn, and then to the Ministry of Universities which granted the license towards the end operating of 1999.

        The first Shinawatra University Council Meeting was held on May 19, 2000, marking the initial milestone of a long road to become an accomplished private university. In September 2002, the first batch of students was admitted, and the venture of creating and nurturing a prospective university has begun.