The concept of a national astronomical research institute was discussed for the first time in the Assembly of the Deans of the Faculty of Science in Thai Universities. On July 20, 2004, commemorating His Majesty King Bhumibol's 80th Birthday Anniversary in 2007 and marking the bicentenary of the life and work of King Mongkut the "Father of Thai Science", the government approved the establishment of the Nationlal Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT), under the Ministry of Science and Technology. The institute aims to strengthen not only research and educational capacity building in astronomy and related fields but also to ensure that a foundation for basic sciences exists for appropriate technology and innovation essential for a scienctific astronomy education at all levels, both in formal and informal education. The status of the Institute has been changed to a public organization since January 1, 2009 which has become the Institute's Foundation Day henceforth.