Khon Kaen University (Thai: มหาวิทยาลัยขอนแก่น) or KKU (มข.) is a public research university in Thailand. It was the first university established in Northeastern Thailand and remains the oldest and largest university in the region. The university is a central hub of education in northeast Thailand. It is an internationally recognized university in Asia. These days, KKU offers a wide range of programs: Its comprehensive academic program offers 105 undergraduate majors, along with 129 master's degree programs and 59 doctoral programs. Khon Kaen University was ranked 21st in South East Asia by Time Higher Education in 2009, and the 4th in Thailand by The Office of Higher Education Commission[citation needed].