On 4 February 1960, the Ministry of Education officially announced the establishment of Thonburi Technical College, the former status of King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), in response to the national demand for technical personnel. Part of the campus area was expanded using land plot No. 108, Title Deed No. 1286, located in Thonburi Province. The original owner of this land was Her Royal Highness Princess Somrattan Sirichet, a daughter of His Majesty King Mongkut (King Rama IV) and Chao Chom Manda Thiang (originally named Princess Somawadi Sirirattanarajadhida). She was granted this land title by His Majesty King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V) on 6 December 1904. As Princess Somrattan Sirichet had no heirs, the land was later transferred to the Crown Property Bureau, which subsequently became the registered owner. At present, KMUTT leases an area of 134 rai, 2 ngan, and 26 square wah from the Crown Property Bureau.

On 28 May 1970, the institution was graciously granted royal permission to use the name “King Mongkut” as part of its institutional name. Subsequently, in 1971, the draft Act establishing King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology was approved, and royal permission was granted to adopt the Great Crown as the official emblem of King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology. This emblem was used collectively by King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology, Nonthaburi–Lat Krabang Campus (now King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang: KMITL), and King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology, North Bangkok Campus (now King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok: KMUTNB).

With deep gratitude for the royal benevolence bestowed upon all three institutions, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi has continuously collected, studied, and researched information related to His Majesty King Mongkut. In 2023, the university’s executive leadership initiated a concrete effort to formally establish the King Mongkut Studies Project. The objectives of the project are to cultivate institutional identity and a sense of connection under the royal name “King Mongkut,” while further advancing historical research rooted in the scientific foundations of that era.

The King Mongkut Studies Project focuses on the study and analysis of information reflecting the foundations of science and modern knowledge in Thailand, as related to the intellect, royal duties, and achievements of His Majesty King Mongkut, as well as members of the royal family and key figures of his reign. The project aims to further develop knowledge derived from His royal initiatives, generating new bodies of knowledge and extending research to align with contemporary contexts. The outcomes of the project are disseminated through academic seminars, exhibitions, and learning-enhancement activities.