Mahidol University originated from the University of Medical Sciences, established in 1943. A significant transformation occurred in 1964 when faculty members and stakeholders of the time initiated the expansion of the university into a comprehensive higher education institution, aiming to better respond to the needs of Thai society and the country.

It was unanimously agreed that the newly established university should bear the royal name “Mahidol,” in honor of Prince Mahidol Adulyadej, the Father of Modern Medicine and Public Health in Thailand. Subsequently, a royal request was made to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX) for permission to grant this name.

In 1969, His Majesty the King graciously issued a Royal Command to officially rename the University of Medical Sciences to Mahidol University, thus marking the foundation of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities as the 12th faculty of the university. This establishment followed the official announcement by the Office of the Prime Minister.

In 1972, preparations for faculty administration began with the appointment of Professor Dr. Chatchawan Osathanon, former President of Mahidol University, as the first Acting Dean of the Faculty. One of the Faculty’s initial urgent missions was to organize and provide general education courses for undergraduate students.

By 1974, the Faculty formally established its internal structure, comprising three departments: Department of Social Sciences, Department of Humanities, Department of Education along with the Office of the Dean. In the following year, the Faculty launched graduate-level programs, starting with Master’s degrees and expanding continuously. In 1982, the Faculty relocated from the Phayathai campus to the Salaya campus in Phutthamonthon District, Nakhon Pathom Province. It was the first faculty at Salaya to offer graduate education. At present, the Faculty consists of four academic departments and four administrative offices.