In 1939 the Pranete Silpakam School was founded on the grounds of Thapra Palace, just north of the Grand Palace, by Mom Luang Pin Malakul. Four years later, during World War II, it became Thailand's third government university.

 

In 1968 the Royal Thai Ministry of Education granted permission for Silpakorn University to include additional majors, which led to the establishment of the Sanam Chan Palace campus in Nakhon Pathom, west of Bangkok. Later, when more faculties were added, the Phetchaburi campus was built. Located on the coast southwest of Bangkok, it is known as the Phetchaburi IT campus.