Thammasat University’s Participatory Bodies for Stakeholder Engagement

Highlights

  • Rangsit Campus established the Special Affairs Unit (SAU) in 2021, which primarily focuses on collaborating with stakeholders in the Rangsit and Pathum Thani areas by convening regularly meetings and organizing outreach activities aimed at promoting the well-being and safety of students and residents
  • Pattaya Campus created a forum for local government, civil society representatives and students to exchange the issues and idea in enhancing safety of well being within the local community.
  • Lampang Campus emphasizes its role in enhancing accessible education in the northern region while serving as a central hub for collaboration with the government, private sector, and local residents. The campus aims to leverage knowledge, technology, and innovation to strengthen the economy and improve societal conditions within these communities.

Thammasat University has expanded its educational footprint through additional campuses in Lampang, Pattaya, and Rangsit, with the goal of enhancing access to quality education and addressing the specific needs of the surrounding regions. Each campus is strategically designed to foster community engagement and collaboration, ensuring that local stakeholders—including residents, local government officials, and civil society representatives—are actively involved in university decision-making processes. This collaborative approach is aimed at tackling community challenges and contributing to the development of both local economies and social well-being.

Promoting Safety and Well-being

Rangsit Campus:

The Special Affairs Unit (SAU) at the Rangsit campus was established in 2021 to promote safety and well-being within the Rangsit and Pathum Thani areas. The SAU works closely with key stakeholders such as Rangsit Municipality, Tha Klong Municipality, the Pathum Thani Provincial Administrative Organization, and the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) to implement outreach initiatives and foster a secure environment for both students and local residents.

Notable activities from 2021 to 2024 include the following:

  • On February 22, 2024, the Planning and Management Committee for Safety at Thammasat University Rangsit Center convened a meeting with representatives from the Thammasat University Student Organization, the Student Council, Rangsit Center Administration, and Khlong Luang Police Station.
  • On December 27, 2022, the Committee met with Khlong Luang Police Station, Thakhlong Municipality, Khlong Luang Municipality, and local district representatives to discuss several critical issues, such as:
    • Enhancing safety for students and the public
    • Improving waste management and environmental sustainability
    • Developing partnerships for student internships
    • Establishing systems to monitor and manage emergency situations
    • Strengthening public health services for the surrounding community

These efforts reflect the university’s proactive role in building a safer, more resilient community in the Rangsit area.

Pattaya Campus:

Similarly, the Pattaya Campus is committed to fostering community well-being. On June 19, 2024, a significant meeting was held, bringing together university staff, local government officials, and civil society representatives to discuss strategies for enhancing safety and well-being within the Pattaya-Bang Lamung area. The gathering emphasized the university’s commitment to collaboration and involved the active participation of students, staff, and residents in shaping the university environment. Key issues discussed included inadequate street lighting and public transportation, with students offering valuable insights that were well-received by local officials. The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing collaboration, setting the stage for a forum where stakeholders can continue to engage with the university in shaping its future. (For more details, please visit the link.)

Strengthening the Local Economy

Rangsit Campus:

Thammasat University is also deeply committed to promoting the economic development of the regions it serves. On March 16, 2024, the university, in collaboration with Pathum Thani Province, local universities, schools, and communities, hosted the event “The Identity of Art in Pathum City” at the Puey Ungphakorn Learning Park at Thammasat University, Rangsit Center. The event, themed “Color of Pathum,” highlighted the rich cultural heritage and natural resources of Pathum Thani Province. It aimed to create economic opportunities by showcasing local art, culture, and traditional textiles, which the event sought to promote on an international scale. This initiative plays a key role in fostering local industries, creating jobs, and increasing the region’s economic potential.(For more details, please visit the link.)

Lampang Campus:

The Lampang Campus has also prioritized economic and social development through its various community-driven projects. One prominent initiative is the U2T (University to Targeted Communities) project, which currently operates in 48 sub-districts across northern Thailand. By creating over 960 local jobs, this project collaborates with government bodies, the private sector, and local residents to leverage knowledge, technology, and innovation to uplift the regional economy and improve societal well-being.

In addition, in celebration of its 30th anniversary in 2022, the Lampang campus organized a national academic conference titled “Educational and Research Innovations for Sustainable Development in the Future.” This conference provided a platform for advancing education, economic growth, and sustainable social development in the northern region. It also facilitated knowledge exchange through special lectures and panels on topics such as Thai traditional medicine and the use of local herbs, further promoting collaboration among local and national stakeholders.(For more detail, please visit the link)

Relavent infomation

Thammasat University, Lampang Campus, continues to develop relentlessly, expanding educational opportunities to the region

Facebook ‘Life at Thammasat Rangsit’

Thammasat University’s written policy for external stakeholder engagement

Highlights

  • In 2021, Thammasat University enacted Stakeholder Engagement Measure, which specifies guidelines for engagement measures for internal and external stakeholders.
  • The university must provide opportunities for customers of the university, employers of Thammasat University’s graduates, and other stakeholders to give opinions and suggestions to improve the university’s operation systematically and independently. 

In 2021, Thammasat University enacted Stakeholder Engagement Measure, which specifies guidelines for engagement measures for internal and external stakeholders. 

Section 3 provides guidelines for stakeholder engagement. 

  • Item 2 states that the university must provide opportunities for customers of the university, employers of Thammasat University’s graduates, and other stakeholders to give opinions and suggestions to improve the university’s operation systematically and independently. 
  • Item 3 encourages collaborations between the university and stakeholders to improve the university’s operations, education, and other academic collaborations. 
  • Item 4 states that when faculties and institutes need to improve their curriculums, they need to engage all stakeholders, including Thammasat University’s graduates and external stakeholders, to provide comments. 

The guidelines have been implemented by all faculties and institutes, especially when the curriculum needs to be updated and improved. In addition, Rangsit and Lampang campuses also worked actively with local authorities in several local development initiatives. 

Measures for Stakeholder Participation B.E. 2564 (2021)

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Thammasat Student’s Union

Highlights

  • Thammasat University recognizes the independent student union as an organization responsible for overseeing student affairs
  • The Thammasat University Student Union (TUSU) and the Thammasat University Student Council (TUSC) are committees of elected student representatives that play significant roles in student governance and advocacy

Thammasat University recognizes the independent student union as an organization responsible for overseeing student affairs. It respects the rights of students to express themselves in society and considers various demands to collaboratively shape the future of the university.  

Thammasat University Student Union (TUSU)

Thammasat University Student Union (TUSU), establish in 1952, is a committee of elected student representatives who governs all student bodies and allocates budgets for clubs and independent groups for organizing extracurricular activities. The Student Union also works with faculty-level student committees to discuss and find solutions to student-related affairs before voicing their conclusion to the university executives. TUSU is also known to be socially and politically engaging and be a leader in mobilizing university students and on some occasions the public in democratic demonstrations. 

Thammasat University Student Council (TUSC) 

Thammasat University Student Council (TUSC) was established in 1970 as the elected representative body of the student community. It serves as a legislative entity responsible for drafting and approving rules related to student activities. In this capacity, TUSC represents students in interactions with university executives and oversees the Student Union, ensuring checks and balances by monitoring its decisions, policies, and activities. Since 2020, each campus of Thammasat University has had its own elected student council to manage campus-specific affairs, while these councils collaborate on university-wide matters to enhance student representation and effectively address issues across all campuses.

In 2023, TUSC launched the TUSU Red Alert! initiative, designed to facilitate communication between students and university offices. This initiative enables students to report campus issues and provides updates on the progress of those reports.

Both Student Union (TUSU) and Student Council (TUSC) are vital organizations recognized by Thammasat University for their significant roles in student governance and society. They advocate for student rights and needs, historically engaging in political movements that have influenced social change and democracy in Thailand. Both organizations organize community service initiatives and cultural events that enhance campus life and foster community among students. They also promote civic education, raising awareness of rights and encouraging participation  in democratic processes.   

The Regulations of Thammasat University on Student Activities B.E. 2563 (2020)

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    Thammasat University Student Union (TUSU)’s official Facebook , Instagram

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