HIGHLIGHTS

• Commitment to Community Education: Thammasat University actively promotes Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by offering valuable education and resources to underserved communities, particularly in rural areas, focusing on public health, legal rights, mental health, and sustainable business practices.
• Mental Health and Legal Outreach: Through initiatives such as mental health sessions for seniors in Chonburi and legal training and mobile clinics in Kanchanaburi, Thammasat University addresses community needs, providing support in mental health awareness and enhancing access to justice in remote areas.
• Hands-On Public Health Engagement: The “Public Health Volunteer: Developing Rural Communities” program allows Thammasat students to gain practical experience while delivering essential health services and fostering environmental awareness, showcasing the university’s commitment to public service and sustainable health practices.
• Supporting Local Economic Sustainability: By collaborating with small businesses on marketing and traceability, the School of Global Studies and the Intellectual Property and Business Incubation Center empower local entrepreneurs, supporting sustainable economic growth in rural communities.
• Empowering Communities for Sustainable Development: Thammasat University’s outreach programs equip local residents with knowledge and resources to enhance their quality of life and promote sustainable community development across health, legal, and economic sectors.

Thammasat University has a strong commitment to promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through initiatives that provide valuable knowledge and resources to communities in need, particularly in rural areas. These efforts aim to reduce knowledge gaps by offering education and resources on public health, legal rights, mental health, and sustainable business practices, with an emphasis on reaching individuals and groups who might otherwise lack access to this information.

One such initiative took place on September 13, 2023, when Thammasat University Pattaya, led by Assistant Professor Dr. Natdanai Phanujaerwong, organized a mental health education session for elderly residents in Nong Prue Municipality, Chonburi. The event, titled “Understanding Depression: Restoring Smiles for the Elderly,” aimed to promote mental health awareness and support the well-being of seniors, many of whom are vulnerable to social isolation and depression. This outreach program also included the donation of face masks for local distribution, demonstrating Thammasat’s dedication to both physical and mental health in underserved communities.

The Thammasat Law Center has extended its reach by offering legal training and mobile clinics in rural areas. During September and October 2023, the center organized training sessions for village heads, community leaders, and interested residents in Kanchanaburi Province. Many rural residents often lack an understanding of their legal rights, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and disputes. These workshops educate local leaders and citizens on laws that affect them, helping to prevent civil and criminal issues. Mobile legal clinics were also offered to provide consultations and advice for individuals facing legal challenges, thus improving access to justice and legal resources in remote areas.

The Faculty of Public Health at Thammasat University engages students in practical learning through the annual “Public Health Volunteer: Developing Rural Communities” program, with its seventh iteration held in Khon Kaen’s Huai Phai community in early 2023. Through activities such as restroom repairs, infirmary upgrades, and community health screenings, students not only provide essential health services but also gain hands-on experience in public service and civic responsibility. Additionally, students conducted health awareness sessions on diabetes, hypertension, and mental health, and promoted waste separation initiatives, fostering environmental consciousness. This program exemplifies Thammasat University’s dedication to instilling public health awareness and sustainable practices in both students and community members.

Beyond health and legal knowledge, Thammasat supports economic sustainability through the School of Global Studies (SGS) and the Intellectual Property and Business Incubation Center. SGS students recently collaborated with community business groups in Baan Khao Noi, Satun Province, to share expertise in online and offline marketing strategies. This guidance empowers small businesses in remote areas, helping them access wider markets and contribute to local economic growth.

In addition, the Intellectual Property and Business Incubation Center held a seminar in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce on September 6, 2023, in Lopburi Province. This workshop focused on “Organic Farming: From Choice to Survival” and trained nearly 80 farmers and entrepreneurs on organic certification, online marketing, and traceability through the TRACETHAI.com system, which ensures product transparency from farm to consumer.

Through these targeted outreach programs, Thammasat University demonstrates its commitment to advancing sustainable development within local communities. By providing education on public health, legal rights, mental well-being, and sustainable business practices, the university empowers residents with the skills and knowledge needed to improve their quality of life and promote sustainable community development.