SDG 1 in numbers
The graph shows a steady rise in students receiving financial aid due to poverty from 2018 to 2023, starting at 17% in 2020–2021 and reaching 22% by 2022–2023. This trend suggests increasing financial need among students, likely due to economic challenges or expanded support for disadvantaged groups.
The graph shows a steady increase in low-income students receiving financial aid from 5,344 in 2020–2021 to 6,379 in 2022–2023, while the total student population remained stable around 28,000–30,000. This trend highlights a growing need for financial support among disadvantaged students, consistent with increased aid distribution.
The graph shows Thammasat University’s growing scholarly output on SDG 1 (No Poverty), starting with 4 publications in 2015 and fluctuating until 2020, when output rose from 8 publications to a peak of 14 in 2023. This trend reflects the university’s increasing focus on poverty-related research in recent years.
Research in SDG 1 (2019 – 2024)
Breaking Barriers to Poverty: Thammasat University’s Holistic Approach to Social Equity, Health, and Resilience
Thammasat University scholars have actively contributed to SDG 1, No Poverty, through research addressing poverty, social welfare, and economic equity across multiple dimensions:
- Social and Economic Policy Analysis: This research cluster has assessed Thailand’s policies for social inclusion and poverty reduction. For instance, Chougule’s 2024 analysis explores policy alignment with SDG 1, while Paweenawat and Liao (2023) investigate income inequality and labor market disparities, proposing strategies to address structural issues.
- Health Inequities: Researchers have examined healthcare barriers for marginalized groups, such as informal workers and migrants. Studies by Langkulsen et al. (2023) on migrant health access during COVID-19, and Antunes et al. (2022, 2024) on healthcare costs in Thailand and Cambodia, highlight the link between poverty and healthcare, advocating for improved health policies as a poverty reduction measure.
- Climate Vulnerability and Poverty: Scholars have investigated how climate resilience supports poverty alleviation, focusing on the vulnerability of low-income communities to environmental risks. Cheewinsiriwat et al.’s 2024 research on coastal populations’ adaptive capacities emphasizes climate adaptation as critical for protecting these communities from worsening poverty due to environmental challenges.
- Technological Innovation: Research in this area has applied geospatial analysis and machine learning to identify poverty hotspots and has explored smart technology to enhance job accessibility for the urban poor (Isnan et al., 2023; Asavanirandorn et al., 2023). These initiatives improve data-driven policymaking and demonstrate how technology can empower economically disadvantaged populations.
Collectively, Thammasat University’s research has provided valuable insights and strategies for addressing the root causes of poverty, contributing to SDG 1 and advancing a more inclusive and equitable society. Through economic, health, environmental, and technological perspectives, this research fosters comprehensive policy solutions.
Outreach and Academic Services in SDG 1
Empowering Change: Thammasat University’s Bold Path to Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare Transformation
Thammasat University is committed to poverty eradication and social welfare development through 15 social service projects aligned with SDG 1, “No Poverty.” These initiatives, created by various faculties, target diverse beneficiary groups, from village health volunteers to public agencies.
The Faculty of Social Administration leads projects to build social welfare knowledge and skills. The “Child and Family Welfare Policy” project educates local governments on policies for children and families, while the “Happy Family and Happy Kids” project supports single-parent families by training village health volunteers, who can then assist families in their communities.
The Faculty of Economics contributes through public seminars, such as “The Impact of Child Support Grants on Health Outcomes for Economically Disadvantaged Children,” which explores economic support for impoverished children. Additionally, the forum on “Policy Community for Advancing Welfare Systems in Thailand” emphasizes human investment to foster a sustainable welfare system.
The Office of Advanced Science and Technology supports financial literacy through a workshop on financial planning and debt restructuring for the Wang Nam Yen Dairy Cooperative. This workshop empowers community entrepreneurs to improve business sustainability and resolve debt issues effectively.
The Puey Ungphakorn School of Development Studies manages the “Community Welfare Fund” project, which connects government, private businesses, and civil society to aid financially vulnerable groups and improve low-income populations’ access to financial resources.
Thammasat University’s initiatives embody interdisciplinary collaboration, blending social sciences and sciences to provide comprehensive services. These projects enhance community knowledge in financial planning, child welfare, and social welfare, contributing significantly to poverty alleviation and improved quality of life.
Featured Stories
Thammasat Model: Bridging Education, and Business in Rayong
The Thammasat Model has been a cornerstone of community development for 15 years. Initially launched as part of the “Accounting/Business for Society and Nation” course, and later evolved into the TU100 course, “Citizenship and Hands-on Problem Solving.” In 2023, the Thammasat Model entered its 8th edition in partnership with the Friends of the Community Association to support community enterprises in Rayong’s Maptaput Complex With the support of industry partners such as PTT Group, BLCP, and Dow Thailand. The collaboration focuses on strengthening the management skills, product quality, and market competitiveness of seven local businesses, empowering them to thrive independently. Students work closely with community members, providing innovative solutions to help develop sustainable products and services that generate income.
Reference: https://tu.ac.th/thammasat-060766-mou-8th-thammasat-model
Lampang Campus Launches “TU to Share Online Shop”
Thammasat University’s Lampang campus has launched the “TU to Share Online Shop” to empower local artisans and small-scale entrepreneurs. This initiative offers a platform for local products, including handwoven textiles, traditional crafts, and organic agricultural goods, enabling them to reach a broader audience both nationally and internationally.
In partnership with the university’s Center for Community Development and the local government, the online store provides small producers with an e-commerce platform to enhance their market visibility. This initiative aligns with Thammasat’s commitment to SDG 1: No Poverty, fostering economic growth and helping reduce poverty by creating new market opportunities for rural communities.
Reference: https://tulptoshare.com/
