SDG 11 in numbers
The graph shows Thammasat University’s 2022–2023 expenditure of 12,757,420,900 Baht, with 429,565,825 Baht (3.4%) allocated to arts and heritage. This highlights the university’s support for arts and heritage, though it represents a minor share of overall spending.
The graph shows Thammasat University’s research on SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) from 2015 to 2023, starting with 1 publication in 2015 and peaking at 84 in 2023. This upward trend, with notable growth since 2018, reflects a strong focus on sustainable cities research, especially in recent years.
Research in SDG 11 (2019 – 2024)
Thammasat University scholars have contributed significantly to SDG 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities, through a variety of research clusters focused on urban sustainability.
1. Urban Heat Islands and Climate Resilience: Many studies explore the impact of urban growth on heat islands, particularly in Bangkok. Research on heat stress mitigation highlights the role of green spaces, cool facades, and eco-design in improving urban climate resilience and reducing surface temperatures.
2. Sustainable Urban Infrastructure and Mobility: Another key area of research focuses on sustainable infrastructure and transportation systems. Studies on spatial accessibility and transit-oriented development emphasize the integration of public and active transportation to improve urban mobility and accessibility, particularly for marginalized communities.
3. Waste Management and Pollution Control: Pollution control and waste management are significant research themes, with studies on air quality monitoring, such as traffic-induced vibrations and PM 2.5 prediction. These efforts aim to reduce urban pollution, improve air quality, and contribute to cleaner, healthier cities.
4. Disaster Risk Management and Resilience Planning: Urban resilience, particularly in flood-prone areas like Ayutthaya, is another prominent theme. Research on sustainable flood risk management emphasizes integrating nature-based solutions (NbS) and resilient infrastructure to mitigate the impact of climate-induced urban disasters.
5. Urban Quality of Life and Inclusive Spaces: Several studies focus on enhancing quality of life through inclusive urban design. Research on green infrastructure, parks, and spaces for people with disabilities aims to foster more livable, equitable cities. Studies on improving accessibility to urban greenspaces reflect a commitment to inclusivity in urban planning.
In conclusion, Thammasat’s interdisciplinary research on climate resilience, sustainable infrastructure, pollution control, disaster management, and inclusive spaces demonstrates its commitment to advancing sustainable cities and communities.
Outreach and Academic Services in SDG 11
Thammasat University is committed to advancing SDG 11, focusing on sustainable cities and communities. The university has initiated over 60 community service projects aimed at urban and community development, covering areas such as affordable housing, infrastructure improvement, cultural tourism, and heritage preservation. These projects aim to create vibrant, resilient communities that reflect local identities and address community needs.
One key project, “Capacity Building for Community Tourism Development,” led by the Faculty of Social Administration, empowers local personnel to develop sustainable, community-based tourism. Through training, participants learn to manage cultural assets and create tourism aligned with community values, enhancing local economic resilience.
The Faculty of Sociology and Anthropology contributes with its “Digital Heritage” project, which uses 3D imaging to document cultural heritage and make it accessible to local communities. This project helps preserve and share cultural knowledge sustainably, combining technology with cultural studies to engage diverse audiences.
The Institute of East Asian Studies promotes sustainable communities through cultural seminars. For example, a seminar on “Multidimensional Cuisine and ASEAN Cultural Politics” explored the cultural and political aspects of ASEAN food practices, highlighting food as a symbol of cultural identity and a tool for sustainable tourism.
Thammasat’s interdisciplinary approach brings together expertise from faculties like Fine and Applied Arts, Architecture, and Economics. Projects include workshops to support local artisans and sustainable urban design, such as safe public spaces and walkways tailored to community needs.
These projects empower local communities, providing new skills, economic opportunities, and a stronger sense of identity. Thammasat’s collaborative, cross-sector approach ensures sustainable, culturally sensitive solutions, driving Thailand’s progress toward sustainable cities and communities aligned with SDG 11.
Featured Stories
Thammasat University’s SDG 11 initiatives focus on preserving Thai arts and cultural heritage, promoting sustainable commuting, and providing affordable housing, with an overarching goal of fostering sustainable urban living.
1. Preserving Arts and Cultural Heritage
Thammasat University actively preserves Thai cultural heritage through initiatives led by its Thai Khadi Research Institute and campus museums. The Thai Khadi Research Institute promotes Thai culture and society by supporting projects like cultural tourism route development to educate the public about traditional arts and enhance local tourism. Thammasat’s Museum of Anthropology further supports this mission by showcasing cultural artifacts and offering educational programs that connect with nearby communities.
The Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts strengthens local arts by offering Theatre programs and supporting student clubs such as the Thai Traditional Dance Club, Thai Classical Music Club, and Khon Thammasat. These clubs organize annual performances for university events and the public, ensuring Thai cultural traditions remain celebrated and accessible.
2. Sustainable Commuting
Thammasat promotes eco-friendly transportation options. It provides electric shuttle buses that fully replace diesel buses by 2022, reducing carbon emissions. The Rangsit campus features over 1,000 shared bicycles and 73 bike stations, supported by partnerships with Anywheel to encourage biking over car use.
3. Accessible and Green Public Spaces
The university emphasizes walkable, bike-friendly spaces and prohibits motorcycles on pedestrian pathways, ensuring safer, more sustainable campus environments. It also provides accessible public transport options like a public van station that connects the campus to nearby city centers.
Thammasat typically collaborates with local authorities and communities to support sustainable urban planning, often involving projects to revitalize and responsibly develop brownfield sites, transforming brownfield into sustainable, functional spaces that benefit the surrounding community.
