SDG 16 in numbers
The graph shows Thammasat University law and enforcement graduates as a steady portion of total graduates from 2018 to 2023. Total graduates remained stable (8,899 to 9,572), while law graduates rose from 2,505 in 2018–2019 to 2,894 in 2022–2023, reflecting sustained interest in law-related fields.
The graph shows Thammasat University’s SDG 16 scholarly output from 2015 to 2023. Output peaked at 28 in 2017, dropped to 13 in 2018, then remained steady between 15-17 until rising to 24 in 2022 and 2023, indicating a recent increase in focus on peace and justice research.
Research in SDG 16 (2019 – 2024)
Building Bridges to Justice: Thammasat University’s Blueprint for Peaceful and Inclusive Institutions
Thammasat University scholars have made significant contributions to SDG 16, “Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions,” focusing on governance, human rights, social cohesion, and institutional transparency through various thematic clusters.
- Governance and Institutional Transparency: Research on governance mechanisms in Thailand highlights efforts to promote accountability and strengthen democratic processes. Studies have emphasized public sector transparency, stakeholder engagement, and political participation as crucial elements for fostering public trust in institutions.
- Human Rights and Social Justice: Scholars have addressed key human rights issues, particularly related to women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and minority groups. Research on Thailand’s southern provinces and the application of international human rights laws has examined the complexities of balancing national authority with human rights protections.
- Social Cohesion and Conflict Resolution: Research on conflict resolution and political polarization has aimed to promote peace through social dialogue. Initiatives like “My Country Talks” have created platforms for constructive community discussions, helping bridge divides and foster understanding.
- Legal and Regulatory Frameworks: Legal studies have focused on improving justice systems and protections, such as restorative justice for hate speech and regulations for victims of sexual violence. This research supports the development of legal frameworks that safeguard citizens’ rights and address emerging social challenges.
- Youth Engagement and Political Participation: Research on youth involvement in political movements emphasizes the importance of inclusive institutions that empower young voices. Engaging youth is seen as essential for building peaceful and resilient societies.
Thammasat University’s research on SDG 16 demonstrates a holistic approach to governance, human rights, social cohesion, and legal reform. These efforts contribute to building stronger institutions and promoting justice in Thailand and beyond.
Outreach and Academic Services in SDG 16
Thammasat University has implemented over 70 social service projects aligned with SDG 16, promoting justice, peace, and strong institutions. These projects emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration across faculties and address critical areas like legal education, local governance, citizens’ rights, environmental protection, and democratic governance. Through these initiatives, Thammasat fosters a society valuing justice, transparency, and peace.
A notable example is the collaboration between the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Social Administration. The Faculty of Law hosts seminars on issues like the rights of detainees and constitutional protections, creating platforms for legal professionals, scholars, and the public to discuss justice and ethics. Simultaneously, the Faculty of Social Administration offers courses on public administration and social policy, enhancing local governance efficiency and transparency.
The Puey Ungphakorn School of Development Studies contributes by providing training on ethics in development. This program brings together representatives from government, the private sector, and civil society to foster discussions on ethics and social responsibility. It cultivates leaders who can implement ethical standards across various sectors, strengthening institutions nationwide.
The Faculty of Political Science also plays a key role with forums like “Public Participation in Peacebuilding in Thailand’s Southern Border Provinces.” These forums engage the public in discussions on peace and security, offering insights into sustainable peacebuilding and demonstrating the importance of civic engagement in achieving peace.
Thammasat’s cross-disciplinary approach, involving law, social sciences, and education, ensures a well-rounded societal impact. By addressing justice, governance, and peacebuilding, Thammasat exemplifies its commitment to SDG 16, laying the foundation for a more just, equitable, and peaceful future for Thailand.
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Thammasat’s Commitment to Integrity and Transparency
Thammasat University is committed to becoming a model of integrity and transparency. The Sanya Dharmasak Institute for Democracy, under the Thammasat University Anti-Corruption Center, is leading the implementation of the updated Anti-Corruption Action Plan (2023-2027). The plan promotes good governance, mitigates corruption risks, and nurtures a culture of integrity aligned with national standards like the Integrity and Transparency Assessment (ITA). Internal units are required to report progress every six months, ensuring accountability.
A Hub for Political Dialogue: Thammasat University’s Role in National Debate
Thammasat University continues to be a neutral platform for political discourse in Thailand. During the May 2023 elections, the university hosted debates among political party representatives and activists, with students encouraged to directly engage. A key event featured a discussion on the role of Thailand’s Senate, based on a Thammasat professor’s doctoral research, with insights from two additional experts.This open forum allowed diverse perspectives to emerge, reinforcing Thammasat’s commitment to fostering constructive political dialogue. The university continues to serve as a space for intellectual engagement, where students and the public can debate important national issues in a neutral environment.
Empowering Communities through Education and Legal Outreach
Many rural residents remain unaware of their legal rights, leaving them vulnerable to disputes and exploitation, including trafficking and forced labor. To address this, Thammasat Law Center organized training programs and Mobile Legal Clinics to educate communities about their rights and responsibilities. In 2023, the program was held in Lampang and Kanchanaburi, focusing on local administrative organizations, municipalities, and schools. It targeted community leaders and citizens, covering topics like laws protecting accident victims, inheritance, debt, criminal record expungement, bail, and land laws, enhancing legal knowledge and improving community services.
