“Clean air is not a luxury; it is a fundamental human right.”
On the occasion of the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies (7 September), Thammasat University—standing firm as the “University for the People”—reaffirms its commitment to tackling the invisible crisis of air pollution. We are deploying our full arsenal of academic knowledge, expert insights, and tangible action to drive the national ‘Clean Air’ agenda into reality.
Thammasat is moving beyond the classroom to spearhead change through three strategic pillars:
1. The ‘Thammasat Smart City’ Model: Leading by Example
(Action & Infrastructure)
We believe that change must begin at home. Thammasat has transformed its campus into a “Living Lab” for sustainability under the “Thammasat Smart City” initiative, proving that a low-carbon society is possible.
- Renewable Energy: We have installed the largest urban rooftop solar system in Asia, drastically reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.
- Green Innovation: The Thammasat University Rooftop Farm (TURF) acts as a model for urban climate adaptation, absorbing heat, filtering air, and providing organic food simultaneously.
- Decarbonising Transport: We have overhauled our campus mobility with a fleet of EV Buses, actively reducing tailpipe emissions at the source.
2. The ‘Intelligence Unit’: Big Data & Public Health
(Research & Innovation)
To solve the PM2.5 crisis, we need precise data. The Faculty of Public Health has established the Coordination Centre for Clean Air and Climate Change (CCCACC)—the first centre of its kind in Thailand. Acting as the nation’s “Brain,” the centre is led by experts like Dr Supat Wangwongwatana, who has been granted funding to establish a “Hub of Talents.” His team is developing a national Big Data system for PM2.5. This initiative moves beyond simple monitoring; it aims to analyse, predict, and manage air quality crises with scientific precision, protecting the health of the population.
3. The ‘Legal Shield’: Pushing for the Clean Air Act
(Policy & Law)
Perhaps the most critical battleground is the law. The Natural Resources and Environmental Law Centre at the Faculty of Law is serving as the spearhead for structural change. Associate Professor Dr Surasak Boonruang, a leading legal expert, has played a pivotal role in drafting and advocating for the “Clean Air Act (Citizen’s Draft).” This legislation is crucial. It aims to elevate clean air from a policy promise to a legally guaranteed right, establishing clear accountability and mechanisms to tackle pollution across the country.
A Unified Breath for the Future
These initiatives are but a fraction of Thammasat’s dedication. By uniting the power of administrators, academics, and students, we are sending a powerful message: We will not stop until the haze clears. We are building a future where every Thai citizen can look up at a blue sky and breathe in fully, safely, and without fear.
