HIGHLIGHTS

• Formal Policy Exists: Thammasat University has a formal Lifelong Learning Policy (B.E. 2568 / 2025) establishing a framework for lifelong learning initiatives.
• Explicit Non-Discrimination Clause (Article 4): The policy guarantees access equality, explicitly stating non-discrimination based on race, religion, gender identity, origin, socio-economic status, or physical disability, directly addressing the indicator’s core requirement.
• Comprehensive Scope: The policy covers various lifelong learning activities, including online courses, credit banking, facility access (libraries, museums), and online resources (digital collections, lecture recordings).

Reinforcing its founding vision as an open “market of knowledge,” Thammasat University proudly introduces its Lifelong Learning Policy (B.E. 2568 / 2025). This landmark policy solidifies our dedication to expanding educational pathways and promoting continuous learning, directly supporting Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and ensuring learning opportunities are genuinely accessible to everyone.

Equality and Non-Discrimination: A Core Principle Ensured by Article 4

Central to this policy is an unwavering commitment to equal opportunity. Article 4 (Principles and Intent) explicitly enshrines this commitment, stating that Thammasat University provides educational opportunities “equally for everyone” based on democratic principles. Crucially, this article guarantees “non-discrimination based on differences in race, religion, gender identity, origin, socio-economic status, or physical disability.” This specific clause ensures that all lifelong learning activities are accessible to all members of the community, regardless of their background, fulfilling a key aspect of inclusive education.

A Comprehensive Framework for Future Learning

Beyond this core principle, the policy outlines a forward-thinking approach to lifelong education:

• Flexible Digital Learning: Expanding short courses, upskilling/reskilling programs, and micro-credentials through accessible online platforms.
• Credit Accumulation: Implementing a Credit Bank system, allowing learners to gather and potentially transfer learning credits towards formal degree programs.
• Holistic Integration: Encouraging all university departments to incorporate lifelong learning into their core activities – teaching, research, and community service.
• Strong Partnerships: Collaborating with government agencies, private businesses, and local communities to develop learning opportunities that meet societal and workforce needs.
• Resource Accessibility: Granting lifelong learners appropriate access to vital university resources, including libraries and online databases.

The Lifelong Learning Policy, particularly the clear non-discrimination guarantee within Article 4, demonstrates Thammasat University’s proactive stance in creating an equitable and accessible learning environment. We remain dedicated to empowering individuals throughout their lives and serving the evolving needs of Thai society.

Lifelong-Learning-Policy-2025

Thammasat University Announcement
Re: Lifelong Learning Policy B.E. 2568 (2025)

In accordance with the aspiration of Professor Dr. Puey Ungphakorn, who founded Thammasat University as a “Open University” to provide equal educational opportunities to the public, amidst the rapidly changing world, Lifelong Learning is a critical key to developing the potential of individuals and creating a sustainable society. This directly aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Therefore, to carry on the spirit of being a “University for the People” and to drive the University’s strategy of becoming a “Leading Comprehensive University for Future Societies,” this announcement on the Lifelong Learning Policy is issued. It serves as a framework for expanding educational opportunities, reducing inequality, and creating a learning ecosystem that is truly accessible to everyone.

By virtue of Section 39 (1) of the Thammasat University Act B.E. 2558 (2015), the following announcement is made:

Clause 1 This Announcement shall be called the “Thammasat University Announcement Re: Lifelong Learning Policy B.E. 2568 (2025)”.

Clause 2 This Announcement shall come into force on the day following the date of its publication.

Clause 3 In this Announcement:

• “Lifelong Learning” means the provision of education in the formal, non-formal, and informal systems, blended in diverse ways, to enable individuals to continuously develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for work and life throughout their lives.
• “Learner” means the general public, current students, alumni, and University personnel who have registered as learners in the University’s lifelong learning system.
• “Credit Bank” means a centralized registration system for accumulating learners’ learning outcomes and credits from participating in various courses or subjects, for the purpose of credit transfer toward a degree program, or for professional competency certification.

Clause 4 Principles and Intent: Thammasat University’s intent is to be a leading learning resource that provides accessible and equitable educational opportunities for everyone. The University adheres to the principles of democracy and equality, without discrimination based on race, religion, gender identity, origin, socioeconomic status, or physical disability.

Clause 5 Policies and Implementation Guidelines (1) The University shall promote access to diverse bodies of knowledge by developing Short Courses, courses for Upskilling and Reskilling, including the development of online course content in the form of learning courses and short-term competency certification (Micro-credentials) through the University’s digital learning platform, to ensure learners can access them anytime, anywhere. (2) The University shall develop a flexible learning system, allowing learners to manage their learning according to their potential and needs, and shall provide a Credit Bank system to enable learners to accumulate learning outcomes throughout their lives, which can be used for credit transfer toward the University’s degree programs, in accordance with related regulations. (3) The University shall encourage all administrative units to integrate the concept of lifelong learning with their core missions, including teaching, research, and academic service, to create a robust and sustainable learning ecosystem. (4) The University shall expand its network of cooperation with various sectors—public, private, and community—to jointly develop curricula and organize learning activities that respond to the needs of society and the country’s labor market. (5) The University shall promote access to its educational resources for learners in the lifelong learning system, such as libraries, online databases, and various academic services, in accordance with the regulations prescribed by the University.

Clause 6 The President shall be responsible for the execution of this Announcement and shall have the authority to issue additional rules, regulations, or announcements of guidelines that are not contrary to or inconsistent with this Announcement.

Announced on October 15, B.E. 2568 (2025).

(Prof. Dr. Supasawad Chardchawarn) Rector of Thammasat University