Highlights

Thammasat University is committed to participatory governance by including representatives from multiple stakeholders in its highest governing body.
Students, staff, and Alumni directly participate in selecting the Rector by nominating candidates and engaging in several steps

Thammasat University Council

Thammasat University’s highest governing body is the Thammasat University Council, which consists of eight key positions as specified in The composition of the University Council:

Chair of the University Council: Appointed by royal decree.
University Rector: Nominated by faculty, staff, and students, followed by a selection process.
One member from the Vice Rectors.
Two members from the Deans or heads of equivalent units.
One member from the Directors of Institutes or Offices.
Two full-time faculty members with at least 5-years experience.
One member from the academic support staff with at least 10-years experience
15 external experts appointed by royal decree, based on recommendations from the council’s internal members.

Students, Faculty, and Staff Engagement in the selection of the Rector

Among the representatives, Thammasat University prioritized student involvement in the rector election process. This reflecting the university’s strong commitment to participatory governance, where the voices of students, staff, and faculty are heard and valued. The rector serves a term of three years.

Thammasat University Rector Selection Process is overseen by the Selection Committee for the Rector and unfolds through several engaging steps as specified in The Regulations of Thammasat University on the Selection of the Rector, B.E. 2560 (2017), specifically in item 11:

(a) Procedures for Application and Nomination

An announcement shall be made to invite applications for the position.
The Selection Committee for the Rector shall arrange for university staffs and students to propose candidates deemed suitable for the position of rector

(b) Procedures for Selection and Consideration Process

The Selection Committee for the Rector shall select and filter candidates according to the methods established by the committee.
The Selection Committee shall consider approaching no more than five individuals who have been nominated, as well as evaluate candidates who have applied for the position.
Those who accept the invitation or candidates who have been selected according to (2) must prepare a proposed operational framework for the university and submit it to the Selection Committee for consideration. This framework must be made available to university staffs, students, and alumni. The proposed framework should align with the goals, policies, and development strategies of the university council.
Candidates who have accepted the invitation and been selected according to (2) shall present their management strategies to the Selection Committee, allowing university staffs, students, and alumni to attend the presentation. The Selection Committee may also interview candidates who have been selected according to (2)
The Selection Committee shall consider and nominate no more than two individuals with suitable qualifications and characteristics for the position of rector to the university council for consideration. However, if the committee reaches a unanimous decision, they may nominate only one individual.
The Selection Committee must prepare a report detailing the procedures and outcomes of the selection process, along with comments gathered from university staffs, students, or alumni, to be submitted to the university council for their consideration.