Thammasat University has always been one of the key contributors to Thai society in preserving and promoting national arts and cultural works through both academic and public performances. For academic, several courses relating to Thai cultures are offered in undergraduate and graduate levels in Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Faculty of Architecture, and Faculty of Sociology and Anthropology.
Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts of Thammasat University offers many classes related to Thai classical music, western music and Thai performing arts (Thai traditional dance, Thai pantomime). The faculty established art-related student clubs and organized annual performances both for the University’s events and anniversaries as well as other public performances and fund-raising events.
Establishing and promoting art-related student clubs
The four oldest student’s clubs are TU Band (established since 1948), Thai Traditional Dance Club (established since 1958), Thai Classical Music Club (established since 1963) and Khon Thammasat (established since 1966). Since then, many groups of students, who have passion for classical music, traditional Thai dance and performing arts, gathered together to form clubs such as TU Symphony Orchestra, TU Chorus, TU Folksong, Thai Traditional Dance, and Chinese Opera Club.
One of the most active art-related clubs is TU Folk Song club which organizes its own shows known as “Laan Folk” twice a year and participates in the University’s events that are open to the public, including TU Freshy Games, Club Festivals, Thammasat Open House, and more than 30 performances each year. TU Symphony Orchestra organizes annual concerts.
Thai Classical Music club and Thai Traditional Dance club have their own traditional events and performance, such as “Wai Kru” ceremony, annual student orientation day, traditional football event, and religious events. TU Drama Club also organizes at least 2 public performances per year, including Hello Drama and its annual showcase. Last but not least, with its uniqueness, the Chinese Opera club of the Faculty of Social Administration organizes annual and occasional shows specifically for political parody during the political events and movements.
- Thai Classical Music Club (ชุมนุมดนตรีไทย มหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์)
- Khon Thammasat
- Thai Traditional Dance (ชุมนุมนาฏศิลป์ มหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์)
- Thammasat University Symphony Orchestra
- TU Chorus Thammasat University
- TU Band
- Chinese Opera (งิ้วสังคมสงเคราะห์ศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์)
Thai Classical Music Club, Thammasat University
(ชุมนุมดนตรีไทย มหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์)
Thai classical music is one of the important cultural heritages for Thailand. Thammasat University has established the Thai Classical Music Club since 1963 as a continuation of knowledge from Thai traditional music masters and legends.
Thai Classical Music Club rehearsed and performed in the public events such as the performance in the annual student orientation day, Wai Kru ceremony, dissemination of Thai music masters and legends and the introduction of Thai Classical Music club’s history and establishment.
Thai Classical Music Club’s performances:
Khon Thammasat (โขนธรรมศาสตร์)
คณะโขนธรรมศาสตร์ พุทธศักราช ๒๕๐๙ (Khon Thammasat)
Khon is one of Thai’s cultural heritages. Khon Thammasat was formed in 1966, aiming for the younger generations to recognize the value of our culture, inherit and pass on this culture both nationally and internationally. The establishment of Khon, in addition to being a cultural show, it is also a tribute in honoring our monarchy as well.
Some of the performances from Khon Thammasat:
- นิทรรศการ “วิจิตราภรณ์ และประณีตศิลป์แห่งโขน” เพื่อเป็นส่วนหนึ่งของการสงวนและรักษา การแสดงโขนของไทย
- คณะศิลปกรรมศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์ ร่วมกับองค์การยูเนสโก และ อุทยานศิลปะวัฒนธรรมแม่ฟ้าหลวง ขอเชิญชมนิทรรศการภาพถ่าย โขน + อนาคต
- การแสดงโขน ตอน ศืบมรรคา 11-12 สิงหาคม 2564
Related articles and websites:
- เมื่อครั้ง “คึกฤทธิ์” ตั้งโขนธรรมศาสตร์ ถ่ายทอดนาฏศิลป์ชั้นสูงสู่คนรุ่นหลัง
- 50 ปี โขนธรรมศาสตร์ ตอกย้ำความยิ่งใหญ่แห่งงานนาฏศิลป์
- โขนธรรมศาสตร์ มรดกมีชีวิต
- Khon, Masked Dance Drama in Thailand
Thai Traditional Dance (ชุมนุมนาฏศิลป์ มหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์)
ชุมนุมนาฏศิลป์ มหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์ – Facebook
The Thammasat Thai Dance Club (ชุมนุมนาฏศิลป์ มหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์) has been involved in numerous performance activities, often managing large-scale productions and participating in collaborations. On April 21, 2024, the club organized its annual performance at Lecture Building 4, Thammasat University, Rangsit Center, featuring the Khon (masked dance) production “Narai Prab Nonthuk” (“นารายณ์ปราบนนทุก”); this event was described as potentially the largest performance the club had ever organized. Soon after, on April 26, 2567, the club was invited to perform during the opening ceremony of the 14th SCiUS Forum at the Kitiyakara Auditorium, Thammasat University, Rangsit Center. In July, the club collaborated with the @tuchorus_satb (TU Chorus Club), performing and assisting with training for the Thailand Choral Festival (TCF), which took place at the Thailand Cultural Centre on July 17. Later, on August 10, 2567, the club performed at the freshman orientation event, The Universe: Merging of The Galaxies (Welcoming TU90), at Thammasat University, Rangsit Center; for this event, the club presented the performance “Phern Thai” (“ผืนไท”), which compiled folk performing arts representing people from all four regions of Thailand. Most recently, the club was invited to perform at the annual government retirement party held on September 23, 2567, at the Ascott Grand Convention Hotel in Bangkok. Moving forward, the club intends to develop its next annual show to surpass previous ones and plans to collaborate with another club for that subsequent production.
The Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts at Thammasat University hosted a traditional dance performance at the “Julakathin” event on November 17, 2023, at the Buddha Dhammathitthi Sasada Hall, Thammasat University, Rangsit Center. Audiences can enjoy live music, “Lakhon Nok” (traditional Thai theater), Thai classical dance, international performances, and shows by various student clubs.
This event is made possible with support from the Lao Khrang Siew Uthumphon Handwoven Fabric Group at Wat Phrom Maduea, the Youth Art Association, the Dance Club, Theater Arts students from the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, the Thammasat University Demonstration School, the ASEAN Dance course, the Southern Dance course, the Baton Club, the Cheerleading Club, and the Folk Song Club.
Thammasat University and Silpakorn University partnered with Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to celebrate “Colorful Bangkok 2023” event in honor of their 90th and 80th anniversaries. The event, titled “2 Piers, 2 Palaces” (Human, Culture, and Arts for All), will transform areas around the Tha Prachan Pier and Tha Phra Pier into a creative arts and culture festival. The event was held every Sunday throughout November 2023, marking an important cultural and tourism highlight for Bangkok.
‘2 ท่า 2 วัง’ Human, Culture, and Arts for All พื้นที่เทศกาลศิลปวัฒนธรรมสร้างสรรค์พร้อมจับมือกรุงเทพฯ ร่วม ‘Colorful Bangkok 2023’ (Nov,2023)
The Drama Club took part in the 2023 Wai Khru Ceremony, themed “89 Years of Thammasat: Honoring the Wisdom of the Learned, Paying Tribute to Teacherly Virtues.” Organized by the Buddhist Studies and Traditions Club at Thammasat University, the ceremony was held at the Concert Hall in the Puey 100-Year Learning Park. Drama Club representatives, including 4th-year and 1st-year students from the Faculty of Liberal Arts, carried the ceremonial trays. The event featured a special performance titled “Kasina Bucha Khru,” an Isan (Northeastern Thai) dance dedicated to honoring teachers. The performance incorporated Sam Nuea and Thai Phuan musical styles, along with eloquent poetry that conveyed students’ deep gratitude and respect for their teachers’ guidance and wisdom.
Thammasat University Symphony Orchestra
TU Symphony Orchestra – Facebook
TU Symphony Orchestra was established on June 27, 2002 which coincides with the founding anniversary of Thammasat University. It was formed by a group of Thammasat University students from different faculties who had a passion for classical music and wanted the opportunity to perform to the public, both inside and outside the university. The group was initially called “TU Chamber”. However, because of the tremendous interests and increasing number of members, the name is changed to TU Symphony Orchestra (TUSO) to be more appropriate for the activities and types of the performance. TUSO is not just a band but a place to exchange knowledge, to learn about classical music, and most importantly, to be able to contribute to the society through their passions and the love of music.
The TU Symphony Orchestra (TUSO) performed and hosted several key activities throughout 2024, ranging from public collaborations to internal concerts and recruitment drives. In early 2024, TUSO collaborated with Siam Paragon for their New Year celebrations in an event titled TU Symphony Orchestra (TUSO) X Siam Paragon Golden Prosperous Chinese New Year 2024, which took place around February 12, 2024. As the year progressed, TUSO presented a Mini Concert on August 27, 2024, which served as a special performance to welcome the new semester with delightful melodies. This mini concert showcased the unique charm of various instrument types through five distinct performance sections: String, Woodwind, Brass, Piano, and Percussion. Focusing on engagement and recruitment, TUSO also held the TUSO First Meet 2024 on September 11, 2024. This special first meet event was designed to allow interested attendees to discover the behind-the-scenes operations of the orchestra, participate in fun activities, and enjoy beautiful songs performed by TUSO.
The biggest event documented was the “Enchanted Night Concert” held on October 24, 2024. For this large-scale production, TUSO collaborated with the ไหมไทยออร์เคสตรา (Maithai Orchestra) and the TU Chorus. The concert invited the audience to experience a night where memories and dreams converged, traversing timeless classic songs and newer, dreamlike modern pieces. Key activities included performances by celebrated artists such as สุรสีห์ อิทธิกุล, ป๊อด ธนชัย, โต๋ ศักดิ์สิทธิ์, and ลานดอกไม้, featuring outstanding arrangements by อาจารย์ดนู ฮันตระกูล (Dnu Huntrakul). Furthermore, the concert served a charitable purpose, as the revenue remaining after expenses was designated for Thammasat University Hospital, celebrating the 90th anniversary of Thammasat University.
TU Chorus Thammasat University
TU Chorus was established as a part of TU Folksong (the original one) in the late 1990s. In the early 2000s, TU Chorus grew in number and had different direction from TU Folksong, as a result the clubs were separated. TU Chorus participated in most of the university’s formal events in which university anthem and other classical songs are needed. The band also held its own concerts.
The Thammasat Chorus (TU Chorus) has been highly active in performances, charity events, and competitions, dating from late 2023 through 2024. In late 2023, the chorus performed at the งานกาชาด ณ สวนลุมพินี (Red Cross Fair) on December 9, 2023, appearing at the Thammasat University booth. On December 13, 2023, they participated in the Art&Life Charity Concert for Priest Hospital, performing alongside many other choirs at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, an event organized by Metarath University.
Starting 2024, the chorus held a performance at TCDC Bangkok on Saturday, February 24, 2024. From May 29 to June 2, 2024, TU Chorus achieved international recognition at the International Choir Competition Phnom Penh 2024 in Cambodia, where they secured two Golden Diplomas: Level II for the Mixed Choirs category and Level I for the Folklore category, notably collaborating with the Thammasat Thai Dance Club. Immediately following this competition, on June 2, 2024, the chorus was honored to participate in the Celebration Activity for His Majesty the King’s 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary) at the Royal Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh. In July, on July 17, 2024, they performed at the Thailand Choral Festival, presenting songs like “บุษบาเสี่ยงเทียน” with choreography from the Thai Dance Club, and “รำวงชมเดือน” featuring elements of Thai rhythm provided by the Thammasat Thai Music Club. August saw the chorus participating in the All For Education: Education For All event on August 23, 2024, where they performed the song ‘ปรากฏการณ์ผีเสื้อ’ (Butterfly Phenomenon).
September was marked by competition success and public appearances: between September 3 and 6, 2024, TU Chorus competed in the Thailand International Choral Festival -Thai ICF, where they won a Gold Medal in the Folklore category and a Silver Medal in the Mixed Adult Choir category. They also performed “What a wonderful world” during the opening ceremony of the SX Sustainability Expo 2024 on September 27, 2567, and were invited to be part of the พิธีไหว้ครูประจำปีการศึกษา 2567 (Wai Kru Ceremony). Finally, the TU Chorus is scheduled to be part of the major collaborative event, the “Enchanted Night Concert,” presented jointly with the Thammasat University Symphony Orchestra and “Thai Silk Orchestra,” tickets for which began sale in September 2024.
ขับร้องประสานเสียงในพิธีไหว้ครู (Sep,2023)
The Buddhist Studies and Tradition Club at Thammasat University graciously invited the Choir Club to perform at the Wai Khru Ceremony for the 2023 academic year.
TU Band
TU Band is an official university contemporary music band. It was established in August 1948 by Master Sungka Asatthawasi (ครูสังข์ อสัตถวาสี), who gathered Thammasat students who loved music and had musical talent and formed a full band. TU Band has been playing in almost all Thammasat University’s event for more than 70 years. Nowadays, TU Band recruits students with musical talents to become band members every year.
The TU Band has been active in numerous events, primarily associated with Thammasat University and its related activities in 2024. One of these activities was the new student welcome event at Thammasat University on August 13, where the band performed a special show intending to provide new students with positive musical experiences and happiness. Later in the year, on October 28, the TU Band participated in the Freshy Game, where they were delighted to have been a part of creating excitement for attendees. Following this, the band hosted its own ‘Halloween Party with TU Band’ on October 31, successfully delivering fun and music, and promising that the wildly fun memories of the night would “haunt” the audience until their next meeting. In November, the TU Band was present at the “Thammasat Open House 2024” on November 13, hoping that their music would serve as motivation and encouragement for students to pursue their aspirations.
The last major event took place on November 23 at Thammasat University, marking the “End of Racing!”. This event coincided with the launch event for the Thammasat cheer shirt for the 75th Annual Football Match between Thammasat and Chulalongkorn (TUCUBALL 75).
TU Band Live Sessions held at Thammasat University during 2023 are such as Thammasat on Stage: Talent Fair & Music Fest 2023” at the Lampang Campus, TU Fair 2023 at Dome Administration, Rangsit Campus, featuring TU Band spreading joy in celebration of Valentine’s Day, Thammasat Open House 2023, Halloween Nightmare Voltopia 2023, Loy Krathong Festival at the “New Moon New Me” event, and Red Cross Fair. Each event showcased Thammasat’s vibrant community spirit and traditions, welcoming students and guests to experience a diverse range of activities.
The Chinese Opera Society of the Faculty of Social Administration Thammasat University (COS, FSA)
(งิ้วสังคมสงเคราะห์ศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์)
งิ้วสังคมสงเคราะห์ศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์ – Facebook
In 1982, the Chinese Opera Society of the Faculty of Social Administration, Thammasat University (COS, FSA), was founded with inspiration from the Thammasat University Drama Club. COS is organised by students, mainly from the faculty of Social Administration.
There are five divisions within COS: costume, makeup, and hair stylists, narrators, performers, and musicians. Each division is comprised of different genders and college-aged individuals. Prior to each performance, students compose a story that frequently criticises the Thai government and reflects their thoughts on socioeconomic and political challenges in Thai society. COS performances incorporate the Thai language and traditional Chinese costumes.
Each year, more than 10 shows take place in diverse locations across the country. Importantly, COS’s goals have always stimulated society and echoed the people’s voices in the Thai challenges.
The activities performed by the Thammasat University Social Welfare Chinese Opera (งิ้วสังคมสงเคราะห์ศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์) primarily revolve around the staging of Political Satirical Chinese Opera (งิ้วล้อการเมือง) within academic settings, as indicated by the use of hashtags such as #TUCHINESEOPERA and #NGEWSWTU. One significant activity involved commemorating a historical event by performing the opera during the worship anniversary of the 48th year of October 6, 2519 (1976). This commemorative event, which took place at Thammasat University, Tha Phra Chan Center, on Sunday, October 6, 2024, was titled 6 October: ‘Mirror Reflecting Thai Society’. The performance’s context included poignant reflections on historical violence and resilience, invoking imagery of the smell of blood, the loss of humanity, and the persistent aspiration that the nation belongs to the populace. A second distinct activity involved presenting the opera as part of a university outreach program, specifically during the Thammasat Open House 2024. This performance was held at Kitiyakarn Hall, Thammasat University, Rangsit Center, on Saturday, November 9, 2024, and featured thematic content centered on education, freedom, daring to think, challenging established norms, expressing individualism, and welcoming students back to the university, often referred to as the “Dome”.
Some of the club’s past performances:
- TU Freshy Game 2022 – Legendary Kingdoms
- งานปฐมนิเทศ ๒๕๖๓ (เต็มเวที)
- งิ้วล้อการเมือง ” แห่งคณะสังคมสงเคราะห์ศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์ ในงาน Freshy game 2022
- Workshop ชมรมงิ้วล้อการเมือง 2022
