SDG 8 in numbers
The graph shows the proportion of Thammasat University students in work placements over a month from 2018 to 2023. While total enrollment remained stable, fluctuating between 28,359 and 30,995, students in extended placements rose from 3,611 in 2018–2019 to 7,852 in 2022–2023, reflecting increased emphasis on practical experience among students.
The graph shows Thammasat University’s research output on SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) from 2015 to 2023. Starting with 12 publications in 2015, output rose steadily, peaking at 54 in 2023. Despite minor dips, recent years indicate a strong focus on decent work and economic growth research, with significant growth in 2022 and 2023.
Research in SDG 8 (2019 – 2024)
Driving Sustainable Growth: Thammasat University’s Bold Pursuit of Decent Work and Economic Transformation
Thammasat University scholars have made significant contributions to SDG 8—Decent Work and Economic Growth—through research in several key areas. One focus is labor market dynamics and job quality, examining issues like skill redefinition, job polarization, and the impact of structural economic changes in Thailand. Studies explore the tension between economic growth and equitable job quality.
Another major research area is entrepreneurship and innovation, particularly among Thai youth and vulnerable groups. Research emphasizes the role of education in fostering entrepreneurial intent and highlights the importance of inclusive entrepreneurship to bridge income gaps and drive economic resilience.
The effects of crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, on economic structures and labor markets have also been explored. Research investigates wage inequalities, sector-specific vulnerabilities, and the distributional impacts of economic disruptions, underscoring the need for resilience through policy adaptation, job retention, and social protection.
Additionally, scholars study the relationship between economic growth and sustainable development. Research explores how economic policies, trade liberalization, and infrastructure investments can promote sustainable employment and resource-efficient practices. This work links economic growth with ecological imperatives, supporting long-term growth that meets SDG 8 and broader SDG objectives.
Gender and workforce equality also receive substantial focus, with research on gender wage gaps, occupational feminization, and work conditions for women. Scholars investigate structural barriers and wage disparities, proposing policies to create inclusive work environments. This area reflects Thammasat’s commitment to equitable economic growth by addressing gender-based challenges in the labor market.
These research clusters demonstrate Thammasat University’s comprehensive approach to SDG 8, promoting resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth through interdisciplinary insights and evidence-based solutions for decent work for all.
Outreach and Academic Services in SDG 8
Thammasat University has actively supported SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through 118 community service projects driven by various faculties. These projects aim to equip entrepreneurs, government and private sector employees, community enterprises, and marginalized groups with essential skills for success in the modern economy, fostering inclusive growth and ensuring economic resilience.
The Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy offers specialized training in financial analysis, market research, product development, and financial management. These initiatives support local businesses, including agricultural product processing in provinces like Nakhon Pathom and Rayong, promoting sustainable growth at the grassroots level.
The Institute for Continuing Education and Human Resources provides vocational training for marginalized communities, including inmates, focusing on practical skills such as batik-making and agricultural product processing. These programs aid reintegration into society by equipping individuals with the skills needed for stable employment, extending economic support to those outside traditional labor markets.
The Faculty of Science and Technology, in collaboration with the Office of Advanced Science and Technology, offers workshops on financial planning, debt restructuring, and technology integration. These initiatives help young entrepreneurs leverage technology for sustainable growth, combining scientific innovation with practical business skills to enhance adaptability and competitiveness in complex economic environments.
Social sciences play an integral role as well. The Faculty of Social Administration and the Puey Ungphakorn School of Development Studies organize seminars on economic and social management, promoting sustainable economic models and responsible business practices. Their focus on social responsibility ensures that projects instill both technical skills and ethical values.
Thammasat’s community service projects span diverse demographics, empowering participants to thrive in the evolving economic landscape. These interdisciplinary efforts highlight the university’s commitment to sustainable economic growth and inclusive development.
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Supporting Thammasat University’s Workforce: A Commitment to Welfare, Safety, and Growth
1. Comprehensive Welfare Programs for All Employees
Thammasat University values its staff and offers comprehensive welfare benefits to all employees, including civil servants, permanent staff, and temporary workers. Benefits cover social security, health and life insurance, housing aid, disaster relief, provident funds, and educational support for master’s and child education. The university also emphasizes employee well-being through flexible health benefits, offering services like health check-ups, vision care, gym memberships, and additional health insurance. These programs are designed to keep employees healthy, motivated, and engaged in supporting Thammasat’s mission.
2. Ensuring a Safe and Productive Workplace
Thammasat University fosters a safe, efficient work environment to support staff well-being and productivity. Safety committees in each faculty monitor hazards, track incidents, and enforce safety protocols. Regular safety meetings and training sessions help ensure staff can work confidently and effectively, with health and safety as top priorities.
3. Ongoing Training and Professional Development
Thammasat University fosters professional growth through continuous learning and knowledge sharing across departments. Each department develops training programs focused on staff well-being, skills enhancement, and career development. Workshops cover stress management, document systems, software tools, quality assurance, international standards, and more. These initiatives strengthen staff competencies and support the university’s mission of excellence.
From Skill to Impact: Thammasat University’s Expertise for a Better Tomorrow
At Thammasat University, both faculty and academic support staff are vital in shaping Thailand’s future through outreach and community-focused initiatives. In 2023, Thammasat’s Faculty of Law led legal training in Ubon Ratchathani and Bangkok, empowering communities with essential knowledge on legal rights. The Faculty of Learning Sciences and Education, in partnership with the Sirindhorn Anthropology Center, promoted cultural leadership and community-based learning, while coaching skills workshops and lifelong learning programs supported educator development.
The Faculty of Nursing Sciences championed senior health by providing nutrition education in collaboration with local groups, and the Library and Information Center advanced digital innovation with workshops on archiving and research management. Thammasat’s dedication to educational excellence, cultural awareness, and community service reflects its mission for a more informed and sustainable society, making a positive, lasting impact on both local and global communities.
