In a continued effort to drive Thailand towards a greener future, Thammasat University, through the Centre for SDG Research and Support (SDG Move) under the Faculty of Economics, once again stepped up as a key partner for ‘Sustrends 2026’.

Held on 27 August 2025 at the Benchakitti Forest Park Museum, this premier annual seminar serves as a vital platform for updating the nation on the most critical sustainability trends. It is a space where knowledge is exchanged, and inspiration is ignited to drive Thai society towards sustainability in every dimension.

A Convergence of Changemakers 

The ‘Sustrends’ forum is organised through a robust collaboration of diverse sectors, led by The Cloud—an online media platform dedicated to creative social storytelling—alongside heavyweights such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), and various other sustainability networks.

A Steadfast Partnership 

SDG Move’s involvement with Sustrends has been consistent and impactful. having served as a Co-organising Partner since 2023 (for Sustrends 2024) and again in 2024 (for Sustrends 2025), the Faculty of Economics has consistently deployed its personnel to share expertise on stage. This enduring relationship reflects a deep commitment to pushing the sustainable development agenda alongside the country’s leading networks.

Showcasing Impact and Innovation 

For Sustrends 2026, SDG Move maintained its pivotal role not only as a co-organiser but also as a key exhibitor. The centre’s booth attracted significant interest, showcasing the centre’s mission which aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and highlighting Thammasat University’s impressive performance in the THE Impact Rankings 2025.

Spotlight on Innovation: “Urban Mining” 

A highlight of the event was the visionary talk by Associate Professor Dr Kriengkrai Techakanont from the Faculty of Economics, Thammasat University. Selected as one of the 15 distinguished speakers, he presented a compelling case for “Urban Mining: Extracting Value from End-of-Life Vehicles.”

Dr Kriengkrai illuminated a hidden economic opportunity, pointing out that the city’s accumulation of end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) is not merely waste, but a potential economic treasure trove worth over 200 billion THB.

• The Circular Approach: He argued that managing these vehicles correctly is not just about waste disposal; it is a perfect model for the Circular Economy, turning scrap into valuable resources.
• Call for Legislation: To unlock this potential and solve environmental issues sustainably, he proposed that Thailand must seriously consider enacting specific legislation to support the management of ELVs.

Read the full article from the speakers at The Cloud Facebook Page.