Commitment to Community Education: Thammasat University actively promotes Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by offering valuable education and resources to underserved communities, particularly in rural areas, focusing on public health, legal rights, mental health, and sustainable business practices.
Mental Health and Legal Outreach: Through initiatives such as mental health sessions for seniors in Chonburi and legal training and mobile clinics in Kanchanaburi, Thammasat University addresses community needs, providing support in mental health awareness and enhancing access to justice in remote areas.
Hands-On Public Health Engagement: The “Public Health Volunteer: Developing Rural Communities” program allows Thammasat students to gain practical experience while delivering essential health services and fostering environmental awareness, showcasing the university’s commitment to public service and sustainable health practices.
Supporting Local Economic Sustainability: By collaborating with small businesses on marketing and traceability, the School of Global Studies and the Intellectual Property and Business Incubation Center empower local entrepreneurs, supporting sustainable economic growth in rural communities.
Empowering Communities for Sustainable Development: Thammasat University’s outreach programs equip local residents with knowledge and resources to enhance their quality of life and promote sustainable community development across health, legal, and economic sectors.
Thammasat University has a strong commitment to promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through initiatives that provide valuable knowledge and resources to communities in need, particularly in rural areas. These efforts aim to reduce knowledge gaps by offering education and resources on public health, legal rights, mental health, and sustainable business practices, with an emphasis on reaching individuals and groups who might otherwise lack access to this information.
One such initiative took place on September 13, 2023, when Thammasat University Pattaya, led by Assistant Professor Dr. Natdanai Phanujaerwong, organized a mental health education session for elderly residents in Nong Prue Municipality, Chonburi. The event, titled “Understanding Depression: Restoring Smiles for the Elderly,” aimed to promote mental health awareness and support the well-being of seniors, many of whom are vulnerable to social isolation and depression. This outreach program also included the donation of face masks for local distribution, demonstrating Thammasat’s dedication to both physical and mental health in underserved communities.
The Thammasat Law Center has extended its reach by offering legal training and mobile clinics in rural areas. During September and October 2023, the center organized training sessions for village heads, community leaders, and interested residents in Kanchanaburi Province. Many rural residents often lack an understanding of their legal rights, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and disputes. These workshops educate local leaders and citizens on laws that affect them, helping to prevent civil and criminal issues. Mobile legal clinics were also offered to provide consultations and advice for individuals facing legal challenges, thus improving access to justice and legal resources in remote areas.
The Faculty of Public Health at Thammasat University engages students in practical learning through the annual “Public Health Volunteer: Developing Rural Communities” program, with its seventh iteration held in Khon Kaen’s Huai Phai community in early 2023. Through activities such as restroom repairs, infirmary upgrades, and community health screenings, students not only provide essential health services but also gain hands-on experience in public service and civic responsibility. Additionally, students conducted health awareness sessions on diabetes, hypertension, and mental health, and promoted waste separation initiatives, fostering environmental consciousness. This program exemplifies Thammasat University’s dedication to instilling public health awareness and sustainable practices in both students and community members.
Beyond health and legal knowledge, Thammasat supports economic sustainability through the School of Global Studies (SGS) and the Intellectual Property and Business Incubation Center. SGS students recently collaborated with community business groups in Baan Khao Noi, Satun Province, to share expertise in online and offline marketing strategies. This guidance empowers small businesses in remote areas, helping them access wider markets and contribute to local economic growth.
In addition, the Intellectual Property and Business Incubation Center held a seminar in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce on September 6, 2023, in Lopburi Province. This workshop focused on “Organic Farming: From Choice to Survival” and trained nearly 80 farmers and entrepreneurs on organic certification, online marketing, and traceability through the TRACETHAI.com system, which ensures product transparency from farm to consumer.
Through these targeted outreach programs, Thammasat University demonstrates its commitment to advancing sustainable development within local communities. By providing education on public health, legal rights, mental well-being, and sustainable business practices, the university empowers residents with the skills and knowledge needed to improve their quality of life and promote sustainable community development.
Thammasat University, through several faculties, e.g. Faculty of Science and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Faculty of Engineering, Puey School of Development Studies, School of Global Studies, Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy, Faculty of Political Science, and Faculty of Economics, is committed to embedding sustainability and SDG education across disciplines. By offering specialized programs and courses, these faculties equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to address global sustainability challenges.
Programmes on Sustainability
Several faculties and colleges in Thammasat University provide specific programmes on sustainability and SDGs from bachelor, master and doctoral program. These courses and programmes cover a wide range of disciplines as follow
Faculty of Science and Technology
Bachelor of Science Programme in Sustainable Development Technology
https://sci.tu.ac.th/sustainable-development-th/
Bachelor of Science Programme in Environmental Science
Moreover, The School of Global Studies at Thammasat University stands out as a dynamic hub for interdisciplinary education and research, tackling some of the most pressing global challenges of our time. With a focus on issues like globalization, international relations, sustainable development, human rights, and environmental change, this school prepares students to become impactful leaders in an increasingly interconnected world.
Programs Offered: https://sgs.tu.ac.th
Course
Detail
Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies and Social Entrepreneurship (International Program):
Dive into the world of social innovation and learn how to create sustainable solutions to real-world problems.
Master of Arts in Social Innovation and Sustainability (International Program)
Build on your knowledge and skills to drive change and foster sustainable practices in various sectors.
Doctor of Philosophy in Social Innovation and Sustainability (International Program):
Engage in cutting-edge research and contribute to the field with advanced insights into social innovation and sustainability challenges.
Courses on Sustainability
The followings are examples of courses on sustainability provided at faculty level, covering both undergraduate and graduate programmes.
Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy
Undergraduate Courses
AC311 Accounting for Environmental and Social Responsibility
ER321 Entrepreneurial Skills and Social Entrepreneurship
IB433 Ethical Issues in Business
MK411 Sustainability Marketing
Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy
Undergraduate Courses
AC311 Accounting for Environmental and Social Responsibility
ER321 Entrepreneurial Skills and Social Entrepreneurship
IB433 Ethical Issues in Business
MK411 Sustainability Marketing
Graduate Courses
BA604 Sustainability Business Management
RB798 Sustainable Real Estate Development
MF767 Corporate Governance and Sustainability
Faculty of Political Science
Undergraduate Courses
PO222 Dynamics of Local Politics
PO307 Feminist Political Theory
P311 Social Movements and Political Space
PO312 Politics and Public Laws
PO323 Politics of Development
PO406 Politics of Gender and Sexuality
PO348 Introduction to Environment Policy and Planning
PO355 Social Welfare Policy Management
PO356 Technology, Innovation and Public Management Information System
PO358 Development Administration in Global Context
PO363 Local Financial Administration
PO366 Sustainable Environmental Management
PO368 Urban Policy and Management
PO449 Disaster Risk Governance
PO377 Environment and International Relations
PO397 The Politics of International Assistance and Development
PO398 Global Civic Society
PO399 Human Security
Faculty of Economics
Undergraduate Courses
EC364 Gender Economics
EC365 Economics of Local Development
EC366 Thai Rural Studies
EC375 Applied Natural resource and Environmental Economics
Thammasat University integrates SDG-focused education into its General Education Courses, preparing all students with the skills, values, and global mindset needed for 21st-century challenges.
Thammasat University has the commitment of providing meaningful education around SDGs issues for all students across the university through General Education Courses (GE Courses). The GE Courses of Thammasat aim at educating all Thammasat Students to be ready for the 21st Century. and having characteristics of GREATS, i.e. Global mindset, Responsibility, Eloquence, Aesthetic, Team leader, and Sprit of Thammasat (democracy, justice and social dedication). SDGs in general and aspects of Education for Sustainable Development have been embedded in Thammasat GE Courses since the 2013 and each revise every 5 years.
The followings are the example of GE courses that provide education on SDGs as well as Education for Sustainable Development in 2023 academic year.
Course Titles
Its relation to SDGs and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
TU100 Civic Engagement
SDG 4.7 and ESD on Global Citizenship Education (all issues)
TU101 Thailand, ASEAN, and the World
SDG 4.7 and ESD on Global Citizenship Education (Cultural diversity and tolerance, Human Rights, Peace and anti-violence)
TU109 Innovation and Entrepreneurial Mindset
SDG 4.4, 8.3
TU103 Life and Sustainability
SDG in general, ESD on GCED and ESD (gender equality, human rights, climate change, environmental sustainability, human survival and wellbeing, Sustainable Consumption and Production.
TU312 Social project and campaign
SDG 4.7
AP164 Economics of Built Environment
SDG 11
AP 166 Sustainability and Built Environmental Design GTS131 Circularity for Sustainable Development
SDG 11 SDG 12.5
CIS 111 Concepts and Theories on sustainability
SDG 4.7
BT116 Biodiversity for sustainable life
SDG 15.5
TU143 Man and Environment
SDG 4.7 and ESD (climate change, environmental sustainability, Sustainable Consumption and Production)
ES329 Environment and Energy
SDG 12
RT 366 Sustainable Development
SDG 4.7
CHE106 Sustainability of Natural Resources and Energy AE106 Sustainability of Natural Resources and Energy
SDG 4.7 and ESD (climate change, environmental sustainability, Sustainable Consumption and Production)
Thammasat University is committed to advancing education and sustainable development through strategic partnerships, research, and collaboration with Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organizations. One such initiative, the “Ecosystem of Meaningful Learning and Happiness” project, teams up with the Jaika Ting Foundation to support schools in Phichit Province, enhancing educational quality by aligning it with local community needs. Additionally, Thammasat’s collaboration with the Doi Tung Development Project assesses the social impacts of long-standing community programs, driving insights for rural development. Through SDG Move, Thammasat also leads national efforts on the Sustainable Development Goals, consolidating vital data and resources in the SDG Portal to promote informed, sustainable policies.
Student volunteering
Since 2022, Thammasat University’s Faculty of Learning Sciences and Education, in collaboration with the Jaika Ting Foundation, has been at the forefront of improving education in rural Thailand. Through the “Ecosystem of Meaningful Learning and Happiness” project, Thammasat continues its commitment to enhancing educational quality and fostering community-driven change in schools across Phichit Province. This initiative is part of the larger national Partnership School Project, which aims to transform education through public-private collaboration.
The “Ecosystem of Meaningful Learning and Happiness” project targets supporting four schools in Phichit Province—Bang Mun Nak, Wat Ban Huai Yao, Wang Takur, and Ban Noi Pruk—with the goal of enhancing educational management and quality.
Leveraging Phichit’s strong educational resources and collaborative networks, the project aims to create a shared vision and mobilize resources to align educational practices with community needs and socioeconomic development. It addresses key challenges, such as adapting classroom management to students’ contexts and ensuring academic strategies meet community requirements.
The project operates on three levels:
Institutional Level: Schools are encouraged to transform into lifelong learning spaces, adapting curricula to real-life needs and fostering multi-grade learning to optimize resources.
Network Level: Building connections among educational institutions, communities, and public and private sectors is essential for mobilizing resources for educational development.
Policy Level: Findings will inform policy recommendations to enhance small and medium-sized schools nationwide, ensuring that similar contexts receive support.
Project activities focus on empowering teachers as change leaders through modules emphasizing self-awareness and innovative teaching practices. Engaging students in creative camps, such as video production and community theater, fosters critical skills and connects them to their local contexts.
This collaboration between Thammasat University and the Jaika Ting Foundation not only seeks to improve educational quality but also embodies a commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education. By fostering inclusive and equitable educational practices, the project contributes to building a resilient learning ecosystem in rural areas.
Partnership School Project’s Home page: Click the photo,
Thammasat University, led by Associate Professor Dr. Orapan Kongmalai, collaborates with the Doi Tung Development Project to conduct a comprehensive research initiative focused on social impact assessment. This project aims to compare the social impacts of the Doi Tung Development Project—initiated by the Royal Initiative and operating for over 30 years—with similar communities, specifically in Mae Salong Subdistrict.
The research uses a framework based on the 3S Model (Survival, Sufficiency, Sustainability) and evaluates 25 key indicators across economic, social, and environmental dimensions. It assesses changes before and after the project’s implementation and compares conditions with unaffected populations to ensure genuine social benefits. The findings highlight significant improvements in the project area, though some indicators related to ecological sustainability are still developing.
Thammasat University, through SDG Move at the Faculty of Economics, plays a pivotal role in international collaboration for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by serving as the national host of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Thailand. This network aims to unite experts from academia and practice to address sustainability challenges effectively.
One key initiative is the collaboration on data collection to produce “the SDG Portal”, a significant output of the project “Communicating Knowledge and Monitoring the Implementation of SDGs in Thailand.” This project, primarily led by SDG Move, is supported by IHPP Foundation, a non-profit think tank on international health policies. Together, they aim to create a Knowledge Hub that consolidates diverse SDG-related information, leveraging existing databases and educational resources from various agencies dedicated to advancing the SDGs. (SDG portal Homepage: https://www.sdgport-th.org)
The Knowledge Hub features three main components:
Resources: A variety of documents, including research reports, journals, articles, books, manuals, and promotional materials in different formats.
Indicators: Annual progress data presented in global dashboards from the Sustainable Development Report and specific progress data for Thailand from the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).
Actors: Information about organizations involved in driving the SDGs at all levels, including international bodies, government agencies, academia, the private sector, and civil society.
Moreover, the platform encourages users to contribute by suggesting additional resources or academic works, enhancing the comprehensiveness of the database and fostering collaboration in the ongoing effort to monitor and assess progress on the SDGs in both area-based and issue-based contexts. Through these initiatives, Thammasat University not only contributes to data gathering and analysis but also promotes an inclusive approach to sustainability efforts in Thailand and beyond.
Thammasat University’s Centre for SDG Research and Support (SDG Move), as the national host of SDSN Thailand, organized an international online workshop on “Rethinking Educational Infrastructure for Education for Sustainable Development in Thailand” on September 20, 2022. Part of the KASpaces series initiated by Konrad Adenauer Singapore, the workshop featured insights from Thai universities and engaged partners from 12 countries. This event highlighted collaborative efforts to advance sustainable education practices across Asia.
At the beginning of the academic year 2022-2023, on September 20th, 2022, the Centre for SDG Research and Support (SDG Move), Thammasat University, as a national host of SDSN Thailand, organized an online workshop on the topic of “Rethinking Educational Infrastructure for Education for Sustainable Development in Thailand”.
In this workshop, SDG Move engaged national experts on Education for Sustainable Development from Chulalongkorn University, Siam University, and Rajabhat Yala University to share their experiences and lessons learned in relation to the topic of the workshop. Participants include partners in the 12 countries, representatives from Konrad Adenauer Singapore, and the public.
This workshop was the 5th workshop in a workshop series called KASpaces, started in 2021. KASPaces is an international effort, initiated by Konrad Adenauer Singapore with partners in 12 countries. Thailand is one of the countries and SDG Move, Thammasat University was the main partner in Thailand. This project covers 12 countries including, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, South Korea, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Pakistan, The Philippines, India, Taiwan.
In 2023, Thammasat University as the national host of SDSN Thailand was collaborating with UNSDSN, an international academic network supporting Sustainable Development Goals under the auspices of the UN Secretary General, in collecting data on government efforts for achieving the SDGs along with other 73 countries.
Sustainable Development Report 2023 was the second edition of the report that includes the assessment of the government’s SDG effort. To create the assessment, UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network asked all of its national chapter’s host to collaborate in gathering data on the government SDG’s effort. The output of the collaboration is published in the Sustainable Development Report 2023.
Thammasat University, by the SDG Move under the Faculty of Economics, is the national host of SDSN Thailand and was collaborating in the data collection process to produce this result.
Thailand was classified as a country with high SDG commitment, ranked 26th from 74 countries being assessed. SDG coordination and multilateralism were assessed as high efforts, while having SDG pathways was assessed as moderate.
Source: Sustainable Development Report 2023, page 72.
Thammasat University’s Active Role in SDG Dialogue: Through the Centre for SDG Research and Support (SDG Move), Thammasat has actively led cross-sectoral discussions on SDGs, demonstrated by key events like the Thailand Sustainable Development Forum 2023, which showcased local sustainable development projects and launched critical SDG publications.
Collaborative Seminars on Policy and Governance: Thammasat hosted significant seminars in 2023 on pressing issues such as sustainable energy transition and governance, bringing together policymakers, academics, and experts to explore solutions for Thailand’s sustainability challenges.
Engagement with Political Leaders on Environmental Policy: In a seminar on April 23, 2023, Thammasat facilitated a dialogue with representatives from multiple political parties to discuss Thailand’s environmental policy, underscoring its role in fostering policy discussions that align with sustainable development objectives.
Thammasat University has taken a proactive role in fostering cross-sectoral dialogue on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through various initiatives, particularly via the Centre for SDG Research and Support (SDG Move) throughout 2023.
A significant highlight was the “Thailand Sustainable Development Forum 2023,” held on December 21, 2023. Co-hosted by the International Health Policy Program (IHPP) of the Ministry of Public Health, the event featured the launch of key publications, including the “Thailand Sustainable Development Report” and “Community Journeys: 5 Learning Areas and Sustainable Development.” The forum emphasized local-level sustainable development initiatives from five communities, showcasing practical approaches to the SDGs. The seminar on the Community Journeys was a dialogue between community representatives from the selected learning areas and participants who were scholars and government officers.
On December 6, 2023, the Center for Natural Resources and Environmental Law at Thammasat University, in collaboration with the Research and Support Center for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG Move) at the Faculty of Economics, organized an academic seminar titled “How to Achieve a Sustainable and Just Energy Transition: From Policy to Practice.” The panelists included two scholars, i.e. one from Faculty of Law, the other from Sirinthorn International Institute of Technology, Thammasat University, one is director of a political think tank, and the other was scholar from a sustainability research company.
Earlier, on June 8, 2023, Thammasat’s Centre for SDG Research and Support hosted a seminar titled “Broken Governance | The Decay of Governance = The Root of Thailand’s Unsustainability,” where experts discussed critical issues affecting governance in Thailand, highlighting the need for improved corporate governance and the impacts of decentralization. The panelists included two scholars, one director of a civil society organization, and one scholar from sustainability research company.
Other notable events included a seminar on April 23, 2023. The Center for Natural Resources and Environmental Law at Thammasat University organized an academic seminar titled “Will Environmental Policy Change After the Election?” at Thammasat University, Tha Phra Chan Campus. Representatives from various political parties participated in the discussion, including the Palang Pracharath Party, the Chart Patthana Kla Party, the Democrat Party, the Pheu Thai Party, the Move Forward Party, and the Chart Thai Pattana. Party.
Thammasat University is actively contributing to SDG policy development through the “AREA Need” project, which identifies and prioritizes regional needs to support sustainable development strategies at the national level.
In 2023, Thammasat University, through SDG Move and regional working groups across Thailand, is launching the “AREA Need” project, funded by Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI). This initiative aims to identify local needs and knowledge gaps to develop effective research funding strategies for sustainable regional development.
The project has two main steps: first, it employs the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework, which includes social, economic, environmental, peace, and justice dimensions, to identify these regional sustainability challenges. Horizon Scanning, one of the foresight techniques, and Adapted Delphi method with experts from various disciplines and sectors were used to explore, scope down and prioritize these challenges in each region.
Second, it engages stakeholders in participatory foresight discussions to envision future directions for their communities. The outcomes will help formulate further research granting programmes related to critical knowledge gaps for sustainable development, ultimately improving local quality of life and supporting government efforts to integrate SDGs at all levels. This process is vital for shaping national research strategies and optimizing research budgets for effective investments in sustainable development. See the outcomes of key findings in each region of Thailand below.
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, which in 2023, came in the theme “Early Summer Love”, and several other ad-hoc themed concerts, such as Débutante Concert, Evergreen Concert, and Christmas Countdown 2023.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
TU Symphony Orchestra organizes annual concerts, which in 2023 came in the theme “Early Summer Love”, and several other ad-hoc themed concerts, such as Débutante Concert,Evergreen Concert, and Christmas Countdown 2023. All performances were FREE of charge.
Here are some of the key public performances of TUSO during 2023 for your reference.
On February 5, 2023, the first show of the year in the “Talent Fair and Music Festival 2023” took place at the Auditorium, Service Innovation Building, Thammasat University Lampang Campus. Admission was free of charge. At this event, our club had the opportunity to perform a symphony concert, *TUSO Live in Lampang: Early Summer Love*. The performance featured beautiful love songs prepared to bring joy to everyone in Lampang. The repertoire included pieces such as *Sleeping Beauty (Waltz)*, *One Summer’s Day*, *Yesterday Once More*, *If You Love Someone*, *Love at First Sight*, and more.
On April 5, 2023, TUSO transformed their concert into a grand debutante ball, a tradition among the aristocracy and noble families to formally introduce their daughters to society. For us at TUSO, our “daughter” symbolizes the “beautiful music” ready to enchant and deliver melodies that will make your evening feel like a dream. This elegant, luxurious event will feature performances of many popular songs, including “Golden Hour”, “Be Our Guest”, and more.
For the 3rd performance on November 1, 2023, TUSO proudly presents the “Evergreen Concert”, capturing the lush beauty of nature. This event is designed to immerse everyone in the enchanting splendor of the world and refreshing atmosphere through classical pieces like “Peer Gynt Suite No.1”, “The Blue Danube”, and many more, crafted to transport you into nature’s embrace.
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.
งาน “Back to U หวนคืนสู่ท่วงทำนองในวันวาน” (Feb,2023) The “Back to U: A Return to the Melodies of the Past” concert celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Thammasat University Choir on February 10, 2023, at the Sriburapha Auditorium, Thammasat University, Tha Prachan Campus.
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 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.
TU Band Live Sessions held at Thammasat Universityduring 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.
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.
Thammasat University has published a notification of “Policy on Gender Equality and Non-Discrimination against Women, LGBT+ People, and People with Disabilities” (as policy no. 6 on our sustainability website https://sdgs.tu.ac.th/policy-operation/) that designates a policy and practice guidelines against any discrimination or disadvantage in education or employment. The policy addresses on page 3, in section 4, “Anti-Harassment Guidelines” that all behaviors such as verbal, non-verbal, or physical sexual harassment are unacceptalbe and will not be tolerated in any form within the university, in school or workplaces.
To fosters a positive and safe atmosphere to reduce the risk of harassment and abuse, Thammasat promote knowledge and understanding regarding actions that constitute sexual abuse or sexual harassment through the establishment of the “Sexual Safety and Sexual Awareness Promotion Board” in 2019 to regulate and manage all issues related to sexual safety and gender equality. Practice Guidelines for Sexual Molestation or Harassment Prevention and Solution was issued covering the definitions of sexual molestation or harassment, characteristics of inappropriate behaviors considered as sexual molestation or harassment, scope of victim protection, place of incident and feeling of victim, appropriate steps in case of potential sexual molestation or harassment, the process in petitioning a complaint about sexual abuse or harassment, and the measures for petitioner and witness protection.
