HIGHLIGHTS

• Puey Ungphakorn School of Development Studies, Thammasat University, joined forces with 16 partner organisations to sign a Memorandum of Understanding at the Children and Youth Expo 2026 to strengthen the Child and Youth Council.
• The core of this initiative is to provide a space for children and young people to develop their potential and actively participate in shaping public policies that genuinely impact society.
• The School possesses academic capital and experience from working with children and youth at a regional level. This accumulated knowledge will be instrumental in supporting the Child and Youth Council to serve as a comprehensive voice for policy advocacy.
• This collaboration aims to establish a long-term, cross-sectoral mechanism to develop the potential of new leaders, reduce inequality, decentralise opportunities, and build a society that fosters the sustainable growth of young people.

Amid the major challenge facing Thai society to create opportunities for the new generation to participate in decision-making on public issues, the “Children and Youth Expo 2026”, held on 21 September 2026 at the Chaeng Watthana Government Complex, Bangkok, served as an important national platform uniting efforts to drive the potential of Thai youth. Puey Ungphakorn School of Development Studies, Thammasat University, played a key role in connecting academic knowledge with concrete social development.

At the event, Assistant Professor Dr Thidarat Sakveerakul was designated by Assistant Professor Weeraboon Wisartskul, Dean of Puey Ungphakorn School of Development Studies, to represent the school in signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on strengthening the Children and Youth Council among 16 partner organisations from the public, private, academic, and civil society sectors. Ms Chanok Jantathong, Vice Minister for Social Development and Human Security, presided over the opening ceremony, attended by executives, representatives from the Children and Youth Council, and youth from various areas.

The core of this collaboration is to create spaces for children and youth to develop their potential and genuinely participate in shaping policy directions that affect their lives and society (Participation & Empowerment). Joining as one of the 16 driving partners enables Puey Ungphakorn School of Development Studies to contribute its “academic capital” and local youth development experience to support a systematic learning ecosystem.

Leveraging Academic Capital and Regional Networks to Scale Up Youth Council Mechanisms

Previously, Puey Ungphakorn School of Development Studies has accumulated knowledge through various human and social development projects, notably the “Regional Children and Youth Potential Creator Curriculum Development and Expansion Project”, funded by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth). Led by Asst Prof Dr Thidarat Sakveerakul as project leader, the research team collaborated with academic staff from regional higher education institutions—including Asst Prof Asama Mangkornchai from Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus; Asst Prof Voranuch Nilket from Kalasin University; and Dr Panitee Boonsa from Maejo University Phrae Campus—to synthesise lessons learned from local youth work in order to promote well-being and develop the potential of the new generation.

Synthesising lessons learned from collaborating with child development networks across various regions has given Puey Ungphakorn School of Development Studies a deep understanding of the local contexts and challenges facing youth in each area. This body of knowledge will help strengthen the Children and Youth Council mechanism, enabling it to act as an effective voice and represent youth in offering comprehensive and well-rounded policy recommendations.

Building Cross-Sector Collaboration to Drive Support Mechanisms for Long-Term Outcomes

This gathering of 16 organisations serves as a starting point for establishing a stable, long-term cross-sector collaboration mechanism among public agencies, academic institutions, and youth organisations. Together, they will drive activities, roll out supportive measures, and develop young leaders, enabling the Children and Youth Council to grow into a strong, self-reliant mechanism.

This collaboration aligns with the mission of Puey Ungphakorn School of Development Studies, Thammasat University, which is committed to using education and research as tools for development, reducing inequality, distributing opportunities, and creating an inclusive, sustainable society that fosters the growth of all children and youth as key forces for the nation’s future development.