Since February 2020, Assistant Professor Nattapong Puttanapong , Ph.D from Faculty of Economics was appointed to be an economic expert in The National Committee on Sustainable Development which is the official national body driving SDGs in Thailand.
Please see the Official Appointment Announcement here.
In 2019 to January 2020, Puey Ungpakorn School of Development Study (PSDS) initiated the Award giving project: the “Best Community Welfare Fund/organization Awards”. The process for the organization of this project was operate by a participatory body for stakeholder engagement, involving partners at several levels.
The objectives of the awards were (1) to give a recognition and admiration for the outstanding community welfare fund/organizations; (2) to strengthen the network and the organizations using the Awards as a kind of experience sharing platform: and (3) to increase public awareness on the social welfare policies in accordance with Puey Ungpakorn ideas.
The partner organizations include Foundation for Thailand Rural Reconstruction Movement Under the Royal Patronage, the National sub-committee for the promotion of community fund, the National Community Fund Network, Moral Center, Community Organizations Development Institute, and Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.
The awardees received funding to strengthen their community welfare fund. For running this program, the participatory process was divided to 3 levels, provincial level, regional level, and national level. It involved so many multi-stakeholders to promote and support program.
PSDS has been a part of the National sub-committee for the promotion of community fund since 2016, providing academic support and research to the committee. Asst. Prof. Jitti Mongkolchaiaranya, the dean from 2016-2020, had been a member of the committee and brought PSDS and its expertise into the sub-committee since.
Please see the detail of the award here:
Since December 2018, Thammasat University officially announced the university announcement on “Practices for giving and receiving gifts” in order to ensure transparency and good governance.
Essentially, the university (especially university and faculty executives and staff) must not receive gifts or anything convertible to financial value from partner of contract, companies, or any individuals who may have direct or indirect interest with the university, especially in contract signing or continuation, contract inspection, or any other kind of interest. The university, instead, encourages giving “blessing”.
In terms of giving gifts, the university clearly states that it is not necessary to produce or acquire any gifts to give to other departments or faculties. Giving gifts in special occasions such as New Year could have an exception when the gifts are the faculty’s souvenirs or when there is a special reason to support sustainable development or community products.
Please see more details here:
Since 2014, Thammasat University though Academic Affairs Department has promoted “service learning” approach in the university education by providing a special funding to support faculties who want to initiate service learning course. Under this funding guideline, it requires faculty substantial engaging with communities and stakeholders to the teaching and learning process.
In 2019, the university support 100,000 – 300,000 baht for the approved service learning courses. The amount of the funding is based on the size of the project. At the end of the year, the university gives awards to projects that are proved to be sustainable, efficient, participatory, and engaging several external partners.
Please see the university’s policies and regulations on service learning:
Since 1979, Thammasat University recognises the role of Student Union and Student Council by providing democratic elections for both types of student governing bodies. Annually, Thammasat Students elect their own representatives directly through election without interference from university.
The Student Union is responsible for administering and facilitating all matters regarding student activities, such as clubs and each faculty’s student committee. The matters regarding student activities include the allocation of financial activity support from the university, rules for governing club activities, facilitation for the faculty’s student committees, and other policies and activities promoting students’ well-being.
The Student Council checks and balances the propositions of the Student Union (e.g. policies, allocation of the financial support, etc.). The council also plays role in evaluating the Student Union’s performance and has the power (2/3 of the council members) to impeach and remove the Student Union from duty.
In recent years, The Student Union and Council play more important roles in protecting student rights in university and promoting democracy and freedom of expression, not only in the university but also in Thai society.
Please see detail of the university’s regulation here.
Thammasat University is governed by committees and councils at the university and faculty levels. At the highest level of the university, Thammasat University Council is the main governing body. The council is composed of representatives from several stakeholders. Elected representatives of key internal stakeholders, namely, faculties and university staff, are also included as members of the council.
The composition of the university council is as follows:
Please see detail of the Thammasat University Council here:
https://tu.ac.th/board