Thammasat University
Published on 14 August 2025
Thammasat University (TU) reaffirms its role as a ‘University for the People’ by actively driving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through tangible impact, integrating systemic policy with social-focused research and development. Officially launching the exhibition ‘SDGs for the People: Innovations for Life – Building a Sustainable Future’, more than 30 innovations have been showcased by lecturers and researchers from diverse disciplines. The exhibition highlights TU’s commitment to addressing Thailand’s structural challenges, with innovations spanning disaster preparedness, energy, food, urban living, and the circular economy. These innovations are designed for practical application in daily life, directly supporting the United Nations’ 17 SDGs.
Prof. Supasawad Chardchawarn, Ph.D. The Rector of Thammasat University, stated that as the SDGs become a shared global agenda among countries and organisations, TU is taking the lead in moving beyond abstract ideals to become a ‘catalyst for real changes’ at the very local level. By translating research into actionable solutions for communities and commercial use, TU brings together knowledge across disciplines—including science, technology, social sciences, architecture, and design—to create concrete innovations. Moreover, TU fosters collaborative spaces where researchers, students, and communities can co-develop and pilot innovations, establishing a learning ecosystem truly attuned to Thailand’s societal needs.
“Thai society is facing national-scale pain points across multiple dimensions—intensifying natural disasters, deepening income inequality, and unequal quality of life, particularly among vulnerable groups such as the elderly and low-income individuals. According to a United Nations report, Thailand has the highest income inequality in ASEAN and one of the highest disaster-related death rates in Southeast Asia,” said Prof Dr Supasawad. “On the environmental front, the World Bank reports that Thailand emits over 250 million tonnes of CO₂ annually, while energy consumption is growing by approximately 3-4% each year, outpacing sustainable waste and resource management. These are not just statistics; they reflect the daily reality of our citizens. The SDGs must provide real, tangible solutions to these challenges.”
In the second half of 2025, Thammasat is propelling the SDGs through innovation with the ‘SDGs for the People: Innovations for Life – Building a Sustainable Future’ exhibition. The event features more than 30 research projects, technologies, and creative concepts from across the university, covering five key zones:
Prof. Supasawad further highlighted key exhibits in the Resilience & Disaster Preparedness Zone, such as an earthquake simulator and EmergencyTU, a communication system that allows critical alerts and data transmission through basic radio networks, even in the absence of internet access—ideal for remote and underserved communities.
In the Sustainable Urban & Public Spaces Zone, innovations include a prototype public park designed for users with seven categories of physical and cognitive disabilities, as well as Future Street, which integrates traffic data, safety systems, and green infrastructure alongside interactive communication technologies. These public space innovations aim to create safer, more inclusive urban environments.
The Health & Future Food Zone introduces future-ready food concepts such as crispy vegetable sheets—nutrient-rich snacks with long shelf lives—and food innovations catering to health-conscious modern consumers. This zone also features exercise machines for seniors and laser/microwave-based medical technologies for diagnosis and treatment of serious illnesses. All exhibits are presented in interactive formats, allowing visitors to engage with the innovations hands-on.
The exhibition ‘SDGs for the People: Innovations for Life – Building a Sustainable Future’ is open to the general public, schoolchildren, students, and anyone interested in science and technology. It runs until 30 September 2025 and encourages visitors to explore, experiment, and actively participate.
“Thammasat is committed to developing innovations that are not only academically rigorous but also scalable for commercial, public health, and community welfare applications,” Prof Dr Supasawad emphasised. “Guided by the principle of ‘Leave No One Behind’, every innovation is designed for inclusivity—serving not just a privileged few, but especially vulnerable groups such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, small-scale farmers, and low-income earners.”
The event also hosted a visionary talk session led by three Thammasat researchers from the Faculty of Science and Technology: Asst Prof Dr Amorntep Jirasakjamroonsri, lecturer in Sustainable Technology; Asst Prof Dr Krittiya Khuenphet, lecturer in Food Science and Technology; Assoc Prof Dr Thanit Ruangrungchaikul, Assistant Dean for Physical and Environmental Affairs.
Together, they shared insights and inspirations behind their work, delving into how knowledge is transformed into real-world impact. The discussion positioned Thammasat as a central hub for interdisciplinary integration—committed to turning the SDGs into measurable, sustainable action. Those interested in any of the showcased innovations can contact the Thammasat University Corporate Communications Office for more information at 02-564-4444 ext. 1120 or email [email protected].jpg)
