Tag: Thailand

Chronic stress from high competition leads to pressure and exhaustion in the pursuit of dreams. The current atmosphere is defined as The Burnout Society or the era of burnout. External pressures, such as the threat of war and rapid technological change, exacerbate existing feelings of life’s burdens, despite a feeling of internal lightness, and severely impact employment. This stress extends to higher education institutions and schools, with many students experiencing emotional distress. A 2022 survey by TUN-HPN of 9,050 students found that around 40% experience frequent stress. Additionally, almost one in three reported sadness, 12% had self-harmed, 4% contemplated suicide, and 4.3% were diagnosed with psychiatric disorders.

Asst. Prof. Burachai Asawathaweeboon, Assistant to the Rector for Student Affairs and a faculty member in the Department of Psychology at the Faculty of Arts, Thammasat University (TU), analyzes three main factors that affect the mental health of students within the university environment: 1. The adjustment from being a student to becoming a university student, which entails increased responsibilities. 2. Relationships with various individuals, including family, friends, and professors. 3. Expectations regarding academic performance and employment opportunities after graduation. Many students enter university already managing pre-existing emotional disorders and anxiety, requiring extra support for adaptation. Others display psychiatric symptoms, such as those related to schizophrenia, which can emerge in this life stage, further complicating adjustment. Mental health issues vary widely, from manageable concerns to severe crises involving self-harm and suicidal attempts.

Thammasat University Counseling Center (TU Well-Being: Counseling Center) notes that student stress peaks during exams, but first-year students need extra attention due to adaptation challenges like academics, increased responsibilities, relocation, new peers, and finances, which heighten stress and anxiety. Recognizing the need for a mental health care system in education, Thammasat University, under Rector Prof. Dr. Supasawad Chardchawarn, has made this an urgent priority (Quick Big Win) for 2025-2026. The Thammasat University Mental Health Care System operates with the Thammasat Well Being Center at its core, functioning in both reactive and proactive capacities. This includes providing individual counseling, counseling through a Call Center, services by psychiatrists, treatment via telemedicine, medication management in collaboration with the Faculty of Pharmacy’s pharmacy and the Thammasat Chalermphrakiat Hospital, the development of the TU Wellness application linked to TU GREATS for self-assessing preliminary mental health issues and responding to mental health emergencies.

Mental health service requests take a half-day to two days, excluding optional convenient appointments. Necessary medication is available at the pharmacy or via Thammasat University Hospital for non-standard drugs. Staff includes four groups: Thammasat personnel, former student interns, current interns, and external contractors. Staffing across centers: Rangsit has one psychologist, two counselors, and three part-time psychiatrists; Tha Phra Chan has two psychologists; Lampang has two full-time and one part-time (Saturdays) psychologist; and Pattaya has one part-time psychologist (visiting every other Wednesday). As for the students who are interning and those who have already completed internships at the hospital, there are currently more than 50 individuals, making Thammasat University likely the institution with the most personnel available to provide mental health services in the country. 

“Some students are reluctant to utilize the university’s system due to concerns about privacy. The university has coordinated with several hospitals to provide students with special discounts for accessing services. Students can avail themselves of services from the university’s faculties, partner organizations, or agencies that the university has arranged according to their needs. This is part of the university’s commitment to prioritizing the well-being of students,” stated Asst. Prof. Burachai. 

Prof. Dr. Supasawad stated that a significant barrier preventing students from accessing mental health services is the prevailing belief that seeking mental health assessment and services is abnormal. Thammasat University is striving to communicate and instill in students the understanding that just as the body can become ill, it is entirely natural for the mind to also experience distress. Therefore, in addition to developing and preparing to provide these services, we place great importance on creating an environment that encourages students facing issues to seek help, regardless of the form it may take. With approximately 43,000 students, Thammasat sees over 6,000 annual student requests for mental health services, a number expected to grow. This rise indicates increased student awareness and easier access to services, rather than an increase in mental health issues.

“We strive to normalize the access to these services and to ensure that all students are aware that the university offers these resources for them to utilize when facing difficulties. Information about the Thammasat Well Being Center will be provided to students from the moment they enter Thammasat University during the orientation program and will continue to be disseminated across all faculties. Additionally, during the first two weeks after the semester begins, faculty members will be asked to encourage students to assess their mental health through the TU GREATS app.” stated TU Rector.

Thammasat University Hospital, in honor of His Majesty the King, announces the successful launch of the innovation ‘Heart Surgery’ utilizing robotic-assisted surgery technology (Da Vinci XI), marking the ‘first time in Thailand’ that robotic-assisted surgery has been employed for patients with heart disease. This reinforces its position as a leader in Digital Hospital and a center of excellence in the region.

         Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dilok Piyayotai, M.D., Director of Thammasat University Hospital, stated that the hospital’s main mission is to bring world-class innovations to transform the future of treatment. The introduction of the robotic surgical system (Da Vinci XI) for heart surgeries not only enhances the capabilities of medical personnel but also emphasizes patient-centered care, ensuring that patients receive safe, precise treatment and an improved quality of life after surgery.

         Asst. Prof. Dr. Boonlawat Homvises, M.D., a medical doctor and surgeon specializing in cardiac and thoracic surgery, commented on the advantages of robotic-assisted heart surgery (Da Vinci XI). He stated that this technology features robotic arms that can rotate freely beyond the limitations of human wrists and provides high-definition 3D imaging. This capability allows surgeons to perform intricate procedures on the heart with precision and detail, resulting in significantly smaller surgical incisions, reduced blood loss, and facilitating a noticeably faster recovery for patients compared to traditional open-heart surgery.

         This achievement marks another significant step for the hospital in enhancing its medical treatment capabilities by incorporating robotic surgical technology (Da Vinci XI) in heart surgeries. This reflects the hospital’s readiness in terms of modern medical technology, a highly skilled medical team, and safety standards in patient care.

Rector of Thammasat University, Prof. Dr. Supasawad Chardchawarn, welcomed Ms. Michaela Friberg-Storey, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Thailand, along with a working group from various United Nations agencies, to discuss strategic cooperation in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on February 12, 2026, at Thammasat University, Rangsit Campus.

With the participation of Asst. Prof. Chol Bunnag, Assistant to the Rector for Quality Development and Sustainability, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dumrong Adunyarittigun, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Supranee Lisawadi, Assistant to the Rector for Research and Innovation, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kedkun Srakawee, Dean of Puey Ungphakorn School of Development Studies.

Prof. Dr. Supasawad stated that Thammasat was established as a “University for the People” based on the principles of equality, democracy, and the creation of educational opportunities. The university’s identity and mission strongly align with promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He also shared updates on the Bachelor of Science program in Sustainable Management, developed with the Global Compact Network. This program integrates knowledge from five faculties, Engineering, Science and Technology, Interdisciplinary College, Development Administration, and Social Work, to equip graduates for sustainable management roles in business and global organizations.

Ms. Friberg-Storey stated that Thammasat excels in translating knowledge into tangible outcomes for local communities, commending the university as a leading higher education institution that is progressive and forward-leaning, with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the core of its operations, amidst a global context where the values of sustainability are facing challenges.

Asst. Prof. Chol presented the “ONE TU” vision, which aims to integrate work among faculties and reduce fragmented operations. This vision also reflects progress in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including the move towards a Carbon Neutral Campus, the promotion of gender equality and diversity, as well as serving as a neutral space for peaceful political expression. This commitment has resulted in Thammasat University being ranked first in Thailand and fourth in the world for SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) in the THE Impact Rankings 2025.

In the area of research and innovation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Supranee discussed the support provided to researchers in creating tangible outcomes that address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of health (SDG 3), innovation (SDG 9), and sustainable cities (SDG 11).

In the dimension of student development, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dumrong presented the IMPACT model (Interpersonal, Mindful, Progressive, Agility, Competence, Thriving) to develop graduates into global citizens ready to embrace change, alongside efforts to reduce educational disparities through scholarship systems. Meanwhile, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kedkunpresented initiatives to elevate “volunteer work” into a discipline through the development of courses and knowledge frameworks to support teaching and learning.

Thammasat University proposed two main collaborations with the UN: a decennial Post-2030 Agenda progress review integrating science, policy, and society (Science-Policy-Society Interface) for scenario planning and defining Thailand’s global strategies; and “Volunteerism for SDG Acceleration,” creating a National Volunteer Learning Platform and integrating volunteer work into ministry policies for structural change. The parties also discussed economic care, women in STEM, student volunteer opportunities, and inviting UN experts. This partnership makes Thammasat a national and regional UN Strategic Partner, boosting Thai higher education’s role in sustainable development and shaping the post-2030 global agenda.

Prof. Dr. Supasawad Chardchawarn, Thammasat University Rector, along with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Supreedee Rittironk, Vice President for International Affairs, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Orapan Yolrabil, from Department of Accounting, Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy, participated in the closing ceremony of WorldNexGen 2026 project on February 5, 2026, at the Convention Hall (SNU Faculty Club) of Seoul National University (SNU), Republic of Korea.

Certificates were awarded to 20 students who completed the WorldNexGen 2026 program by Prof. Dr. Supasawad and Prof. Park San Gook, from Department of Science and Technology Policy at Seoul National University.

Thammasat and KH Academy, a network of educational partners, have developed the WorldNexGen project in collaboration with SNU, the top university in the Republic of Korea. The project facilitates academic exchange in economics, industry, trade, investment, and socio-cultural aspects across the ASEAN region. Students will participate in active learning to develop future international leaders.

Prof. Dr. Supasawad described WorldNexGen not just as an academic exchange, but a “platform for collaborative learning” uniting institutions from Bangkok to Seoul. This initiative aims to cultivate future leaders with intellectual strength, cultural understanding, and a global vision, essential for the region and the world. He also offered three key insights to Thammasat students: 1) Use the knowledge and innovations from Seoul to improve Thai society. 2) Maintain this network, as future challenges like digitalization and sustainable development require collaboration. 3) Be an empathetic leader who listens as much as they lead.

Among many, Mr. Tanee Sangrat, Thai Ambassador to South Korea, H.E. Chung Sye-kyun, former Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, Prof. Dr. Juhan Kim, Vice President for Research at Seoul National University, Mr. Ahn Duk Geun, former Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy, Mr. Park Won Joo, former Senior Economic Policy Secretary to the President, Mr. Kim Kang Hak, Chairman of Myungwoon Industry Development, Mr. Peeradech Patthanachanj, Chief Executive Officer of Renewable Energy Development Business at B.Grimm Power Public Company Limited, Mr. Chanchai Sanguanwong, Director of the Business News Newspaper, and Mr. Burapha Sanguanwong, Founder of KH Academy also participated at the ceremony.