Tag: Thammasat University

Thammasat University has signed a memorandum of understanding for academic collaboration with ECAM LaSalle and the Institute for Research and Development (IRD) of the French Republic.

On May 14, 2026, Thammasat Rector, Professor Dr. Supasawad Chardchawarn, signed a memorandum of understanding for academic cooperation between the Faculty of Engineering of Thammasat University and ECAM LaSalle, as well as cooperation between the Faculty of Science and Technology of Thammasat University and the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) of the French Republic, during the event “Franco – Thai Symposium on Higher Education, Research and Innovation: 2026 Thailand – France International Collaboration Forum” at Centara Grand at CentralPlaza Ladprao.

The Memorandum of Understanding for Academic Collaboration between the Faculty of Engineering, Thammasat University, and ECAM LaSalle consists of three documents, which are as follows:

1. Degree Agreement in Master of Engineering with 3 Departments (Double Master Degree Agreement)

  This agreement pertains to the admission of students from ECAM LaSalle to pursue a Master’s degree at the Faculty of Engineering, Thammasat University, in the following fields of study:

  – Mechanical Engineering

  – Chemical Engineering

  – Biomedical Engineering

The student will study at the Faculty of Engineering, Thammasat, for a duration of 2 semesters, in accordance with the conditions and criteria jointly established by both institutions.

 2. Memorandum of Understanding on Student Mobility, Academic, and Research Activities (General MOU Agreement)

3. Memorandum of Agreement for the Exchange Student Program between Thammasat School of Engineering and ECAM LaSalle (Extension of Agreement)

 

This is a continuation of academic collaboration, student exchange programs, and the promotion of research and innovation by the Faculty of Engineering at Thammasat University. Since 2017, cooperation in the student exchange program has been conducted in collaboration with ECAM LaSalle in the French Republic. The original memorandum of understanding has now reached its conclusion. To ensure the ongoing and effective operation of the student exchange program, the academic cooperation agreement has been renewed for an additional period of 5 years.

The signing of the cooperation agreement between Faculty of Science and Technology of Thammasat University and the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) aims to establish guidelines for collaboration in the fields of academics, research, training, consulting, and the exchange of scientific knowledge. This collaboration seeks to promote the development of research and international cooperation in related fields such as computer science, mathematics, and social sciences, as well as to enhance the capacity of personnel and students, establish joint research projects or units, disseminate research findings, and seek funding sources both nationally and internationally.

The event was honored by the presence of Professor Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, and H.E. Mr. Jean-Claude Poimbœuf, the French Ambassador to Thailand, who delivered opening remarks and witnessed the signing of the aforementioned academic cooperation memorandum.

Thammasat Holds Trilateral Meeting with MIT and Bangkok Bank on Water Quality Collaboration in Thailand

On 26 March 2026, at Thammasat’s Rangsit Center, Thammasat University – led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. M.L. Pinitbhand Paribatra, Vice Rector for Research and Innovation – hosted a trilateral meeting with Prof. Retsef Levi, J. Spencer Standish (1945) Professor of Management, Operations Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA, and Dr. Kobsak Pootrakool, Director and Senior Executive Vice President of Bangkok Bank.

Also in attendance were the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, the Assistant to the Rector for International Affairs, and executives from the Faculties of Science and Technology, Public Health, and the Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology. Senior executives from Bangkok Bank were also present.

The discussion aimed to foster strategic three-way collaboration by integrating academic expertise with industrial and financial capabilities – particularly water quality issues. The partnership seeks to bridge innovative research with practical application and scalable impact.

Key Discussion Points

Participants explored frameworks for strategic collaboration and contributions, along with risk management strategies, to support organizations of varying size – from startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to large corporations.

The meeting also covered intellectual property (IP) and collaborative mechanisms to ensure continuity of research activities. In addition, participants discussed adopting student-centered approaches, including fellowships, Active Learning, and capstone projects. These initiatives aim to enhance learning outcomes, promote practical experience, and strengthen the talent pipeline for Bangkok Bank and its partners.

Future Collaboration Plans

A multidisciplinary team from Thammasat – comprising the Faculties of Science and Technology, Public Health, and the Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology – plans to submit a research proposal addressing Thailand’s pressing water quality challenges.

The proposed project will integrate advanced sensing technologies, information and communication technology (ICT), chemical and biological analysis, and public health impact assessments. The initiative aims to develop a pilot project through collaboration with MIT and Bangkok Bank, with the potential for broader national impact.

Thammasat, Lampang Campus, Launches Inmate Life Skills Manual, Senior Citizen School

Recidivism in Thailand is high, with over 30% of released prisoners reoffending within three years, largely due to drug-related crimes (66.75%). Key causes include a lack of life and social skills. For elderly inmates, a changing self-perception and societal perspective, exacerbated by incarceration, is a significant factor in deterioration of their skills. Plus, in some inmates who have been in prison for an extended period, even though they have not yet reached the age defined as adulthood, their capabilities and competencies have deteriorated to a level comparable to that of the elderly. This includes slower processing of information, delayed responses to questions, and a changed perspective both towards themselves and others.

Certainly, the aforementioned situation occurs in all prisons across the country without exception. However, in the case of “Lampang Central Prison,” which houses 80 to 100 elderly inmates out of a total of 2,000, there is an effort to counter this trend by working closely with local educational institutions. Together, they aim to support and prepare inmates for reintegration into society while simultaneously reducing recidivism.

The tools utilized by the Lampang Central Prison, in addition to the activity mechanisms, include the “Life Skills and Career Development Manual” for inmates who are six months to one year away from release. This manual, developed in collaboration with the Faculty of Social Administration at Thammasat University, Lampang Campus, focuses on the rehabilitation of the mental state of elderly inmates and prepares them to have confidence in their own potential (Empowerment) before reintegrating into society.

Alongside the establishment of the “Elderly School in the Central Prison,” the first and only elderly school in Thailand, the curriculum is designed based on the needs of inmates, integrating the development of skills in three areas: academic, vocational, and life skills. In the academic domain, subjects include laws and benefits for the elderly, as well as current social and economic situations. In the vocational area, training covers cooking both savory and sweet dishes, food preservation methods, and organizing events suitable for the elderly. In the life skills category, the focus is on adapting to family, community, and society, as well as self-care in physical, mental, social, and economic aspects.

It is evident that the collaboration with educational institutions in the area to address problems through knowledge and academic expertise is the approach chosen by the Lampang Central Prison. The involvement of development partners such as Thammasat University, Lampang Campus, is powerful enough to encourage local networks to work together as a cohesive network.

This can thus be expanded into numerous projects, such as collaborating with the Elderly Social Welfare Development Center in Lampang Province to create guidelines for improving the quality of life for elderly inmates in the central prison. This initiative enhances the cognitive abilities of inmates through various training operations for personnel and staff of the prison, resulting in the formation of a Core Team, or a multidisciplinary group within the prison. This team actively participates in the rehabilitation and enhancement of the quality of life for elderly inmates, as well as establishing a Buddy Support group to assess the physical and mental health of inmates in collaboration with the Core Team.

Additionally, there is a project to develop and implement a caregiver curriculum at the Senior Citizens School of Lampang Central Prison, which has received budgetary support from the initiative under the royal patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Rajasarini Siribajra and the Ministry of Justice. This project enhances the focus on mental capacity development and human perspective, ensuring that female inmates trained in the curriculum are adequately prepared both professionally and mentally before reintegrating into society.

“Working collaboratively with network partners has resulted in improved relationships among inmates, better mental health, and enhanced vitality. The ability of elderly individuals to perform activities of daily living (ADL) shows a tendency to increase. This cooperation has transformed Lampang Central Prison into a space that can harness the potential of elderly inmates,” stated Asst. Prof. Dr. Punika Apirukkraisri from the Faculty of Social Administration, Thammasat University.

Not only through direct work, but the Faculty of Social Work at Thammasat University has also synthesized knowledge from experiences into an academic work titled “Development of a Model School for the Elderly as an Opportunity for Elderly Inmates,” authored by Assistant Professor Areerat Adisaidetchrin. This work has received support from the National Research Office (NRCT) and the Model Prison Development Project for Welfare Management to Enhance the Quality of Life of Elderly Inmates, led by Dr. Punika, which is supported by the Office of Support for Specific Population Health (Office 9) under the Health Promotion Foundation (Thai Health). Recently, many prisons have come to study this model to apply it as a prototype.

 Dr. Punika also stated that the ultimate goal of the initiative is to implement various systems and programs in every prison, ensuring that elderly inmates across the country receive appropriate psychological rehabilitation before reintegrating into society, thereby reducing recidivism. However, since each prison houses inmates with varying vulnerabilities, such as the elderly, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ+ persons, and mothers with infants, rehabilitation programs or mental health care cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach; they must be specifically designed. Currently, Thammasat University has proposed guidelines to the Ministry of Justice, which are under consideration for policy implementation.

Meanwhile, despite the progress made in various areas, efforts in Lampang Province will continue. One initiative is the development of a preparedness system for families prior to the reintegration of inmates into society, in collaboration with the Lampang Provincial Office of Social Development and Human Security, while also connecting with local administrative organizations to play a role in providing care.

TU One Health: Enhancing physical and mental stabilities

The promotion of health to enhance the quality of life for students and staff is one of the important initiatives of Thammasat University. The goal is to make Thammasat a safe space both physically and mentally, fostering sustainable happiness within the community.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pharuhat Tor-Udom, Deputy Rector for Administrative Affairs at the Center for Health Sciences, Thammasat University, stated that health care for well-being is not merely about treatment at the endpoint, but rather about promoting sustainable health care and enhancing the capacity for disease prevention before it occurs. Therefore, Thammasat University places significant importance on health promotion alongside health literacy for both students and staff through the implementation of the Good Health University policy, or TU One Health.

“Health literacy is an important matter that universities must undertake to impart to students, enabling them to understand and apply it to promote their own health and that of those around them. This lays a crucial foundation for enhancing the well-being of individuals in society in the future,” he stated.

           

Under the TU One Health policy, the administration of the Center for Health Sciences has initiated the project “One Health For Future Wellness University,” which focuses on integrating health-related operations based on key principles for the prevention, control, and resolution of systemic health issues. This is achieved through comprehensive health initiatives within the university.

Occupational Safety and Health Committee (OSH) has been established within the organization to centralize information for the management of health promotion at Thammasat University, supporting the effective implementation of TU One Health across the entire organization.

To evaluate the outcomes of these operations, in the year 2025, Thammasat University will undergo its first self-assessment to become a Healthy University through the Healthy University Rating System (HURS), which is a system used to assess and classify “health-promoting universities” to monitor progress in health promotion within higher education institutions. This system has been developed by the ASEAN University Network on Health Promotion (AUN-HPN).

Thammasat University achieved a total score of 725 points out of a possible 1,000 points, representing 72.5%, and is rated at 4 stars. The assessment results are summarized in three areas as follows:

1. System and Infrastructure (SI) – Scoring 68.9%, with the highest scores in the capacity to create health promotion capabilities (87.5) and research in health promotion (83.3).

2. Health Promotion Areas (HA) – Scoring 74.5%, receiving full points for areas related to mental well-being and social interaction, with health literacy scoring at 87.5%.

3. Zero Tolerance Areas (ZA) – Scoring 76.8%, with the highest zero tolerance areas concerning smoking (87.5) and alcohol consumption (87.5).

This assessment reflects a portion of the results from the efforts to create a “Healthy University,” demonstrating both strengths and areas for further development to sustainably enhance the well-being of the Thammasat community with standards and tangible outcomes.

Thammasat MBA Wins 5th Consecutive OpsSimCom World Championship

The Thammasat MBA “Dracarys” team secured their 5th consecutive OpsSimCom World Championship, a global Operations & Supply Chain simulation organized by MIT Sloan. The winning team includes Suphanat Hannarong, Thammaporn Thirapakphum-anan, Pharmacist Kanisorn Leartpattanasak, and Nitiphon Chattrakool, advised by Asst. Prof. Dr. Krit Pattamaroj from Thammasat Business School. Initially ranked near the bottom in practice, the Dracarys team was motivated by a ‘nothing to lose’ attitude to give their utmost effort in OpsSimCom. This global Operations Management simulation requires managing the entire operations and supply chain, including costs, production, pricing, and business outcomes, with real-time KPIs driving pressurized, effective cost management decisions.

 

“This year’s challenge is considerably more difficult than in previous years, as there are multiple cost components that need to be managed continuously. A particular challenging task is identifying cost optimization, including how much we should sell, how we should adjust our processes, and how we should manage operations across the entire chain. It is important to note that this year, every team begins the game with a negative status from the outset,” stated Nitiphon.

“Four Eyes Principle” – A Strategy to Mitigate Uncertainty

Regarding the competitive strategy, Thammaporn explained that the team focuses on gathering opinions from each member. Everyone contributes suggestions on how to make decisions in various situations, which are then evaluated for their advantages, disadvantages, and potential risks associated with each option before a collective decision is made.

During the competition, Nitiphon added that if there is a relatively calm period and an unexpected event occurs, the team will hold a meeting or conference call immediately, with at least one to two people involved, to collaboratively address the issue as quickly as possible. Having more than one person to brainstorm, or the Four Eyes principle, helps alleviate the pressure of decision-making and enhances the sharpness of decisions made during high-pressure situations.

TBS: Teamwork

In addition to the hard skills or knowledge that the faculty members have imparted intensively through learning and practical experience, Pharmacist Kanisorn stated that another crucial aspect is soft skills, particularly teamwork. “Throughout the 48 hours of the competition, we had to stay together, think together, and make decisions together. There were many moments when problems and obstacles arose, but what TBS designed in the curriculum helped shape our ability to brainstorm, work collaboratively, and move forward together towards the goals we set.” he said.

Victory from “surpassing one’s own limits”

Kanisorn and Nitipon attributed their victory to ‘surpassing one’s own limits’. Kanisorn initially never imagined reaching the pinnacle of success like previous champions, but credited TBS for instilling the confidence to do so. Nitipon gained crucial confidence in decision-making and applying knowledge, and encouraged others to seize every opportunity, no matter how small.

Thammasat University and Nai Lert Butler Academy (under Nai Lert Education Co., Ltd.) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on April 30, 2026, at Nai Lert Park to enhance Thai human resources through world-class academic and professional skill development.

 

This partnership merges Thammasat’s academic leadership with the Academy’s luxury service expertise to set new global education standards. Under this cooperation, both institutions will launch a Joint Certificate Program, executive training, and international exchange initiatives. They will also collaborate on research and policy forums to address modern global needs. This partnership leverages the Academy’s luxury service expertise to establish new global education standards. Both parties will launch a Joint Certificate Program, executive training, and international exchanges for students and experts. They will also collaborate on research and policy forums to address modern global needs, particularly by expanding professional skills development into the high-potential Middle East and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets. Professor Dr. Supasawad Chardchawarn, Rector of Thammasat University, noted that this collaboration creates a learning ecosystem beyond academic linkage,

This three-year collaboration will serve as a significant starting point for the development of diverse projects and academic activities, while also establishing an international network of cooperation. This initiative not only aims to elevate Thai education but also acts as a crucial mechanism for advancing Thailand’s Soft Power through the development of human resources in the dimensions of education, services, and cultural diplomacy.

Nai Lert Butler Academy stated, “We are committed to integrating world-class service standards with academic excellence in order to cultivate personnel who are well-prepared with skills, vision, and the ability to step onto the international stage.”

The signing ceremony was attended by various participants, including Professor Emeritus Noranit Setthabut, Asst. Prof. Dr. Thanyaporn Sunthorntham, Director of Thammasat Institute Area Studies, Assoc. Prof. Dr. M.L. Pinitbhand Paribat, Deputy Rector for Research and Innovation and a board member of Thammasat Institute of Area Studies, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Puli Fuwongcharoen, Dean of Political Science Faculty and a board member of Thammasat Institute Area Studies, and Mr. Chakrinenorrathip Savikul, Chief of Staff for the Department of South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Including representatives from Nai Lert Butler Academy, such as Ms. Napaporn Bodiratnangkura, Chief Executive Officer of Nai Lert Education Co., Ltd., Ms. Pilaiphan Sombutsiri, Chairperson of Nai Lert Development Co., Ltd., Mr. Sanhapit Bodiratnangkura, Chairperson of Nai Lert Co., Ltd., and Mr. Pisit Hongsakornprasert, Director of Nai Lert Butler Academy, participated in this event.

Thai drag queen, Gawdland (24-year-old Tharathep Thaweephon), recently made history as the first Thai and Asian winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs the World” Season 3. The overwhelmingly positive reaction reflects a degree of success and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community in Thai society, although significant challenges persist despite the praise and statistical acceptance.

A study on Risk and Protective Factors for Depression Among LGBTQ+ Individuals in Thailand, led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Priyoth Kittiteerasack of Thammasat University’s Faculty of Nursing, revealed high mental health issues in a sample of 411 LGBTQ+ individuals (aged 18+). Results showed 57.4% had moderate to severe stress, 42.3% reported loneliness, 40.3% were depressed, and 39% had suicidal thoughts.

The risk factors contributing to mental health issues among the LGBTQ+ community in Thailand can be categorized into two groups: 1. General daily life stress, and 2. Stress arising specifically from being LGBTQ+, which includes experiences of discrimination, the necessity to conceal one’s sexual identity, victimization, and self-hatred associated with being LGBTQ+.

Despite Thailand’s outward openness, including equal marriage laws, LGBTQ+ individuals face limited acceptance and stress, leading to mental health issues. Discrimination persists, notably with the Red Cross refusing blood donations from men who have sex with men (citing safety, but perceived as discrimination), and in the workplace. Professions like law enforcement, military, and politics still lack diverse sexual representation, which is predominantly confined to fields like beauty and aesthetics.

In less open, typically rural areas, LGBTQ+ individuals often resort to “the concealment of sexual identity,” such as cutting long hair when visiting family, suppressing their true selves and causing stress. Additionally, they face “victimization,” including physical and psychological abuse—such as physical violence and verbal insults from parents—leading to self-hatred. These experiences contribute significantly to mental health issues.

“The openness and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in Thai society is often perceived as equality. However, when engaging in conversations with people from diverse sexual orientations, it becomes evident that there are still numerous issues that highlight their lack of equality compared to others in society. For instance, in hospitals, transgender individuals are required to recuperate in wards that correspond to their assigned gender at birth, rather than their gender identity, which can lead to discomfort,” Asst. Prof. Dr. Priyoth stated.

Two solutions are proposed: 1. Self-Problem Solving, encouraging LGBTQ+ individuals to confront issues rather than avoid them, which improves mental health and reduces depression. 2. Creating a supportive environment through understanding diverse sexual orientations, from legal policy to the educational sector. Thammasat University suggests incorporating LGBTQ+ topics into health education curricula alongside sex education. This teaches students about sexual diversity, including the difference between “gender identity” and “gender expression,” fostering the understanding that differing from one’s assigned sex at birth is a normal preference, not grounds for judgment or stigma. This foundational understanding among youth will lead to a safer society for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Beyond formal education for children, adult awareness is crucial, potentially integrated into related master’s programs. Additionally, indirect public knowledge is vital, disseminated through various media like TV, radio, seminars, or Pride parades. These efforts will gradually raise public awareness and transform society.

On 20 February 2026, Dr. Usanee Patapsikij Lertrattanon, Assistant to the Rector for International Affairs, warmly welcomed Dr. Anna Tyshetskaya, Director and Vice Chancellor of the Saint Petersburg Campus at HSE University, Russia, along with senior administrative representatives, during their visit to the Office of International Affairs at Thammasat’s Tha Prachan campus. Also attending the meeting were representatives from the Faculties of Economics and Journalism and Mass Communication.

During the university-level discussion, both sides followed up on the expanded student exchange quota under the agreement currently being renewed, while also exploring opportunities to further strengthen two-way faculty member mobility between the two universities. HSE representatives further provided key information about their upcoming summer school, planned to take place between July and August this year.

The Faculty of Economics proposed further collaboration through a co-supervision program for graduate students. Meanwhile, the Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication expressed interest in organizing a joint workshop in Online Cinema and Digital Media Production, as well as pursuing joint research in Media Communications. In addition, cooperation in Data Analytics and Big Data was raised by both faculties.

The HSE delegation emphasized the importance of establishing a structured online collaboration framework, including virtual conferences, seminars, and guest lectures.

This visit reaffirmed the strong partnership between Thammasat and HSE, paving the way for new initiatives and the expansion of collaboration with other potential faculties at Thammasat.

Thammasat Business School, with Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology and the Faculties of Engineering and Science and Technology, organized “Empowering Global Careers 2026: Global Opportunities & Future Readiness.” The event aimed to prepare students for global careers and enhance their skills for the new working world. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Surat Teerakapibal, Dean of Thammasat Business School, reported on the event, which was officially opened by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dumrong Adunyarittigun, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, on March 17, 2026, at the Social Science Learning Building 3 (SC3), Thammasat University, Rangsit Center.

Empowering Global Careers 2026: “Global Opportunities & Future Readiness” is an event that encompasses a comprehensive range of activities aimed at developing future skills. This includes job recruitment booths and consultations from over 100 leading companies across various industries, as well as discussion forums that provide insights into global employment trends and preparation for international career paths. Notable sessions include THE GLOBAL TALENT FRONTIER, which discusses the overall landscape and adaptation necessary to become the workforce that the world demands by 2026; Global Career Launchpad: Secure Your Future with International Firms, which focuses on strategies for preparing to work with foreign companies; Global Job Opportunity by International & MNCs Firms, featuring representatives from human resources of organizations offering positions abroad; and Global Smart Consumer & Scammer Protection, presented by relevant government agencies.

Additionally, there are workshops aimed at enhancing essential skills for future employment, such as “Bridging the Gap – Generational Insight & Mock Interview” and “AI-Powered Resume,” allowing students to learn how to create standout resumes using the power of AI and to prepare for job applications in a competitive international context.

This event not only serves as a platform that connects students with leading organizations and international career opportunities but also reflects Thammasat University’s role in driving interdisciplinary collaboration to develop students with the knowledge, skills, and readiness for the rapidly changing world of work.