Tag: Thammasat University

C.V. Raman Global University and Thammasat Hold Follow-up Discussion to Explore Further Collaboration

On 28 May 2026, Dr. Usanee Patapsikij Lertrattananon, Assistant to the Rector for International Affairs, hosted a follow–up meeting with a delegation from C.V. Raman Global University (CGU), India at the Thammasat Rangsit Center.

The CGU delegation included Prof. Dr. Sasmita Mishra, Dean of International Education (Department of Business Management), and Asst. Prof. Dr. Madhusudan Maiti from the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering. They were welcomed by Assistants to the Dean from the Faculty of Science and Technology and Thammasat School of Engineering. The meeting followed an initial discussion held at Thammasat Tha Prachan, which CGU had attended alongside the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI).

During the meeting, the CGU delegation presented a comprehensive overview of the university’s academic strengths and areas of specialization, particularly in engineering and technology. They highlighted CGU’s accreditations and recognitions from the Indian government, including the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) and the National Board of Accreditation (NBA). The delegation also highlighted CGU’s strong partnerships with the industrial sector, which are designed to equip students with practical, hands–on experience outside the classroom.

To build further collaboration, CGU expressed an interest in exploring potential partnerships in GIS (Geographic Information Systems), satellite–related projects, and semiconductor technologies. While Thammasat noted that these areas are not currently offered as dedicated academic programs, the university expressed its strong willingness to explore cooperation in related and complementary fields.

Potential areas of collaboration identified during the meeting included Sustainable Development Technology, Environmental Science, Mathematics and Statistics, Physics, and Computer Science training programs. In particular, the Faculty of Science and Technology highlighted opportunities for collaboration in training programs focused on drone technology and semiconductors. Meanwhile, the Thammasat School of Engineering expressed interest in pursuing student exchanges, joint research, and virtual seminars.

Additionally, Dr. Usanee noted that Thammasat’s College of Innovation is well positioned to collaborate with CGU’s Hotel and Hospitality Administration program, opening further avenues for academic and institutional cooperation. 

Thammasat University and three faculties achieved the 2026 EdPEx300 excellence rating at 300 points.

Thammasat University (TU) and its internal agencies, which include the Faculty of Dentistry, the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, and the Faculty of Medicine, have undergone the evaluation of educational quality towards excellence at the EdPEx300 level for the year 2026. This project is conducted by the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (OPS-MHESI) to promote and support higher education institutions and internal agencies in enhancing organizational management and educational quality in accordance with international standards.

Professor Dr. Supasawad Chardchawarn, Rector of Thammasat University, stated that the results of the EdPEx300 assessment received by Thammasat University do not measure success in just one aspect, but rather evaluate the organization’s management capabilities in a systematic manner, driven concurrently across all sectors in a tangible way. This includes leadership, strategic planning, human resource management, and overall operational outcomes. The achievements that encompass both institutional and faculty levels serve as confirmation that Thammasat has grown as a Comprehensive University with excellence across all fields of study.

Prof. Dr. Supasawad noted that this EdPEx300 achievement is a starting point for further development, which the university will use to continuously improve educational quality, research, and organizational management.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Samroeng Inklam, Dean of Dentistry Faculty, Thammasat University, stated that the Faculty of Dentistry employs a management approach towards excellence based on the EdPEx criteria to continuously enhance the quality of educational management. The results of the EdPEx 300 assessment in the year 2026 reflect that the organization has increasingly systematic operational processes. Personnel at all levels are aware of their roles and responsibilities and are committed to collaborating in order to improve the unit’s outcomes. The focus is on responding to the needs of stakeholders and, importantly, on sustainable organizational development. Achieving the EdPEx 300 criteria instills confidence among personnel in advancing the organization sustainably amid constantly changing dynamic environments.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seksun Samosornsuk, Dean of Allied Health Sciences Faculty, stated that the EdPEx300 reflects the achievements and developmental direction of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences at Thammasat University towards a quality management system in a concrete manner. It demonstrates that the faculty has a systematic operational process, with clear approaches, objectives, and performance indicators that lead to actual implementation and evaluation for continuous improvement. This encompasses curriculum development, student support, research, academic services, management and development of personnel, as well as the effective management of organizational resources.

At the same time, personnel at all levels share an understanding of the vision, mission, and strategic plan, enabling the organization to progress in a unified direction with stability, even during periods of leadership transition. This reflects the strength of the system rather than reliance on individuals.

Importantly, EdPEx300 also reflects the focus on “organizational outcomes” in terms of educational quality, stakeholder satisfaction, operational efficiency, and the ability to achieve strategic goals, which are essential foundations for the organization’s development towards excellence and sustainability in the future.

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Auchara Tangsathapornpong, M.D., Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Thammasat University, the achievement of the EdPEx300 standard by the Faculty of Medicine reflects a systematic organizational development focused on effectiveness, process enhancement, and the creation of valuable outcomes to meet the needs of learners, service recipients, and society, as well as the expertise of the personnel involved.

By aligning vision, strategy, and performance monitoring through EdPEx, the Faculty of Medicine drives continuous organizational development, produces adaptable leaders, and advances practical research to serve the public as a “Faculty of Medicine for the People.”

The Rector thanked the university community for this collective achievement, which marks Thammasat as a regional leader. The EdPEx300 rating confirms the university’s high standard of systematic management, strategic planning, and focus on delivering quality outcomes for stakeholders.

Thammasat University and Pattaya City signed an MOU to advance human, academic, and social development for future national and urban growth.

Thammasat University collaborates with Pattaya City by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for academic cooperation to promote the development of education, research, and the enhancement of the capabilities of personnel and students. This partnership aims to drive the development of a creative city in the fields of medicine, nursing, and public health, as well as to support the concrete development of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). The signing took place on May 14, 2026, at the Brighton Grand Hotel Pattaya, Chonburi Province.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Danupun Visuwan, Vice Rector for Planning and University Council Affairs, representing the Thammasat University Rector, and Mr. Poramet Ngampichet , Mayor of Pattaya City, jointly signed the agreement, with executives from both organizations present as witnesses. The collaboration aims to exchange knowledge, develop research and innovation, as well as promote internships, cooperative education, and the development of students’ professional skills, in order to enhance the quality of personnel in alignment with the future needs of the country.

In addition, both parties aim to collaboratively develop academic service activities for society, support the organization of conferences and academic events at both national and international levels, as well as create a model for Creative Cities that enhances the quality of life and well-being of the local population. This collaboration marks another significant step for Thammasat University in leveraging knowledge and academic potential to support sustainable local development and the country’s economy.

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.