Tag: Thammasat University

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.

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.