Tag: Thammasat University

The Thammasat World Study Fest 2025, organized by the Thammasat University Student Union (TUSU), aims to promote learning beyond the classroom and highlight educational and career pathways.

Thammasat University Student Union (TUSU) organized the “Thammasat World Study Fest 2025” to promote educational and career opportunities at an international level, emphasizing the importance of learning beyond the confines of the classroom. Key skills for the future, such as analytical thinking, creativity, cultural understanding, and AI technology, will serve as keys to success in personal and professional development. This initiative aims to broaden learners’ perspectives on acquiring essential skills for the 21st century and prepare them for a changing world. The event featured a keynote speech by Mr. Narut Vichayanan, a senior diplomat from Devawongse Varopakarn Institute, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on March 3, 2025, at the Puey Learning Park, Thammasat University, Rangsit Campus.

Associate Professor Dr. Dumrong Adunyarittigun, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs at Thammasat University, stated that the changing world necessitates our adaptation to keep pace with it. This includes the ability to think analytically, create new things, understand global cultures, manage finances, and comprehend emerging technologies such as AI. These skills are no longer just advantages; they are essential. Such competencies will be crucial factors in determining the drivers of change.

“Thammasat University has always believed that learning should not be confined to the classroom. Knowledge grows from experiences, diverse perspectives, and lifelong self-development. I urge all students to seize this opportunity for inspiration and to embrace new experiences to collectively create a future without limits,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dumrong.

Theeradol Phongdontri, President of TUSU and Chairman of the Student Federation of Thailand, stated that international education serves as the foundation for development in both personal and professional realms. It provides individuals with the opportunity to absorb diverse cultures, broaden their perspectives, and enhance essential 21st-century skills such as creativity, cross-cultural communication, and adaptability. These skills are not only keys to success but also tools for creating meaningful change in an interconnected world. The event includes a panel discussion on the topic “Studying Abroad,” featuring speakers Dr. Theerarat Samrejvanich, Deputy Minister of the Interior, Ms. Karnkanit Haewsantati, Assistant Secretary to the Deputy Minister of the Interior, and Dr. Jessada Salathong. Additionally, there will be a discussion on “Working in Fields Related to Foreign Affairs,” led by Professor Sujane Kanparit. The event will also showcase performances from various student clubs at Thammasat University and the Russian Dance Academy, along with booths from organizations and agencies related to studying abroad.

Thammasat University, in collaboration with the Toyota Thailand Foundation, organized the award ceremony for the TTF AWARD for Outstanding Academic Work for the year 2023-2024. The ceremony was presided over by Professor Dr. Supasawad Chardchawarn, the Rector of Thammasat University, and Mr. Pramon Suteewong, the Chairman of the Toyota Thailand Foundation, at the JW Marriott Hotel in Bangkok.

Professor Dr. Supasawad Chardchawarn, the Rector of Thammasat University, revealed that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the collaboration between Thammasat University and the Toyota Thailand Foundation in accepting academic works for consideration for the Outstanding Academic Work Award, or TTF AWARD. This prestigious award aims to honor exceptional academic contributions in various fields and to support Thai scholars in creating innovative works that keep pace with the ever-changing times. Furthermore, it seeks to benefit Thai society through intellectual contributions that promote sustainable national development by leveraging these works to enhance education further.

Professor Dr. Supasawad stated that Thammasat University is currently moving towards becoming a Leading Comprehensive University for Future Societies, which embodies excellence across all disciplines. The university is capable of leveraging various resources, including knowledge, faculty, personnel, research and innovation, infrastructure, students, and successful alumni, to support problem-solving and serve as a refuge for society. A crucial tool in this endeavor is academic data and research, which will lead to the development of appropriate solutions tailored to specific issues. The collaboration with the Toyota Foundation of Thailand through the TTF AWARD this time represents a support for research that addresses both educational needs and the strengthening of Thailand.

Mr. Pramon Suteewong, Chairman of the Toyota Thailand Foundation, stated that one of the sustainable development goals of the Foundation is to drive society through education at all levels and to enhance the quality of life for youth, ensuring better living conditions. The four academic works awarded the TTF AWARD for the year 2023-2024 are deemed to address key issues and will be beneficial to the education sector as well as to the communities and society at large, through the generation of knowledge and new technological innovations aimed at solving problems and improving the quality of life for the populace.

The TTF AWARD is a collaboration between Thammasat University and the Toyota Thailand Foundation that was initiated in 1995. Its purpose is to promote a culture of learning within society, with the aim of supporting Thai scholars in creating new works and knowledge that benefit society. This initiative leads to the publication and dissemination of valuable knowledge for the public. The award recognizes outstanding academic works in four fields: 1. Humanities 2. Social Sciences 3. Health Sciences 4. Science, Technology, and Environmental Studies. In 2024, a total of 62 works were submitted for the competition.

Thammasat University and Charoen Pokphand Group Public Company Limited (CP) convened a meeting to discuss the establishment of collaboration in research and academic knowledge concerning health sciences and technology, particularly regarding food and cancer prevention, innovative treatment through the modification of the body’s microorganisms to prevent and treat diseases (Microbiota and Microbiota-based therapy), and holistic care for the aging population in the country. Furthermore, they aim to promote cooperation in achieving excellence in various academic fields, such as biotechnology, preventive medicine through telemedicine systems, Thai herbal medicine, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics. It fosters collaboration between researchers and faculty members from Thammasat University and CP Company in the development and promotion of high-quality research, as well as the exchange of knowledge on technological advancements. Additionally, it provides Thammasat students with the opportunity to learn about progress, gain practical experience, and acquire knowledge from the quality personnel of CP Company.

Professor Dr. Supasawad Chardchawarn, the Rector of Thammasat University, stated that this year marks the 90th anniversary of Thammasat University, and we are entering our 91st year. He believes that the strength of Thammasat University lies in the profound understanding of society, economics, and politics, making us one of the leading institutions in Thailand. However, what has changed is the expansion of knowledge into the fields of health sciences and technology. Today presents a significant opportunity for Thammasat University, as an academic world, to collaborate with the business sector amidst the waves of competition. This will be beneficial for both organizations.

Mr. Boonchai Opas-iam-likit, US, EU, and UK Business Chairman of CPG, stated that he feels honored to have the opportunity to discuss collaborative efforts. Thammasat University itself is a nurturing ground for knowledge and holds a distinguished legacy for Thai society, education, and the economy. From Thammasat, they will explore various aspects of medicine, traditional Thai medicine, and AI, in order to jointly develop knowledge for the benefit of the people, society, and the nation.

The Faculty of Political Science at Thammasat University has reached a collaborative agreement with the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom to initiate a joint ‘Double Degree’ programs comprising two curricula: (1) a program with the School of Sociology,
Politics and International Studies, which allows Master’s degree students enrolled in the MIR program at Thammasat University who have completed 18 credits to study for an additional year at the University of Bristol, thereby obtaining two Master’s degrees from both institutions; and (2) a program with the School for Policy Studies, which admits final-year undergraduate students from both the regular curriculum and the BIR program of the Faculty of Political Science at Thammasat University, as well as Master’s degree students from the MIR program who have completed 18 credits, to further their studies at the University of Bristol to earn an MSc in Public Policy. For both programs, the University of Bristol offers a 10% tuition fee discount.

The University of Bristol is a leading educational institution in the United Kingdom, currently ranked 54th in the world according to the QS World University Rankings 2025.

During the signing ceremony of this cooperation agreement, Associate Professor Dr. Puli Fuwongcharoen, Dean of the Faculty of Political Science, and Associate Professor Dr. Jittipat Poonkham, Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs and International Relations, engaged in discussions with representatives from the University of Bristol, led by Jessica Carwardine, Deputy Head of Partnerships and Relations, along with Dr. Caryn Peiffer and Gabrielle Osborne, prior to the signing of the cooperation agreement. They also met with interested students to introduce the University of Bristol and the newly launched Double Degree programs.

Associate Professor Dr. Puli Fuwongcharoen, Dean of the Faculty of Political Science at
Thammasat University, expressed that the Faculty of Political Science at Thammasat University is striving to become a leading political science hub in Southeast Asia. Its recent partnership with the University of Bristol, establishing a Double Degree program, is part of a broader strategy to boost international collaboration. This includes research initiatives, staff exchanges, and joint academic activities, reflecting the Faculty’s commitment to achieving global recognition.

Associate Professor Dr. Jitipat Poonkham, Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs and International Relations, who oversees negotiations with the University of Bristol, stated that the Double Degree program with the University of Bristol aims to provide Thammasat political science students with enhanced learning opportunities, including access to world-class faculty and dual degrees. This initiative is key to strengthening the program’s international reputation and expanding students’ horizons. The collaboration was made possible by the dedicated efforts of the international and external relations team.

The championship or ‘World Champion’ title, along with another ‘2 major awards’, from Sauder Summit Global Case Competition 2024, held at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada, is the proudest achievement of Thailand as the team from Business School of Thammasat University has performed their utmost capability.

In the realm of educational institutions regarding Business School, it is well known that the Sauder Summit Global Case Competition is considered a prestigious arena and a platform for showcasing the potential of students, educational institutions, and countries.

In the recent competition, the ‘4 students’ representing Thailand from the Thammasat Business School, namely Manassaya Ploynumpol, Suchada Charoengkittitum, Bunburit Kittirattanakhun, and Sansnae Muneeganont, fourth-year students of Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program, have proudly announced Thailand’s success by ranking first among 16 business university teams from around the world that were invited to compete.

Moreover, the Thammasat students team also won the People’s Choice Award from the voting results, which was the consensus of the participants in the competition, and Dr. Worapong Janyangyuen, the academic and student affairs advisor of the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) international program, was able to successfully win the Best Faculty Advisor award.

For the Sauder Summit Global Case Competition, it is a business strategy competition that lasts for 5 days. Each team is given various industry challenges to plan, including increasing revenue, reducing costs, and expanding the business. The judges are high-level executives from leading organizations in that industry. In 2024, there were 16 participating top universities, such as Copenhagen Business School, CUHK Business School, University of Glasgow, Adam Smith Business School, etc.

The competition is divided into 4 groups, with 3 rounds each. The first and second rounds are a duration of 5 hours each. Competitors receive approximately 20 pages of paper as data. During the competition, the internet cannot be used. Once the time is up, the committee will rank the teams based on their scores, from highest to lowest. The ranking has an impact on the final round of the competition.

There is a total of 24 hours in the final round and the internet is allowed. This round is similar to the first two rounds but will increase the intensity of the details to be presented. The competition is divided into 2 sub-rounds to find the winning team to compete.

“Thammasat Debate Team” has been awarded the Royal Trophy, the first-place award, by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn for the academic year 2023 in the 26th Freshy Debate for Higher Education Institutes by the Higher Education Rhetoric Group (Udom Vatasil) at Thammasat University, Rangsit Center.

Students participated are:

1. Natchalida Nakngam, 4th year, Faculty of Liberal Arts
2. Sueksa Sahunalu, 4th year, Faculty of Liberal Arts
3. Nanthasawat Wongrianniyom, 4th year, Faculty of Law
4. Thanaporn Kamnerdkarn, 3rd year, Faculty of Pharmacy
5. Pinpak Jotikabukkhana, 2nd year, Faculty of Political Science
6. Nannapat Phongwitoon, 2nd year, Faculty of Liberal Arts
7. Napat Kongmuang, 2nd year, Faculty of Science and Technology
8. Kantha Duang-in, 2nd year, Thammasat Business School

Sueksa Sahunalu, a 4th year student of the Faculty of Liberal Arts, one of the debate team members awarded as an ‘Outstanding Debater’, shares thoughts and experiences gained from participating in this competition.

As a winner

We felt immense joy because ‘Udom Debate’ is a dream for many debaters, and it is also a stage with a memorable history. We, as debaters, hope to be on this stage at least once in our lifetime. Initially, we thought there would be no chance after being separated for years during the COVID. Some of us are in our last year of study. However, in the end, the Udom Debate Group managed to organize and succeed.

We are also proud of ourselves, our teammates, and everyone behind the scenes who helped make the team successful. Because we are the ‘Thammasat University Debate Team,’ the success that occurred did not solely result from the four of us standing on stage. Instead, it is a success that, if any one of us were missing, we might not have achieved our goal.

What is the technique for winning the championship?

Before the competition, we would spend our weeks preparing. We had to practice speaking and gather information to compete every Saturday. The competition period was a time when we had to devote ourselves to it fully, feeling like we spent a lot of energy. The competition spanned over several months, and when combined with practice time, it was quite a long period of working together.

The technique that led us to victory, I believe, is teamwork. As mentioned, our victory didn’t come solely from the four debaters. Before we could present our stance, it required going through various team processes and stages. Everyone had equal responsibilities, and ultimately, the success belonged to the team as a whole.

What is the key to debating?

I believe the key to debating lies in rational thinking and listening attentively. In each debate, we must begin by considering what questions our opponents are posing and how we can respond. This involves planning how to present our arguments logically, supported by evidence, and persuading the audience that what we are saying is ‘the truth’ through our presentation of all the points. Subsequently, we must also be good listeners.

Therefore, the art of debating helps us in learning and navigating life. It prompts us to think before acting and to choose our words carefully during classroom presentations or reports preparations that require critical thinking and conveying content. Additionally, it also enhances public speaking skills. We become more confident in expressing our thoughts, unafraid of being judged or criticized. Wherever we go, we’re assuredly not afraid to speak up, I guarantee you there won’t be any ‘dead air’.

Thammasat University and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, represented by the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), have signed a memorandum of understanding with PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR) at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation to collaborate on research and development of renewable energy technologies and sustainable innovations in the fields of biotechnology, food technology, computer and electronics technology, metal and material technology, energy, and nanotechnology. Mr. Permsuk Sutchaphiwat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, attended the signing ceremony, together with Asso. Prof. Gasinee Witoonchart, Rector of Thammasat University, Mr. Somboon Sahasithiwat (Ph.D.), Deputy Director of Research and Development Division, NSTDA, Ms. Kanchanee Udomkulwanich, Senior Executive Vice President for Petroleum Operations, OR, and the project’s management team and researchers.

Assoc. Prof. Gasinee Witoonchart, the Rector of Thammasat University, stated that Thammasat University aims to produce graduates in all degrees with knowledge and abilities in both theoretical and practical aspects in every dimension. The university has a team of professors and researchers who are experts with diverse experiences in various fields. Each one has the ability to cultivate and create innovations that align with the needs of the industrial sector.

“Thammasat University has participated in the Reinventing University project, a cutting-edge global research development initiative since the beginning of 2023, driven by IJC-FOODSEC. Thammasat University anticipates that the collaboration between IJC-FOODSEC and the food industry, both domestic and international, will be a game changer in developing high-level human resources as a key force in national development. This will promote Thammasat University’s excellence and establish its excellence on the global stage in the future.” – Assoc. Prof. Gasinee, stated.

Mr. Somboon Sahasithiwat (Ph.D.), Deputy Director of Research and Development Division, NSTDA, also stated that there has been an elevation in research, development, and personnel collaboration exchange to promote fairness and inclusiveness across all specialized fields of the national research centers under NSTDA. These three organizations are working together to drive and support sustainable research and innovation. Currently, the collaborations are as follows:

1. Development of a measurement system for analyzing ethanol in fuel oil at desired locations is a project collaboration between NSTDA, MTECH, NECTEC, and IJC-FOODSEC under the BioTech-TU-QUB program, funded by OR and led by Dr. Thanasas Suksrimuang, a senior researcher in material transformation innovation at MTECH.

2. The Industrial Postdoc program, supported by PMU-B, is led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Awanwee Petchkongkaew, a lecturer of the Food Science and Technology Faculty at Thammasat University. This program is conducted as part of the research collaboration between OR, MTECH, and NECTEC.

3. The collaborative research project on increasing the value of coffee production waste materials is a collaboration between NSTDA, BioTech, and a research team from OR, led by Dr. Verawat Champreda, the head of the Bio-refinery and Bioproduct Technology Research Group.

All three organizations are interested in collaborating on research and development in various fields, such as research and development related to food waste management from restaurants within the PTT gas station service area. Research and development in the coffee varieties for Amazon Cafe, which is a business within OR group and biotech research team.

Prof. Dr. Rattha-korn Vilaichone, the Assistant to the Rector for Academic Affairs at Thammasat University, revealed that Thammasat University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SCB Academy, Siam Commercial Bank PCL, to collaborate in creating online learning courses for university students and the general public. This collaboration aims to drive the development of digital human capacity skills in order to create a sustainable future of learning.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pipop Udon, the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs at Thammasat University, stated that the agreement has enabled Thammasat to incorporate courses from SCB Academy and Google into the curriculum for students who can choose to enroll in these courses at any time through the online system. Upon completion of the courses, students will receive an E-Certification. There is a Credit Bank system where students can accumulate credits to further their current studies. It will help students avoid having to take certain courses and allow them to fasten upon their studies.

“In today’s learning, we refer to it as ‘Anywhere, Anytime, Any Devices,’ which means that we can learn whenever, wherever, and through any device. This allows students to not necessarily attend physical classrooms, but instead choose to learn online.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pipop further emphasized that Thammasat University’s direction focuses on lifelong learning and recognizes the increasing importance of online education. The university’s response is not limited to its own students but extends to various groups, including high school students who will become future university students, working adults, and especially in the future as we move towards an increasingly aging society. It becomes a crucial responsibility of the university to address lifelong education or Life Long Learning.

Assoc. Prof. Gasinee Witoonchart, the Rector of Thammasat University, reinforced that the signing of this agreement will further establish Thammasat University as one of the pioneering institutions to collaborate on curriculum development with leading national entities such as SCB Academy and globally recognized organizations like Google. Moreover, it will be among the first universities to implement a Credit Bank system, enabling online learning not just to conclude after completion but to allow E-Certificates received to be credited towards further education within the university. This is believed to set a precedent for other universities in Thailand to develop their teaching and learning systems to meet the demands of future learning worldwide.

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