Thammasat Ranks Global Top 4 in SDG 16

Inequality and injustice remain deeply rooted problems within Thai society and economy, necessitating the drive for change to rely on knowledge from various disciplines that are profound and interconnected with real life. In this regard, “Thammasat”, as a "university for the people," has earnestly demonstrated this role as a center of knowledge for social justice, particularly in relation to Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG16), which addresses "peace, justice, and strong institutions."

Today, a key aspect of strategically implementing SDG16 involves the insights of Asst. Prof. Chol Bunnag, who serves as both the Director of the Research and Support Center for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG Move) and the Assistant to the Rector for Quality Development and Sustainability. This discussion reflects Thammasat University's role as a "common ground" that connects diverse fields of knowledge, driving insights towards policy change and nurturing a new generation of students who are courageous enough to question inequality, while standing firm for a society that leaves no one behind. This commitment has led Thammasat University to achieve the ranking of 1st in Thailand and 4th in the world for SDG16, according to the THE Impact Rankings 2025.

• Behind-the-scenes of the success of SDG 16: 1st in Thailand and 4th in the world

Asst. Prof. Chol highlighted Thammasat University's role as a "Center of Knowledge for Social Justice," reflecting its commitment to freedom and democracy while driving SDG16 goals. This led to its 2025 Impact Rankings success, ranking first in Thailand and fourth globally for "Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions" among over 1,214 universities. Thammasat's strength lies in generating new knowledge on peace and justice, fostering transparent governance, and achieving a perfect score in "Working with Government," demonstrating its continuous influence on public policy.

From 2023-2024, Thammasat University had over 70 faculty and researchers advising the government, showcasing public trust. The university also builds capacity for community leaders and local government officials, participates in 125 annual policy research projects, and offers a neutral platform for political dialogue, fostering understanding and democratic culture. Additionally, Thammasat's law and related field graduates, exceeding the average, serve in various sectors like government, policymaking, and social activism.

• Shaping justice across all disciplines, truly embodying "Thammasat"

Asst. Prof. Chol revealed that Thammasat University does not limit its thinking solely within the confines of law or governance but rather opens space for other disciplines to participate in the creation of knowledge and the promotion of policies that comprehensively address issues of justice across various dimensions. Thammasat University's 2023 Sustainability Report shows that 'justice' is a pervasive concept, extending beyond law and political science to nearly all faculties. This includes Nursing (human rights in health), Sociology and Anthropology (analyzing inequality), and Commerce and Accountancy (fair market mechanisms for vulnerable groups).

The Faculty of Law, which possesses expertise in legal matters, has advocated for policy-oriented research aimed at reforming the justice system to ensure equal access for all citizens. Meanwhile, the Faculty of Political Science has taken on the role of critiquing and evaluating state mechanisms, while also proposing ways for public political participation. This aligns with the specific objectives of SDG 16, particularly target 16.3, which seeks to promote the rule of law at the national and international levels, and target 16.7, which emphasizes the creation of guarantees and participatory decision-making that is accountable.

The Faculty of Sociology and Anthropology at Thammasat plays a role in gathering the voices of marginalized groups and conveying them into policy, enhancing the design of institutions that encompass all segments of society. Furthermore, the Faculty of Nursing and the Faculty of Sociology contribute by enriching the perspective on structural equity, reflecting the voices of vulnerable groups, and developing health and wellness care for both body and mind in an equitable manner,” Asst. Prof. Chol elaborated.

Achieving SDG 16 requires diverse academic collaboration, not a single faculty. Disciplines like law, politics, public health, economics, and anthropology collectively build a society founded on rule of law, transparency, participation, and fairness. Thammasat University students, through interdisciplinary learning and participation, are becoming "citizens with a heart for justice," prepared to drive societal change.

• Research transforming society, reforming policies, and driving global initiatives

Asst. Prof. Chol has highlighted Thammasat's impactful policy research, which translates into practical societal applications through new knowledge, systematic approaches, or structural reform inspiration. A 2024 Scopus publication, "Pathways, Situations, and Factors Associated with Youth Violence in Educational Settings," exemplifies this academic-societal integration. This interdisciplinary study on violence in Thai educational institutions is academically recognized and has informed government policy and guidelines, attracting attention from the Ministry of Education and youth organizations.

Thammasat’s research on birth control among minority women in Thailand, "A determination of the influence of birth control among minority women in Thailand: a qualitative study," highlights the sexual and reproductive health limitations faced by women in marginalized ethnic groups due to structural inequalities and cultural insensitivity in healthcare. This research, presented internationally, supports the university's 84.8/100 score in Research on Peace and Justice, demonstrating its commitment to a just society.

Thammasat University's SDG Move Center partners with NSTDA to assess sustainability across Thailand's six regions, gathering local feedback for the national science, research, and innovation plan (2023-2027). This collaborative effort involves leading universities nationwide and the global SDSN, integrating government agencies and local voices into national policies. This project contributed to Thammasat's perfect score in "Working with Government," highlighting its support for Thailand's SDG advancement.

Thammasat's top SDG 16 ranking reflects its core values of justice, freedom, and social responsibility, upheld by strong University Governance and academic freedom. The university will host annual events to maintain academic freedom and social justice, reinforcing its mission and promoting societal awareness that true freedom requires responsibility for democratic coexistence. Asst. Prof. Chol Bunnak emphasizes Thammasat's steadfast commitment to defining freedom responsibly, for the common good, and within reason and societal norms, irrespective of trends.