Thammasat University

Thammasat University:  A Leading Comprehensive University for Future Societies

Thammasat University (TU), established in 1934, is Thailand’s second-oldest university, renowned for its enduring dedication to democracy, social justice, and public service. Initially named the “University of Moral and Political Sciences”, TU was founded in the aftermath of the 1932 revolution to educate the Thai people on democratic principles. Over the decades, it expanded into a comprehensive institution of higher learning, earning the title “the university for the people” for its inclusive mission and societal focus.

Since the 1980s, TU has broadened its academic scope and strengthened its position as a leader in research and innovation. The university has received numerous international awards for its contributions in health, medicine, industrial development, and communication—demonstrating its growing impact on both national and global stages.

Thammasat University is undergoing a profound transformation to become a “Leading Comprehensive University for Future Societies”. This vision reflects its ambition to be recognized as one of the top comprehensive universities in the region—renowned for its excellence in academic programs, teaching and learning, research, innovation, and creative endeavors. Rooted in its legacy of social justice and public service, TU is embracing a forward-looking approach to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
 
The university’s mission is centered on four key pillars: 

(1) developing Thammasat into a top-tier comprehensive university in the region, distinguished across academics, research, innovation, and creativity; 

(2) producing high-quality, socially responsible graduates who meet the needs of society; 

(3) positioning Thammasat as a thought leader and knowledge hub that delivers academic, professional, and healthcare services at international standards; and 

(4) preserving and promoting culture, religion, morality, wisdom, and political science.

In pursuit of this vision, Thammasat emphasizes modern, interdisciplinary curricula designed to adapt to emerging global trends. It champions integrated learning that crosses traditional academic boundaries and nurtures graduates with the competencies required to thrive in future societies. The university is committed to producing internationally recognized research, innovation, and creative outputs that contribute real value to communities. It also strives for international standards in academic and healthcare services, with a focus on societal impact and user satisfaction.

To ensure organizational excellence, Thammasat prioritizes operational flexibility, regulatory modernization, and efficient personnel management—ensuring smooth coordination and stakeholder satisfaction. These efforts are encapsulated in its three strategic imperatives:

1. Becoming a leading comprehensive university of the future
2. Becoming a university for society
3. Fostering happiness and sustainability within the Thammasat community

Central to this transformation is the “ONE TU Mindset”, a cultural shift that redefines how the university thinks, works, and manages to foster continuous innovation across all dimensions—academics, research, social engagement, and healthcare.

O: Out of the Box – Think creatively and beyond conventional limits
N: No Boundaries – Collaborate across disciplines and sectors
E: Empathy – Live and work with mutual understanding
T: Transform – Adapt and evolve in every situation
U: Unity – Embrace diversity and build unity

Thammasat University remains firmly rooted in its founding values while evolving into a dynamic institution that anticipates and leads change. With a strong commitment to social responsibility and ethical leadership, TU continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of education, research, and society. As its beloved motto states:

“I love Thammasat because Thammasat teaches me to love the people.”