Thammasat University

Thammasat University

มหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์
Official seal of the University
Former names	University of Moral and Political Sciences
Motto	"For excellence, for justice, and readiness in leadership" (official)
Type	National
Established	27 June 1934; 89 years ago (1934-06-27)
Founder	Pridi Banomyong
Rector	Gasinee Witoonchart
Administrative staff	2,766[1]
Students	33,506[1]
Location	Phra Nakhon, Bangkok , Thailand 13°45′27″N 100°29′24″E / 13.75750°N 100.49000°E / 13.75750; 100.49000
Campus	Multiple-campus university Urban and Rural (varied by campus)
Anthem	"Yung Thong" ('Golden Flamboyant')
Colors	Yellow and red
Affiliations	ASAIHL
Mascot	Flamboyant Tree
Website	tu.ac.th

Thammasat University (TU; Thai: มธ.; Thai: มหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์, RTGS: Mahawitthayalai Thammasat) is a public research university in Thailand with campuses in Tha Phra Chan, Rangsit, Pattaya and Lampang Province. As of 2019^[update], Thammasat University has over 33,000 students enrolled in 33 faculties, colleges, institutes and 2,700 academic staff.^[1][2]

Thammasat is Thailand's second oldest university. Officially established to be the national university of Thailand on 27 June 1934, it was named by its founder, Pridi Banomyong, the University of Moral and Political Sciences (Thai: มหาวิทยาลัยวิชาธรรมศาสตร์และการเมือง; RTGS: Mahawitthayalai Wicha Thammasat Lae Kanmueang). It began as an open university, with 7,094 students studying law and politics in its first year.

In 1960, the university ended its free-entry policy and became the first in Thailand to require passing national entrance examinations for admission. Thammasat today offers more than 240 academic programs in 33 different faculties and colleges on four campuses. Over the 80 years since its foundation, Thammasat University has evolved from an open university for law and politics to an international university offering all levels of academic degrees in many fields and disciplines. It has graduated more than 300,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The university's alumni have included some of Thailand's prime ministers, leading politicians, and governmental figures, Bank of Thailand governors, and jurists.^[3]

Tha Phra Chan Campus, the original campus of the university, is in Phra Nakhon, Bangkok. The campus is in close proximity to many tourist destinations and was the site of the 14 October 1973 uprising and the 6 October 1976 massacre. Rangsit campus, where most undergraduate programmes are concentrated, is in Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani. Thammasat has smaller regional campuses in Lampang and Pattaya.

Admission to Thammasat is highly competitive. Only applicants ranking in the top 10 national scores are chosen for study at Thammasat, especially in the social sciences and humanities—considered the most selective in Thailand. QS awarded Thammasat University Four QS Stars.^[1] A Four QS Star rating means "...highly international, demonstrating excellence in both research and teaching. The institution provides an excellent environment for students and faculty."^[4]