Roles and Powers

Thammasat University is an institution of higher education and professional studies with the objectives of creating, developing, compiling, and applying knowledge. It aims to provide learning, education, disseminate knowledge, promote and advance higher academic and professional fields, conduct research, offer academic and professional services to society, and preserve arts and culture. This includes promoting and developing disciplines such as moral and political sciences, management, religion, ethics, wisdom, science, health sciences, technology, and the environment (according to Section 7 of the Thammasat University Act B.E. 2558).

Thammasat University has the authority to perform various activities to achieve its objectives, including (according to Section 14 of the Thammasat University Act B.E. 2558):

• Acquire and Manage Property: Purchase, sell, lease, rent, exchange, and conduct legal transactions related to the university’s assets, including holding ownership or rights to property and intellectual property. The university can also receive donations and assets from sponsors or benefactors.
• Operate Media and Technology: Conduct broadcasting, telecommunications, and information technology activities for educational and academic service purposes.
• Charge Fees and Services: Collect fees, charges, penalties, and service payments within the university’s authority, and establish agreements or conditions related to these.
• Collaborate with Other Entities: Partner with government or private organizations, and international or foreign entities, in activities related to the university’s objectives.
• Borrow and Lend Money: Borrow or lend money with guarantees, invest in shares or partnerships, or make investments for the benefit of the university. Loans, investments, and other financial activities exceeding the ministerial limit require approval from the Cabinet.
• Issue Bonds: Issue bonds or other investment instruments with Cabinet approval.
• Set Compensation and Benefits: Determine compensation, special allowances, welfare, and other benefits for university staff according to university regulations.
• Develop Academic and Professional Staff: Continuously develop academic programs and staff, and disseminate research and intellectual property for practical use.
• Establish Funds: Create funds for financially disadvantaged students, educational programs that cannot be self-sustaining, and other university purposes, including scholarships and research grants.
• Manage University Assets: Govern, maintain, manage, use, and utilize the university’s assets and state properties according to the law on state properties.
• Establish Organizations: Establish or collaborate with others to create legal entities, invest in or partner with individuals or entities, to conduct activities related to or continuing the university’s work, or to utilize research outcomes for university revenue.

Additionally, the various university departments have the following responsibilities (according to Section 9 of the Thammasat University Act B.E. 2558):

1. University Council Office: Supports the operations of the University Council.
2. Administrative Office: Supports the management of the university.
3. Faculties and Colleges: Manage education, conduct research, apply research findings, and provide academic services.
4. Institutes: Conduct research, provide academic services, or manage educational programs.
5. Bureaus: Support academic management.
6. Other Departments: Perform duties as specified in the university regulations.