Thammasat University

Quick Facts: Who was Thammasat University?

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Thammasat University

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Thailand's second oldest public university, focusing on law and political science.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Thammasat University (Thai: มหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์, lit. 'The University of Jurisprudence', RTGS: Mahawitthayalai Thammasat; TU; Thai: มธ) is a public university in Thailand with campuses in the Tha Phra Chan area of Bangkok, Rangsit, Pattaya and Lampang. Thammasat University is Thailand's second oldest university.

Career & Major Achievements

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.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Thammasat today offers more than 240 academic programmes 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.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1934: 1934 Milestone — 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).
2. 1960: 1960 Milestone — In 1960, the university ended its free-entry policy and became the first in Thailand to require passing national entrance examinations for admission.

Notable Quotes by Thammasat University

“The university was named by its founder, Pridi Banomyong, the University of Moral and Political Sciences.” (1934)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Thammasat University

True or False: “Thammasat University was founded with a primary focus on law and political science, reflecting its initial name.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The university was originally named the University of Moral and Political Sciences, directly indicating its foundational academic concentration in jurisprudence and political studies.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abdullah Ibrahim — Historical peer (Born in 1934) (1934): Pianist and composer, considered the leading figure in the subgenre of Cape jazz.
• Abimael Guzmán — Historical peer (Born in 1934) (1934): Peruvian Maoist revolutionary leader, founder of the Shining Path.
• Abdel Fattah al-Burhan — Historical peer (Born in 1960) (1960): Sudanese military officer and leader who assumed control of Sudan in 2019.
• Adam Clayton — Historical peer (Born in 1960) (1960): Irish-English bassist and founding member of the globally renowned rock band U2.

Frequently Asked Questions about Thammasat University