1. Introduction

Introduction

Thammasat University was founded in 1934 with the core mission of promoting knowledge in law, politics, and the social sciences in order to advance democracy and justice in Thai society. Although Thammasat has played a significant ideological and public intellectual role throughout its history, its longstanding focus on the social sciences eventually became a limitation in responding to the demands and changes of the modern world.

By the late 1970s and early 1980s, Thailand began entering a period of rapid economic development and globalization. This brought about a growing need for professionals in the fields of science, technology, and healthcare. At the same time, international trends in higher education shifted toward the concept of the “research university”—an institution that integrates diverse fields of knowledge to drive economic, social, and technological innovation.

Within this context,His Excellency Mr.Sukavich Rangsitpol, in his capacity as President of the Political Science Association (1985–1988) and later as President of the Thammasat Association under Royal Patronage (1989–1992), introduced and championed a bold vision for reforming Thammasat University. His vision was clear:

“Thammasat must become the National University.”

This vision, which has been referred to as “Sukavichinomics,” aimed to transform Thammasat from a specialized social sciences institution into a fully integrated national research university. It proposed a broader academic mission covering three major domains: the social sciences, sciences and technology, and health sciences.

This article seeks to examine and analyze the reform process at Thammasat during Sukavich Rangsitpol’s leadership, focusing on two major policy initiatives:

1. The establishment of the Faculty of Medicine and Thammasat University Hospital, and
2. The relocation and development of Thammasat Rangsit Campus as a “university town of the future.”

Through this exploration, the article aims to show how these ideas and their implementation laid the foundation for Thammasat to evolve into a 21st-century national university.

Main Body

2. The Context of Thai University Reform in the Late 1970s to Early 1980s

1. The Context of Thai University Reform in the Late 1970s to Early 1980s

During this period, Thailand began transitioning from an agrarian society to an industrial economy. Rapid economic development led to a sharp increase in the demand for professionals in science, technology, and healthcare. However, most public universities retained traditional academic structures, with a predominant focus on the humanities and social sciences.

At that time, Thammasat University, despite its intellectual influence—particularly in law, political science, economics, and mass communication—had not expanded significantly into the scientific and health-related disciplines. This limited its capacity to respond to the country’s evolving needs.

3. Sukavichinomics: “Thammasat Must Become the National University”

2. Sukavichinomics: “Thammasat Must Become the National University”

Sukavich Rangsitpol played a pivotal role in driving the reform of Thammasat University, both from within and outside the institution. He proposed that if Thammasat were to grow and take on a true national leadership role, it needed to expand its mission to include three core academic domains:

• Social Sciences, the university’s traditional foundation
• Science and Technology, to meet the demands of an evolving economy
• Health Sciences, particularly the training of medical professionals

This vision reflected not only progressive foresight but also a structural transformation of Thammasat University itself.

4. The Establishment of the Faculty of Medicine and Thammasat University Hospital

3. The Establishment of the Faculty of Medicine and Thammasat University Hospital

One of the key initiatives of the Thammasat reform was the push to establish the university’s own Faculty of Medicine, accompanied by a hospital that would serve as a center for medical treatment, education, and research.

In 1987, during a nationally significant royal celebration, CALTEX (Thailand)—under the leadership of His Excellency Mr. Sukavich Rangsitpol, then CEO and Managing Director—led a fundraising campaign that raised 60 million baht to honor His Majesty King Rama IX’s 60th Birthday Anniversary.

This initiative directly contributed to the establishment of Thammasat University Hospital, which garnered support from various sectors and went on to become Thailand’s first self-sustaining university hospital.

The subsequent founding of the Faculty of Medicine expanded Thammasat’s role into a national producer of healthcare professionals and a contributor to public health research and medical innovation.

5. The Relocation and Development of “Thammasat Rangsit”

4. The Relocation and Development of “Thammasat Rangsit”

Another major strategic change was the relocation of Thammasat’s main campus from Tha Prachan, which had space limitations, to a new site in Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani Province.

Later, as the Governor of the Expressway Authority of Thailand, His Excellency Mr.Sukavich Rangsitpol supported the development of the Chaeng Watthana – Bang Phun – Bang Sai elevated expressway, which provided affordable infrastructure to connect Bangkok with the Rangsit area.

The Rangsit Campus was not intended to be a mere “branch” of Thammasat but a fully integrated “university town” envisioned as a national hub for research, science, and healthcare.

This project enabled the university to launch new faculties that required large spaces, such as Engineering, Science, and Medicine

6. Friendship Beyond Frontier: The Motto of Sukavichinomics

5. Friendship Beyond Frontier: The Motto of Sukavichinomics

As Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the 13th Asian Games (1998), His Excellency Mr. Sukavich Rangsitpol, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, coined the official motto:

“Friendship Beyond Frontier.”

This motto represents his intellectual authorship and reflects his visionary approach to leveraging sports as a tool for diplomacy and human development in the era of globalization.

More than a symbolic phrase, the motto embodies a strategic concept within the framework of Sukavichinomics. It seeks to unite the nations of Asia by promoting peace, cooperation, and mutual understanding. Thammasat University—through its Sports Complex and the Athletes’ Village—served as the platform to realize this vision.

In this regard, Sukavichinomics goes beyond advancing education and infrastructure; it fosters a culture of cross-border collaboration through imaginative and globally oriented policymaking.

7. Outcomes of Reform: Foundations for a 21st-Century University

6) Outcomes of Reform: Foundations for a 21st-Century University

The reforms during the Sukavich era were not merely about expanding the university’s physical infrastructure; they represented a profound transformation in Thammasat University’s ideology and mission. The significant outcomes include:

• Elevation from a Social Science-Focused Institution to a Multidisciplinary University: The university broadened its scope beyond its traditional emphasis on social sciences to encompass a wider range of disciplines.
• Establishment of Thammasat as a “Comprehensive Research University”: The reforms laid the groundwork for Thammasat to become a hub for comprehensive research, integrating various fields of study.
• Balancing Ideological Roles (Democracy, Justice) with Practical Roles (Economic Development, Science, Medicine): The reforms aimed to harmonize the university’s commitment to democratic ideals and justice with its practical contributions to economic development, scientific advancement, and medical education.
• Elevation from a Social Science-Focused Institution to a Multidisciplinary University: The university broadened its scope beyond its traditional emphasis on social sciences to encompass a wider range of disciplines.
• Establishment of Thammasat as a “Comprehensive Research University”: The reforms laid the groundwork for Thammasat to become a hub for comprehensive research, integrating various fields of study.
• Balancing Ideological Roles (Democracy, Justice) with Practical Roles (Economic Development, Science, Medicine): The reforms aimed to harmonize the university’s commitment to democratic ideals and justice with its practical contributions to economic development, scientific advancement, and medical education.

8. Summary

Summary

The period from 1985 to 1992, under the leadership of His Excellency Mr. Sukavich Rangsitpol, marked a pivotal turning point for Thammasat University. The institution transitioned from being a university focused solely on social sciences to becoming a national university encompassing knowledge across social sciences, sciences, and health.

Through the concept of “Sukavichinomics,” Thammasat expanded its role in two primary dimensions:

1. Establishment of the Faculty of Medicine and Thammasat University Hospital: This initiative served as a model for developing self-sustaining university hospitals.
2. Relocation and Development of “Thammasat Rangsit” into a University Town: This development enabled the university to accommodate modern research, science, and education effectively.

These strategies were not just about physical expansion or the creation of new faculties; they involved laying the philosophical, structural, and functional foundations necessary for the university to meet national needs and compete internationally in the long term.

In essence, the reforms under His Excellency Mr. Sukavich Rangsitpol marked the beginning of Thammasat University’s transformation from an “Ideological University” to a “University of the Future.”

❝ Thammasat must be a national university. ❞

— His Excellency Mr. Sukavich Rangsitpol

References

**“Phrarātchakāranāyakit rawāng dūan.” 1999. (Thai Government Publication). Bangkok: Thai Cabinet Secretariat. Cited in Caltex 60 million baht for the establishment of Thammasat University Hospital in celebration of His Majesty the King’s 60th birthday anniversary. Accessed July 2, 2025. https://books.google.com/books/about/Phrar%C4%81tchakaran%C4%AByakit_raw%C4%81ng_d%C6%B0%CC%84an.html?hl=th&id=xKyTUE2sAVoC.

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Appendix I

His Excellency Mr. Sukavich Rangsitpol held executive roles at Caltex Thailand during the 1980s, including serving as Chairman and Managing Director. His corporate leadership at the time supports his pivotal role in securing the 60 million baht donation from Caltex for the establishment of Thammasat University Hospital. This contribution was made in honor of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 60th birthday anniversary, marking a significant intersection between private sector initiative and public institutional development.

Reference:

Kershaw, Roger. Monarchy in South-East Asia: The Faces of Tradition in Transition. London: Routledge, 2001. https://books.google.co.th/books?id=GrnrCAAAQBAJ&pg=PA256

Appendix II

His Excellency Mr. Sukavich Rangsitpol served as President of the Political Science Association of Thammasat University (1976–1988) and later as President of the Thammasat Association under Royal Patronage (1989–1992), positions during which he significantly shaped the university’s strategic .

Reference:

Political Science Association of Thammasat University. 1990 “อดีตนายกสมาคมศิษย์เก่าคณะรัฐศาสตร์ แห่ง มหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์ในพระบรมราชูปถัมภ์.” Accessed July 2, 2025. https://www.posatu.com/อดีตนายกสมาคมรัฐศาสตร์/

Appendix III:

The Thammasat Association under Royal Patronage (“สมาคมธรรมศาสตร์ในพระบรมราชูปถัมภ์”) operates as a formal alumni organization supporting Thammasat University’s mission under royal patronage. During the period 1989–1992, Sukavich Rangsitpol held the position of President of this Association, further demonstrating his pivotal influence in steering the university’s strategic evolution.

Reference :

Wikipedia. “สมาคมธรรมศาสตร์ในพระบรมราชูปถัมภ์.” Accessed July 2, 2025. https://th.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/สมาคมธรรมศาสตร์ในพระบรมราชูปถัมภ์