From the beginning until the present
The Journey of Political Science at Thammasat University.
1934
Beginning of Political Science
at Thammasat University
The University of Moral and Political Science (Thammasat University in the present day) was founded in 1934 and began offering undergraduate courses in political science. For graduate studies, both master’s and doctoral degrees were divided into three branches, one of which was the political science program.
1949
Establishment of the
Faculty of Political Science
The Faculty of Political Science at Thammasat University was officially founded on 14 June 1949 as part of the University’s attempt to promote specialized learning and teaching. The first dean of the Faculty was Professor Direk Jayanama, former minister of foreign affairs.
1953
Transition from Open
Enrollment to Selective Admission
The Faculty of Political Science began limiting the number of students admitted to each class and introduced academic entrance exams. This made the Faculty the first in Thammasat University to abandon the open course system.
1959
Creation of the
Department of Diplomacy
The Faculty created the Department of Diplomacy. This was an addition to the existing Department of Political Science which required all students to live together in boarding accommodations provided on campus.
1968
Creation of the
Department of Public Administration,
the Department of Political Studies, and the Political Science Association of Thammasat University
The Department of Public Administration and the Department of Political Studies were founded. Also, in the same year, several alumni came together to establish the Political Science Association of Thammasat University.
1970
Opening of the Present
Faculty Building in Tha Prachan
The current building of the Faculty serves as a testament to progress. It replaced the former two-story wooden building that was inadequate to accommodate the growing numbers of students and faculty members. The building was officially opened on 8 September 1970.
1971
End of the
Department of Political Studies
The Department of Political Studies was dissolved. As a result, the Faculty was left with three departments in total: the Department of Government, the Department of Diplomacy, and the Department of Public Administration – a structure that has persisted until today.
1984
First International
Academic Conference
The Faculty hosted its first-ever international academic conference from 28 to 29 July 1984, in collaboration with the Asian-Pacific Political Science Association.
1990
Founding of the EPA program
The Master of Political Science Executive Program in Public Administration and Public Affairs or EPA was established in response to the trend of civil service reform and transformation of public administration models.
1992
Founding of the MPE program
The Master of Political Science Program in Politics and Management for Executives or MPE was founded on the Lampang Campus of Thammasat University. The program was later relocated to the Rangsit Campus.
1998
Founding of the MIR program
The Master of Political Science Program in International Relations or MIR was established on the Tha Prachan campus. It was Thailand’s first to offer international relations courses in English.
2002
Relocation of the
Bachelor's Degree (Regular)
Program to Rangsit
The Faculty of Political Science opened its secretary's office and started to move all the undergraduate students of the regular program to the Rangsit campus.
2009
Founding of the BMIR
program or presently BIR
The Bachelor and Master of Political Science Program in Politics and International Relations or BMIR was established as an international program. A series of curriculum improvements ensued before the program was transformed into the current Bachelor of Political Science Program in Politics and International Relations or BIR.
2023
First Double Degree
with International Partner
The Faculty of Political Science launched its first double degree program with Meiji University in Japan before broadening this form of academic partnership to other universities in Asia and Europe.
Dean directory
| Name | Tenure | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Prof.Direk Jayanama | 19 June 1949 - 19 December 1952 |
| 2. | Prof.Malai Huwanan | 20 December 1952 - 1 July 1956 |
| 3. | Prof.Tawee Rangkam | 2 December 1956 - 4 April 1969 |
| 4. | Prof.Pakorn Angsusingh | 5 April 1969 - 9 February 1973 |
| 5. | Prof.Dr.Kamon Paopichit | 10 February 1973 - 7 January 1975 |
| 6. | Anan Ketwong | 8 Januaury 1975 - 22 May 1977 |
| 7. | Prof.Phairot Jayanama | 23 May 1977 - 5 January 1978 |
| 8. | Asst.Prof.Noranit Setabutr | 4 April 1978 - 30 June 1979 |
| 9. | Asst.Prof.Dr.Arun Raktham | 21 September 1979 - 30 October 1980 |
| 10. | Chat Kitchatham | 6 March 1981 - 5 March 1983 |
| 11. | Assoc.Prof.Dr.Likhit Dhiravegin | 6 May 1983 - 15 May 1985 |
| 12. | Asst.Prof.Dr.Radom Wongnom | 31 May 1985 - 31 August 1987 |
| 13. | Assoc.Prof.Dr.Surachai Sirikrai | 1 September 1987 - 3 October 1990 |
| 14. | Assoc.Prof.Wisut Phothithaen | 4 October 1990 - 31 October 1993 |
| 15. | Dr.Seksan Prasertkul | 1 November 1993 - 1 November 1995 |
| 16. | Assoc.Prof.Dr.Corrine Phuangkasem | 17 January 1996 - 4 March 1999 |
| 17. | Assoc.Prof.Dr.Anek Laothamatas | 5 March 1999 - 14 October 2000 |
| 18. | Assoc.Prof.Dr.Corrine Phuangkasem | 1 February 2001 - 31 January 2004 |
| 19. | Assoc.Prof.Dr.Nakharin Mektrairat | 1 February 2004 - 31 January 2010 |
| 20. | Assoc.Prof.Dr.Siriporn Wajjwalku | 1 February 2010 - 31 January 2013 |
| 21. | Assoc.Prof.Dr.Supasawad Chardchawarn | 1 February 2013 - 31 July 2018 |
| 22. | Asst.Prof.Dr.Tavida Kamolvej | 1 August 2018 - 31 May 2022 |
| 23. | Assoc.Prof.Dr.Puli Fuwongcharoen | 3 January 2023 - Present |