16.3.4 Neutral platform to discuss issues

Srinakharinwirot University (SWU) recognizes the importance of providing neutral platforms and safe spaces for constructive dialogue as part of Thailand's democratic development. In line with its mission to promote democratic values and academic freedom, the university serves as an impartial venue where politicians, policymakers, legal practitioners, activists, scholars, students, and community members can engage with one another openly and respectfully, within an appropriate legal framework and without restriction from the university. These platforms encourage respectful exchange, broaden participation, and ensure that different perspectives are heard in an atmosphere of openness and trust.

By hosting public lectures, academic forums, and conferences, the university helps turn sensitive or contested issues, such as justice, political mobilization, and urban governance, into constructive discussion. In 2025, SWU convened the following neutral platforms for different political stakeholders to discuss national and international challenges frankly.

1. Special Lecture and Academic Forum: "Justice, Law, and Society" (September 8, 2025)

To mark the 50th anniversary of the Faculty of Social Sciences, the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) Program hosted a special lecture, "Morality, Law, and Justice: The Balance Society Must Choose," delivered by Mr. Chuan Leekpai, former Prime Minister and former President of the National Assembly. The lecture was followed by an academic forum, “Justice, Law, and Society,” at which scholars and experts, including politicians, public prosecutors, and legal practitioners, exchanged views on the relationship between law, morality, and society. The event was open to the public and brought together participants with diverse perspectives to discuss justice and the rule of law.

The forum, “Justice, Law, and Society: Seeking Answers on Justice through a Dialogue between Law and Society,” brought together speakers who see justice from different positions in the system. The panel comprised Dr. Namtaee Meeboonsalang, Secretary to the Attorney General, representing the public prosecution service; Ms. Ampassacha Disatha-amnarj, Presiding Judge, Nonthaburi Provincial Court, representing the judiciary; Mr. Nitipon Piwmow, Member of the House of Representatives from the People’s Party, representing the legislature; and Dr. Peerapat Foythong, Lawyer and Managing Partner of Artthakij and Partners Co., Ltd., representing legal practitioners in the private sector. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Pitcha Jaisomkom, Acting Assistant Dean for Communication, Faculty of Social Sciences, Srinakharinwirot University.

With a former Prime Minister opening the event and representatives of the prosecution service, the courts, Parliament and private legal practice sharing one stage, the forum gave stakeholders with different roles and viewpoints a neutral, university-hosted space to discuss frankly how law, morality and public expectations of justice can be balanced. The university acted as host and moderator, providing an open academic setting in which each speaker presented their own perspective before an audience of students, academics and members of the public.

Poster for the special lecture by Mr. Chuan Leekpai and the academic forum “Justice, Law, and Society” (in Thai)

2. Academic Forum: “Politics and Society: The Situations in Indonesia and Nepal” (September 15, 2025)

The Center for Asia-Pacific Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, organized an academic forum on "Politics and Society: The Situations in Indonesia and Nepal," with Asst. Prof. Dr. Manoch Aree and Asst. Prof. Dr. Surasak Jamnongsarn as speakers and Asst. Prof. Dr. Pornpan Prongchitr as moderator. Held in response to the youth-led ("Gen Z") political protest movements in Nepal and Indonesia in September 2025, the forum offered a timely, open space to analyze political mobilization, democratic governance, and their implications for the region and for Thailand.

Academic forum on the political situations in Indonesia and Nepal, 

September 15, 2025

3. 20th National Conference on Public Administration: “Challenges of Future Sustainable Urban Development: Social Science Perspectives” (March 13, 2025)

SWU hosted the 20th National Conference on Public Administration, together with the Department of Political Science's annual academic service program for 2025, in the Main Auditorium (4th Floor, Asokmontri Music and Performance Hall 1). The conference featured keynote addresses by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cholvit Jearajit, President of SWU, and Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat; a panel discussion with Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, Asst. Prof. Dr. Pitch Pongsawat, and Mr. Jeremiah Pitakwong; the 2025 Annual General Meeting of the Thai Association of Public Administration; and the final round of a vision and public speaking competition. By bringing elected officials, former ministers, academics, and students into one forum, the conference provided a neutral space for open debate on urban governance and sustainable development.

20th National Conference on Public Administration, March 13, 2025

4. Guest Lecture by the Chairman of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council (August 29, 2025)

The Bachelor of Arts Program in Sociology for Development invited Mr. Viput Srivaurai, Chairman of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council, to lecture fourth-year students majoring in urban community development on sustainable urban development and local government in Bangkok. The session gave students direct access to an elected local legislator and an opportunity to question and discuss local policy openly.

Guest lecture by Mr. Viput Srivaurai, Chairman of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council, August 29, 2025

5. Student Election Day 2025: Vision Debate and Election (May 13, 2025)

On May 13, 2025, Srinakharinwirot University (SWU) provided a platform for the two candidates for President of the Student Organization for Academic Year 2025 to present their visions and policy proposals. The debate brought candidates with different proposals into a shared forum and enabled students to hear and compare their approaches to student representation and university activities ahead of the election held on May 27, 2025. The event illustrates the university’s role in supporting dialogue among participants in student governance and informed participation in university democratic processes.

Poster for the vision debate between candidates for President of the SWU Student Organization, Academic Year 2025 (in Thai)

6. Contribution to National Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue: “Reforming Laws, Transforming Lives” (June 20, 2025)

SWU's academics also bring their expertise to dialogue platforms convened by government. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Poom Moolsilpa served as a speaker at "The Future of Legal Transformation 2025 – Reforming Laws, Transforming Lives: Reducing Burdens and Creating Opportunities through Legal Reform for the People," organized by the Strategic Transformation Office (STO). The forum brought together legal scholars, political scientists, and public officials working in law to discuss regulatory reform for citizens.

"Reforming Laws, Transforming Lives" forum organized by the Strategic Transformation Office, June 20, 2025

Conclusion

Through these forums, lectures, conferences, and debates, SWU fulfills its role as both an educational institution and a democratic intermediary. By curating safe and respectful spaces where political differences can be acknowledged and discussed within the protective setting of the university, SWU supports reconciliation, inclusive political participation, and Thailand's long-term efforts toward consensus-building and strong democratic institutions.