16.3.4 Neutral platform to discuss issues
Srinakharinwirot University recognises the importance of providing neutral platforms and safe spaces as part of Thailand’s democratic development and constructive dialogue. In line with its mission to promote democratic values, the university acts as an impartial arena where politicians, policy-makers, activists, scholars, students, and community members can engage with one another openly and respectfully. These platforms are designed to encourage respectful exchange, broaden participation, and ensure that different perspectives are heard in an atmosphere of openness and trust.
By hosting public forums, academic seminars, and commemorative dialogues, the university contributes directly to reconciliation and the strengthening of democratic governance. Such initiatives not only allow diverse groups to articulate their views but also create opportunities to transform sensitive or contested issues into constructive discussions. In this way, the university fulfils its role as both an educational institution and a democratic intermediary, supporting Thailand’s long-term efforts toward consensus-building and inclusive political development.
1. Panel Discussion on “The Constitutional Court and the Protection of the Constitution” – Wednesday, 10 April 2024
A distinguished panel discussion on the topic “The Constitutional Court and the Protection of the Constitution” This event highlighted the academic and practical perspectives on the role of the Constitutional Court in safeguarding constitutional principles, with a special contribution from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Poom Moolsilpa, representing Srinakharinwirot University’s Faculty of Social Sciences and the LL.B. Program.
2. Commemoration of the 51st Anniversary of the 14 October 1973 Uprising
The Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Srinakharinwirot University (SWU), organized a series of academic and commemorative activities under the theme “51 Years of 14 October: ‘The People’ in the Equation of Thai Politics.” The program sought to provide a space for academic reflection and to reaffirm SWU’s role as a neutral platform for intellectual exchange and democratic dialogue. Academic Seminar (17 October 2024): An academic forum entitled “51 Years of 14 October: ‘The People’ in the Equation of Thai Politics” was convened from 11:30 to 16:30 at the Faculty’s conference hall. The seminar brought together lecturers from the Faculty of Social Sciences to provide scholarly perspectives and foster constructive discussion on the role of the people in shaping Thailand’s political trajectory. Through these activities, Srinakharinwirot University underscored its commitment to serving as a neutral academic platform for discussion among diverse political stakeholders, reinforcing the University’s mission to contribute to democratic values, historical awareness, and inclusive public discourse in Thai society.
3. Annual Public Service Program 2024 – Department of Political Science
“Thai Society and Embracing Diversity”
On 10 April 2024, the Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Srinakharinwirot University (SWU), the Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Srinakharinwirot University (SWU), organized its Annual Academic Service Program under the theme “Thai Society and Embracing Diversity.” Held on 10 April 2024 at the Asokmontri Auditorium and the Faculty of Social Sciences, the event featured an exhibition on diversity, academic panel discussions, and competitions for both secondary and university students. The program reflected SWU’s role as a neutral academic platform for fostering dialogue among diverse political and social stakeholders, reinforcing the values of inclusivity, democratic awareness, and civic engagement in Thai society.
4. Panel Discussion on “Global Challenges and the Roles of China, Russia, and the United States”
The Center for Asia-Pacific Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Srinakharinwirot University (SWU), organized a high-level academic panel on the theme “Global Challenges and the Roles of China, Russia, and the United States.” The panel provided an in-depth exchange on the evolving geopolitical landscape and the interactions of major powers in shaping global challenges. By hosting this program, SWU reaffirmed its role as a neutral academic platform for dialogue among diverse political and international stakeholders, promoting scholarly exchange and informed public understanding on issues of global significance.
5. Seminar on “Strategists and National Development”
On 9 April 2024, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Poom Moolsilpa, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Srinakharinwirot University (SWU), was invited as a distinguished panelist in a seminar on “Strategists and National Development.” The event, organized by the Center for Strategic Studies, National Defence Studies Institute, was held at the Military Innovation Center, National Defence Studies Institute.
The seminar aimed to disseminate knowledge and share experiences from the National Defence Strategic Studies Program, with a view to applying strategic insights to the advancement of national development. By contributing to this platform, SWU reaffirmed its role in providing academic expertise and serving as a neutral venue for dialogue among key stakeholders in national strategy and development.
6. Academic Seminar on “1932: Dawn of the Revolution and Contemporary Cultural Media”
On 3 April 2024, the Department of History, Faculty of Social Sciences, Srinakharinwirot University (SWU), organized an academic seminar entitled “1932: Dawn of the Revolution and Contemporary Cultural Media.” The seminar was held at the Prof. Dr. Prasart Laksila Conference Room, Faculty of Social Sciences, from 13:00 to 15:00 hrs.
The session was moderated by Ms. Ploynapas Asunee, student of the Department of History. The seminar provided an interdisciplinary platform to revisit the historical significance of the 1932 Revolution while examining its representation in contemporary cultural media. Through this initiative, SWU reaffirmed its role as a neutral academic platform for fostering dialogue, reflection, and critical understanding among scholars, students, and the public.
7. Student Election’s Day 2024 – Vision Debate and Election at Srinakharinwirot University
On 16 May 2024, Srinakharinwirot University (SWU) organized its Student Election’s Day, providing a platform for students to exercise their democratic “rights” and “voices” in determining the future direction of the Student Organization. Prior to the election, candidates for the Presidency of the Student Organization for Academic Year 2024 presented their visions through a public debate, offering the university community an opportunity to evaluate their policies and leadership perspectives.
These activities underscored SWU’s commitment to fostering civic responsibility, democratic awareness, and participatory engagement within the student body. By facilitating both the debate and the election process, SWU reaffirmed its role as a neutral academic platform where diverse perspectives can be expressed, contested, and respected—strengthening democratic practices and preparing students to contribute responsibly to society.
Through events like this, the university demonstrates its role as a mediating institution, curating a safe and respectful space where history, politics, and emotion can be acknowledged and transformed into opportunities for shared reflection. The events functioned not just as academic events but as a ritualised encounter, where political difference could be acknowledged within the protective setting of the university
Srinakharinwirot University recognises the importance of providing neutral platforms and safe spaces as part of Thailand’s democratic development and constructive dialogue. In line with its mission to promote democratic values, the university acts as an impartial arena where politicians, policy-makers, activists, scholars, students, and community members can engage with one another openly and respectfully. These platforms are designed to encourage respectful exchange, broaden participation, and ensure that different perspectives are heard in an atmosphere of openness and trust.
By hosting public forums, academic seminars, and commemorative dialogues, the university contributes directly to reconciliation and the strengthening of democratic governance. Such initiatives not only allow diverse groups to articulate their views but also create opportunities to transform sensitive or contested issues into constructive discussions. In this way, the university fulfils its role as both an educational institution and a democratic intermediary, supporting Thailand’s long-term efforts toward consensus-building and inclusive political development.
8. Academic Seminar: “Addressing the Global Geopolitical and Climate Crises Challenges and Thailand’s Role, in Collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Center.”
The seminar is designed to convene stakeholders to examine the broader contours of an increasingly volatile world while simultaneously reflecting on how these dynamics shape everyday life in Thailand. Discussions will address issues such as extreme weather events leading to floods and droughts, volatility in energy and food prices, the relocation of transnational production bases, and the security of border communities and large urban centers. By linking global developments to concrete experiences in Thailand, the program seeks to clarify how seemingly distant phenomena have proximate effects and to identify ways in which the country can adapt to—and strategically leverage—the resulting transformations.
Throughout the event, representatives from multiple sectors—government agencies, the private sector, and allied partners—will exchange perspectives, with particular attention to emerging opportunities in green industries, sustainable tourism, and cooperation at ASEAN and wider Asia–Pacific scales. Thailand’s role will be examined both as a state responsible for ensuring domestic preparedness and as a potential interlocutor that can broker collaboration with neighboring countries—whether through cross-border climate and weather data sharing, transboundary pollution-reduction initiatives, or advocacy for fair and environmentally sound trade regimes.
The overarching aim is for participants to leave with a clearer understanding of how global crises intersect with daily life and what near-term actions are feasible ranging from small-scale community projects and immediately implementable organizational measures to policy proposals that relevant public bodies can take under consideration.
9. SWU Happy Pride 2024
This event is dedicated to promoting the beauty and equality of diverse identities and sexualities by creating a safe space where everyone can express themselves with pride, honor difference, and stand together in shared humanity. It channels the energies of students, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities through an open, engaging, and educational program—ranging from dialogue forums and experience-sharing, exhibitions on rights and equality, and art and music performances to counseling zones and creative corners that invite broad participation. Whether you identify as LGBTQIA+ or as an ally, we warmly invite you to join in celebrating, sustaining hope, and helping society move forward with care, respect, and a commitment to leaving no one behind.
A centerpiece of the program is a creative attire competition designed to affirm self-expression, expand the visibility of diversity, and spark imagination through fashion that respects everyone’s differences. Participation is open to all—regardless of identity, gender, size, or modes of mobility—and the judging prioritizes creativity, the clarity of the story conveyed, and demonstrated commitment to equality and non-discrimination. The aim is to ensure that this Pride celebration is genuinely a space of joy, creativity, and mutual respect.
10. Social in Love: Love Stories with Sociology Students
Join us for a public talk on “A Society of Love” with leading speakers from across Thailand on 14 February 2024. Together, we will broaden the meaning of love beyond romantic partnership—to include friendship, which sustains us in difficult times; love for family and community, which ties us to our roots; self-love, the basis of mental well-being; and love as public care, which moves us to uphold rights, equality, and justice.
The session will be an open, welcoming space for exchange, featuring a Q&A and a short reflective activity inviting participants to consider love in its many dimensions. Come with friends, a partner, or on your own—just bring an open heart ready to embrace diverse expressions of love as we co-create a “society of love” on this special evening