University Autonomy in Thailand between 1932 and 1972
Keywords:
university autonomy, Thai higher education, state policyAbstract
This article aims to study the methods that the state used to control or to direct universities in Thailand from 1932 to 1972, and to study the movements of university staff towards such practices in order to analyze the changes and the achievement of the concept of University Autonomy. The research findings indicate that the state has always regarded universities as places that create graduates to meet the state’s demand. It has employed the government system to control and command, and has used regulation and financial mechanisms to manage universities the way it wants.The concept of University Autonomy is widely accepted in higher education in Europe and the United States. Such concept was brought to develop Thailand’s higher education system before the Siam Revolution in 1932. Therefore, the concept of University Autonomy is not new in the Thai academic society; however, it has been exploited by the state to control universities, according to objectives that have changed over time. Furthermore, the state also regulates universities through regulations and other mechanisms such as the curriculum development system, quality control system, budgetary management, and research direction, among others. "State Autonomous University" thus reflects the continuation of the state’s control over university autonomy, which signifies the establishment of curriculum management and personnel management under the government’s interference, since Thailand's higher education system first emerged.
References
Ananthanathorn, K. (2021). Compiled from the section which expresses Puey Ungphakorn's opinions that appear in various places in Seminar report on problems and roles of universities in Thailand 1-5 June 1964. Retrieved 3 June 2021, from http://puey-ungpakorn.org/index.php/writer/academic/academic01?id=130 (In Thai)
Anatriyavech, A. (1996). Faculty Participation in Thai University Governance: A Historical Study. Doctoral Dissertation, Ph.D. in Higher Education, Department of Higher Education, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. (In Thai)
Chandransu, T. (1987). Copy of handwriting Prince Krom Luang Songkhla Nakarin to His Highness Thanee Niwat on “Opinions on Chulalongkorn University” with a report of opinions on the university project. 70 years Chulalongkorn University Founding of Chulalongkorn University. Bangkok: Chulalongkorn University Press.(In Thai)
Chiang Mai University. (2021). Chiang Mai University's Historical Development Hall (Pin Mala Art Hall). Retrieved 19 September 2021, from https://library.cmu.ac.th/pinmala/cmu_request.php (In Thai)
Darwin, C. (1954). Report of Sir Charles Darwin to UNESCO on Science in Thailand. Bangkok: Duplicate document Faculty of Education Library Chulalongkorn University.
Kasetsiri, C. (1974). Leaders of each generation in Thai history. Thammasat Journal, 3(3), 96. (In Thai)
Kaysabutr, P. (1987). Adult Education and the Nation-Building Policy of the Field Marshal P. Pibulsonggram Government during 1938-1944. Master Thesis, M.A. in History, Department of history, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. (In Thai)
Kongkirati, P. (2002). Towards Oct 14th Uprising: The Cultural Politics of Student and Intellectual Movements under Military Dictatorship in Thailand (B.E. 2506-2516). Master Thesis M.A. in History, Department of history, Thammasat University, Thailand. (In Thai)
Lertchoosakul, K. (2018). The Rise, Decline and Revival of the Thai Student Movement. PSDS Journal of Development Studies, Puey Ungphakorn School of Development Studies, Thammasat University, 1(1). (In Thai)
Mahidol University. (2021). Brief history of Mahidol University. Retrieved 12 May 2021, from https://mahidol.ac.th/th/history/ (In Thai)
Malakul, Pin, M.L. (1996). An autobiography of ML Pin Malakul, (commemorating the cremation ceremony). Bangkok: The Teachers Council of Ladprao Printing House. (In Thai)
Nitithanprapas, I. (2020). Pridi Banomyong and the social, political and economic foundations of Thailand. Retrieved 10 May 2021, from https://pridi.or.th/th/content/2020/05/245 (In Thai)
Office of the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister. (1967). Report of the 1st university seminar on 16-18 July 1966 at the Swangkhnivas Rehabilitation Center. Bangkok: Publishing Society of Social Sciences. (In Thai)
Office of the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister. (1968). Report of the 2nd University Seminar on 29 - 31 July 1967 at the Swangkhnivas Rehabilitation Center. Bangkok: Publishing Society of Social Sciences. (In Thai)
Office of the Permanent Secretary University bureaucracy. (1982). Documentation for the seminar on A suitable model of the university in the future. Bangkok: Planning Division, Office of the Permanent Secretary University bureaucracy. (In Thai)
Office of the National Economics and Social Development Council. (2021). The 1st National Economic Development Plan (Phase 1), 1961-1963. Retrieved 5 May 2021, from https://www.nesdc.go.th/ewt_dl_link.php?nid=3776 (In Thai)
Office of the National Economics and Social Development Council. (2021). 2nd National Economic and Social Development Plan 1967-1971. Retrieved 5 May 2021, from https://www.nesdc.go.th/ewt_dl_link.php?nid=3777 (In Thai)
Phatthanasiri, J. (1995). Guidelines for Independence of Thai Universities. Master Thesis, LL.M in Law, Thammasat University, Thailand. (In Thai)
Pridi Banomyong Life and works. 1900-1983. (2021). Retrieved 28 March 2021, from http://www.pridi-phoonsuk.org/pridi-life-and-works-1900-1983/ (In Thai)
Royal Thai Government Gazette. (1933). Thammasat University and Politics Act, B.E. 2476, Volume 50, March 20, 1933. (In Thai)
Royal Thai Government Gazette. (1952). Thammasat University Act, B.E. 2495, Volume 69, Part 18, March 18, 1952. (In Thai)
Royal Thai Government Gazette. (1956). National University Council Act, B.E. 2499. Volume 73, Section 8 Kor. January 24, 1956. (In Thai)
Royal Thai Government Gazette. (1956). Thammasat University Act (No. 2), B.E. 2499. Volume 73, Section 77, [Special Issue], September 27, 1956. (In Thai)
Royal Thai Government Gazette. (1959). National Education Council Act, B.E. 2502. Volume 76, Section 85 Kor, 2 September 1959. (In Thai)
Sangvichien, S. (1988). Siriraj Hundred Years History and evolution. Bangkok: Victory Power Point. (In Thai)
Silpa-mag. (2020). Is it true that Thammasat University? Used to have my own bank. Retrieved 28 March 2021, from https://www.silpa-mag.com/history/article_55549?fbclid=IwAR3Uc3FYp1V8lPhV9FeC9G9t7vq63VDmzYQOwlS0ccHEsIHsjUIMbp98nuY (In Thai)
Somvichian K. & others. (1964). Seminar report on problems and roles of universities in Thailand 1-5 June 1964. Bangkok: Social science review Printing House. (In Thai)
Suwanakul, K. (1987). University and the development and direction of the university and the bureaucracy. The meeting of the President of Thailand, Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai Orchid Hotel. (In Thai)
Suwanthat, P. (1984). Purchase of land in Thaprachan District. Thammasat 50 years. Bangkok: Thammasat University Press. (In Thai)
Thanarat, S. (1964). Opening speech of the National Education Council, Speech Composition of Marshal Sarit Thanarat 1959-1964. Bangkok: Press Office of the Prime Minister's Office. (In Thai)
Ungphakorn, P. (1970). University Administration Documentation for the Seminar on Universities in the Government Administration, 4-6 September 1970 at the Swangkhnivas Rehabilitation Center, Samut Prakan. Bangkok: Office of the Education Council. (In Thai)
University bureaucracy. (1976). Guidance on higher education. Bangkok: University bureaucracy.
University bureaucracy. (1994). 20 years of University bureaucracy. Bangkok: Chulalongkorn University Press. (In Thai)
Srisa-arn, V. (1975). Principles of higher education. Bangkok: Wattana Panich. (In Thai)
Srisa-arn, V. (1988). Higher education of the United States according to the views of Thai educators. Bangkok: National Institute of Development Administration. (In Thai)
Srisa-arn, V. (2015). University Autonomy: University Administration Innovation in Thailand. Bangkok: National Institute of Development Administration. (In Thai)
Uwanno, B. (1997). Independence of Chulalongkorn University. Journal of Chulasamphan (Special Edition) "Independent University", (July), 7. (In Thai)
Wongsayan, C. (1989). Thai education system in the constitutional monarchy from 1932 to 1977, (commemorating the cremation ceremony). Bangkok: The Teachers Council of Ladprao Printing House. (In Thai)
