MOU signed with Thammasat University in Thailand
The University of Huddersfield has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Thammasat University in Thailand that will herald shared academic programmes, postgraduate research, staff and student exchanges and more.
A delegation from the University of Huddersfield, led by Professor Monty Adkins, Pro Vice-Chancellor, and supported by Professor John Synnott, Mr Karl Abbey, and Professor Abhijit Sharma, travelled to Bangkok to formalise a new partnership with Thammasat University through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The ceremony was hosted by Professor Dr Supasawad Chardchawarn, Rector of Thammasat University, at the Tha Prachan Campus in Bangkok.
This MoU places at its centre a commitment to deep and meaningful collaboration across shared academic programmes, postgraduate supervision, and enhanced staff and student mobility.
It reflects a shared ambition to explore collaboration in key areas including PhD co-supervision, curriculum and programme development, student and staff exchanges, and joint research initiatives.
The partnership aligns with the broader 170th anniversary of UK–Thailand diplomatic relations and reflects the shared ambition of both universities to build sustainable international research networks, expand educational pathways, and strengthen long-term academic and professional links between the UK and Thailand.
Reflecting on the intention to develop truly impactful joint working, Professor Adkins, Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Huddersfield, said,
“This Memorandum of Understanding reflects our shared ambition to build long-term, sustainable international partnerships that deliver meaningful academic and societal impact. By working closely with Thammasat University across postgraduate education, joint research, and staff and student mobility, we are creating a strong platform for collaboration that aligns academic excellence with global engagement.”
The University of Huddersfield also extends its sincere thanks to Mr Danny Whitehead, Country Director of the British Council Thailand, who articulated the strategic context of UK–Thai higher education relations and provided a thoughtful overview to mark the 170-year anniversary.
MOU underlines shared interests between institutions
Summarising the value of international partnerships, Professor Dr Supasawad highlighted Thammasat University’s evolution from its foundations in the social sciences into a comprehensive university, reflected in its diverse academic portfolio, including two Faculties of Engineering and two Faculties of Medicine. He further noted that,
“Thammasat and the University of Huddersfield share remarkable similarities: a long-established history, a deep commitment to serving society, and a dedication to fostering cutting-edge research and international networking alongside academic excellence.”
The partnership was initiated by Professor John Synnott, who has long-established links with Thailand through research collaboration and doctoral supervision.
Professor Synnott added, “Thailand is a special country with a deep and vibrant history of intellectual enquiry. My work supporting the development of research in Thailand, in collaboration with a range of state bodies, has provided a strong and fruitful foundation for this formal relationship with Thammasat University. I look forward to providing the necessary support to ensure this partnership is a success in the months and years ahead.”