Faculty of Law, Thammasat University

Faculty of Law, Thammasat University
คณะนิติศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์
Motto	"The Chao Phraya flows inceasingly, So does the morals of Niti Dome; Sons of Dome shall light the social With the justice they uphold."
Established	27 June 1934
Type	Academic Faculty of a Public University
Dean	Prof Somkhit Loetphaithun
Staff	50 (teaching staffs)
Students	4,000
Location	Bangkok, Thailand
Campus	Tha Phra Chan Campus No. 2, Thanon Phra Chan, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, 10200. Rangsit Campus No. 99, Mu 18, Thanon Phahonyothin, Tambon Khlong Nueng, Amphoe Khlong Luang, Changwat Pathum Thani, 12120. Lampang Campus No. 248, Mu 2, Tambon Pong Yang Khok, Amphoe Hang Chat, Changwat Lampang, 52190.
Colours	White
Mascot	Balance and Yellow Tiger
Website	Law.tu.ac.th

Faculty of Law, Thammasat University (Thai: คณะนิติศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์; RTGS: Khana Nitisat Mahawitthayalai Thammasat), with the nickname Niti Dome (Thai: นิติโดม, the renowned Dome Building represents the University), is a Thai academic faculty and administrative body of Thammasat University, Ministry of Education, installed by the law on Thammasat University.^[1][2] The history of which is over a century, and the role, normally involves with the political circumstances of the Country.^[3] Throughout decades has the Faculty served the public purposes in accordance with the law on Thammasat University. Presently, it holds the legal education providing as a chief mission.

Contents 1 History 2 Administration 2.1 Administers 2.2 Academic Divisions 3 Courses[9] 3.1 Undergraduate Courses 3.2 Graduate Courses 4 Symbols 5 Notable alumni 6 Prominent Activities 6.1 Prince Raphi's Commemorative Day[13][14] 7 References 8 See also

History

The origin of Thammasat University's Faculty of Law could be reckoned from the initiation of the Law School in 1907 by Raphi Phatthanasak Krommaluang Ratchaburi Direk Rit, Minister of Justice and son of Chulalongkorn. Prior to the said year, the education of law was unpredictable in the Country. At that time, the location of the School was the luncheon lobby of the Prince where he would assume teaching duties following his lunch. The School was later moved to the Central Building of the Ministry of Justice owing to the increment of students.

1910 : Raphi Phatthanasak retired from office at the Ministry of Justice, and, thereafter, his Law School was gradually degenerated and, again, moved to a royal grand temple, Wat Mahathat Yuwarat Rang Sarit, and to a small royal residence adjacent the Civil Court.

1911 : The Law School came under the patronage of Vajiravudh and, by the royal command, became an official Law School affiliated with the Ministry of Justice. In that year, the School was once again moved to the former office of the Department of Public Relations close to Phan Phiphop Lila Bridge.

1932 : Upon success of the 1932 Siamese coup d'état staged by Khana Ratsadon, the Government ordered, on April 25 of such year, the Faculty of Law and Public Administration be established within Chulalongkorn University and the Ministry of Justice's Law School be transferred to the newly established Faculty.

1933 : Narisara Nuvadtivongs, the Regent for Prajadhipok, enacted the "Moral and Political Science University Act, Buddhist Era 2476 (1933)" which came into force on 20 March of the year. The pertinent provisions are as follows:^[2]

“

Section 4. There shall be established a university entitled "Moral and Political Science University", having the duties to provide the education of jurisprudence, political science, economics and all other branches as to the moral and political science. Section 5. Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Law and Public Administration as well as its proprieties and budgets shall, en masse, be transferred to this University within April 1, BE 2477 (1934).

”

At the initial period of the University's establishment, there existed only a course called "Bachelor of Jurisprudence".

1949 : On June 14 of this year, the Bachelor of Jurisprudence was divided into the following four faculties: Faculty of Law, Faculty of Public Administration, Faculty of Economics and Faculty of Commerce. The four separately provided education in each own field, especially the foreign language courses were commenced in the Faculty of Law.

1953 : The Bachelor of Jurisprudence course was permanently abrogated.

1969 : Thammasat University's Faculty of Law commenced holding examination for selecting qualified persons to become its permanent lecturers, and providing funds—including inter alia: National Civil Service Commission Fund, Oceanic and Suwannamat Fund, French Government Fund, and Ananda Mahidol Fund— for delivering its lecturers to study abroad.

1971 : The credit system and a new evaluation system (grade point average system) were used in the University, for the first time, resulting in the improvement of all courses provided by the Faculty of Law; however, the anterior evaluation system (point average system) remains in use of the Faculty of Law until this day.

2006 : The Senate of Thammasat University's Faculty of Law resolved that all normal undergraduate courses be moved to be held at the Rangsit Campus, Changwat Pathum Thani where there previously held 1998 Asian Games and 2007 Summer Universiade, other than the Summer courses taking place at Tha Phra Chan Campus, Bangkok.

2008 : Lampang Campus of Thammasat University has been established. The University announced open the branch office of the Faculty of Law thereat, where the law courses are to be commenced in the next year. The persons capable to enter the selection to become the students thereof are required to be whom having completed the secondary education and having domicile within the North Region of the Country. The selection is dichotomised into the University's selection (Direct Admission System) and the Government's selection (Central Admission System); 150 persons will be selected out of those applied for the preceding system, and further 50 persons, the latter.^[4]

Thammasat University's Faculty of Law carries out its functions still, and is tallied as the second oldest university faculty of the Country, inferior only to the Faculty of Medicine, Mahidol University.^[3][5][6][7]

Administration

Administers

List of Thammasat University's Faculty of Law Deans[8]
Name	Years in Office
1. Prof Phraya Nitisatphaisan (Wan Chamonman)	1949—1953
2. Prof Phraya Latphlithammaprakhan (Wong Latphli)	1953—1960
3. Prof Phraya Atthakariniphon (Sitthi Chunnanon)	1960—1968
4. Prof Sanya Dharmasakti	1968—1971
5. Prof Chitti Tingsaphat	1971—1974
6. Acting Dean	1974—1975
7. Prof Pridi Kasemsap	1975—1976
8. Acting Dean	1976—1978
9. Prof Mana Phitthayaphon	1978—1979
10. Prof Phaisit Phiphatthanakun	1979—1982
11. Assoc Prof Kiatkhachon Watthanasak	1982—1985
12. Assist Prof Pricha Suwannathat	1985—1986
13. Instructor Phanat Thatsaniyanon	1886—1988
14. Assoc Prof Prathan Watthanawanit	1988—1991
15. Assist Prof Somyot Chueathai	1991—1997
16. Assoc Prof Suthi Supphanit	1997—1998
17. Assist Prof Suthi Iamprayun	1998—2001
18. Prof Suraphol Nitikraipot	2001—2004
19. Assoc Prof Kamchai Chongchakkraphan	2004—2007
20. Prof Somkit Lertpaithoon	2007—Present

Note: Academic titles above are at the ranks the persons held while assuming the dean's office, some of which are changed at the present.

Academic Divisions

Thammasat University's Faculty of Law consists of the following academic divisions:

Civil Law Division Criminal Law and Criminology Division Public Law Division

Commercial and Business Law Division International Law Division Adjective Law Division Division of Social, Historical and Philosophical Law Study

Courses^[9]

Undergraduate Courses

Each year, the Facultyl has an intake of about 600-700 undergraduate students contemplating the 4-year LL.B. programme, with a total students of almost 2,000-3,000 students for the whole four years. Holders of a non-law degree may also enroll in the evening LL.B. Programme, the length of which is shorted to three years, with approximately 500-600 students for each year.

Staffed by over 100 well-qualified teaching members with overseas experience from various jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France, Germany, Italy, Australia and Japan and so forth, the Faculty has maintained its recognised status as the best law school of the Country.

Teaching law at this law school is distinct. Not only provisions of law are taught. Students are introduced philosophical foundations underlying "black letters" of the codes or legislation and are encouraged to discuss, articulate legal reasoning, advance arguments and think of "the law that ought to be" in tandem with "the law that is". Altruistic attitudes and social responsibilities are instilled, all along the line of the "social dedication" spirit adhered to by the University since its inauguration in 1934. Remarkably, the Faculty has thus far produced holders of significant offices of the country.

Graduate Courses

At the graduate level, teaching is based upon a comparative approach and intended to encourage critical thinking and insights into legal problems in both theoretical and practical dimensions. Those leaving the undegraduate law courses therefrom are expected to become legal scholars, legal thinkers, experts or practitioners in particular areas of law. Indeed, under the LL.M. programme, in an attempt to promote expertise in specific areas, 8 fields of study are offered: Private Law, Criminal Law, Business Law, International Law, International Trade Law, Tax Law, Public Law, and Environmental Law.

The programme has an annual intake of about 200-300 students. Students attend classes in the evenings and may now complete their courses of study and a thesis (or an independent study on a selected topic) in 5 terms (2.5 years). The Faculty of Law plans to operate an English-Language LL.M. Programme in Business Law in 2009.

With the well-known expertise in public law, the Faculty also offers the 1-year Graduate Diploma Programme in Public Law, mostly enrolled by Government and State officials, with an annual intake of up to 100 students. A certain limit of credits earned from this Diploma Programme may be transferred towards the LL.M. Programme. Further, the Faculty also offers the Graduate Diploma Programme in Business Law which provides intended fields of concentration e.g. "Intellectual Property" or "Risk Management and Insurance".

At the doctoral level, the Faculty welcomes candidates with excellent legal knowledge. Admission is granted mainly through an English test as well as a qualifying examination on the result of preliminary study on a selected topic. This uppermost programme is mainly based upon independent research, although attendance at the Legal Methodology Class is compulsory.

Symbols

• Seal - The seal of Thammasat University or Thammachak seal—a Constitution on Phan or container, with Thammachak or the Wheel of Law behind—is also used as the seal of the Faculty, in accordance with the Notification of the Office of the Prime Minister Re: Determination of Official Agency Seal under the Official Seal Act BE 2482 (1939), (No. 50), dated 2 February BE 2509 (1966).^[10]

• Flag - The flag of Thammasat University or Thammachak Flag is also used as the Flag of the Faculty, but the phrases "Faculty of Law" are added under the figure of Thammachak or the Wheel of Law.

• Colour - White is the colour of the Faculty, signifying cleanliness and blamelessness. Stripes on the gowns of the Faculty are also in white.

• Symbol - Balance, as a sign of justification.

• Statue - A Buddha statue, Phra Phuttha Lokkanitithammathet (Thai: พระพุทธโลกนิติธรรมเทสก์) or the Buddha of Legal Teachings, established by the Thammasat's Faculty of Law Society and entitled by Yannasangwon (Charoen Suwatthano), the Supreme Patriarch, on the occasion of the 30^th anniversary of the Society.

• Mascot - Yellow Tiger is the mascot of the Faculty, signifying elegance, honour, justice, satisfaction, powerfulness, majesty and leadership. The Yellow Tiger is used as the mascot for counterbalancing the power of the Red Lion, the mascot of the Faculty of Political Science, Thammasat University. There is, also, a traditional sports competition annually held between the two Faculties, called the "Traditional Sports Competition of the Yellow Tiger and the Red Lion".

• Anthems - Other than the Anthem of Thammasat Faculty or Yung Thong (Thai: ยูงทอง), the Faculty also takes the following four songs as its important songs:^[11][12]
  • "Nitisat Samakkhi" (Thai: นิติศาสตร์สามัคคี, "The Faculy of Law Unites!") - composed by Thawip Woradilok, a National Artist, and written by Uea Sunthonsanan.
  • "Nitisat Samanachan" (Thai: นิติศาสตร์สมานฉันท์, "The Faculy of Law Harmonises!") - also composed and written by Thawip Woradilok and Uea Sunthonsanan.
  • "Tra Chu" (Thai: ตราชู, "The Balance") - the name of its composer is unknown, but the song is sung on the 7^th of August of every year before the Court of Justice in Bangkok.
  • "Bum Niti" (Thai: บูมนิติ, "Boom of the Faculty") - the composer is also unknown.

Notable alumni

• Kamchai Chongchakkraphan, Associate Professor (กำชัย จงจักรพันธ์) : Dean and Professor of the Faculty of Law, Thammasat University
• Kittisak Prokkati, Assistant Professor (กิตติศักดิ์ ปรกติ) : Professor of the Faculty of Law, Thammasat University
• Kiatkachon Watchanasak, Associate Professor (เกียรติขจร วัจนะสวัสดิ์) : Dean and Professor of the Faculty of Law, Thammasat University
• Kaeosan Atiphothi, Instructor (แก้วสรรค์ อติโพธิ) : Vice Rector of Thammasat University, member of 1996 Constitution Drafting Assembly, senator, member of the Committee for Inspection of Acts being Detrimental to the State

• Khanit Na Nakhon, Professor (คณิต ณ นคร) : attorney-general

• Chaturon Thirawat, Professor (จตุรนต์ ถิระวัฒน์) : Professor of the Faculty of Law, Thammsat University
• Chitti Tingsaphat, Professor (จิตติ ติงศภัทิย์) : Dean and Professor of the Faculty of Law, Thammasat University
• Chumphot Saisunthon, Professor (จุมพต สายสุนทร) : Professor of the Faculty of Law, Thammsat University
• Chet Thonawanik, Instructor (เจษฎ์ โทณวณิก) : independent jurist, law expert

• Chuan Likphai (ชวน หลีกภัย) : Leader of Democrat Party, Prime Minister of Thailand, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand
• Chamnan Phenchat (ชำนาญ เพ็ญชาติ) : executive of Siam City Bank Public Company Limited

• Thanit Phisanlabut (ธะนิต พิศาลบุตร) : President of Thai BBC Bank Public Company Limited

• Thanin Kraiwichian, Professor (ธานินทร์ กรัยวิเชียร) : Professor of the Faculty of Law, Thammsat University; chief of the judge panel of the Supreme Court of Thailand; Prime Minister of Thailand; Privy Councillor

• Nitisatphaisan (Wan Chamonman), Professor Phraya [พระยานิติศาสตร์ไพศาล (วัน จามรมาน)] : Dean and Professor of the Faculty of Law, Thammasat University
• Naowarat Phongphaibun (เนาวรัตน์ พงษ์ไพบูลย์) : S.E.A. Write Award Winner

• Banchoet Singkhaneti, Associate Professor (บรรเจิด สิงคะเนติ) : Professor of the Faculty of Law, Thammasat University

• Praman Chansue (ประมาณ ชันซื่อ) : President of the Supreme Court of Thailand
• Prasit Ekkabut, Professor (ประสิทธิ์ เอกบุตร) : Professor of the Faculty of Law, Thammsat University
• Prasoet Nakhasakun (ประเสริฐ นาสกุล) : President of the Constitutional Court of Thailand
• Parinya Thewanaruemitkun, Instructor (ปริญญา เทวานฤมิตรกุล) : Vice Rector of Thammasat University
• Pridi Kasemsap, Professor (ปรีดี เกษมทรัพย์) : Dean and Professor of the Faculty of Law, Thammasat University; Rector of Thammasat University
• Panya Thanomrot (ปัญญา ถนอมรอด) : President of the Supreme Court of Thailand
• Pan Phanomyong (ปาล พนมยงค์) : the accused in the Peace Uprising case, first son of Pridi Phanomyong
• Piyabut Saengkanokkun, Instructor (ปิยบุตร แสงกนกกุล) : Instructor of the Faculty of Law, Thammasat University

• Phatcharakitiyapha (พัชรกิติยาภา) : granddaughter of Bhumibol Adulyadej
• Phanthip Kanchanachittra Saisunthon, Associate Professor (พันธุ์ทิพย์ กาญจนะจิตรา สายสุนทร) : Professor of the Faculty of Law, Thammasat University; expert on marginalisation
• Phiraphon Triyakasem (พีรพล ตริยะเกษม) : President of Thammasat University’s Student Organisation in the 14th October Student Massacre
• Phairot Kamphusiri, Professor (ไพโรจน์ กัมพูศิริ) : Professor of the Faculty of Law, Thammsat University
• Phaisit Phiphatthanakun, Professor (ไพศิษฐ์ พิพัฒนกุล) : Dean and Professor of the Faculty of Law, Thammasat University

• Marut Bunnak, Professor (มารุต บุนนาค) : Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand

• Rangsan Saengsuk, Professor (รังสรรค์ แสงสุข) : Member of the Law Branch, Moral and Political Science Department, Royal Institute; Rector of Ramkhamhaeng University
• Rutchana Uthaiwan (รุจนา อุทัยวรรณ์) or "Luktan" (ลูกตาล) : contestant in the Academy Fantasia TV Programme, chanteuse, actress

• Likhit Thirawethin, Professor (ลิขิต ธีรเวคิน) : Fellow of the Public Administration Branch, Moral and Political Science Department, Royal Institute; National Best Researcher; Dean of the Faculty of Public Administration, Thammsat University; Minister of Interior

• Worachet Phakhirat, Associate Professor (วรเจตน์ ภาคีรัตน์) : Professor of the Faculty of Law, Thammasat University
• Wanlop Phloithapthim (วัลลภ พลอยทับทิม) : Permanent Secretary of the Social and Human Security Development Council
• Wibunphong Phunprasit, Assistant Professor (วิบูลพงศ์ พูนประสิทธิ์) : Assistant Professor of the Faculty of Public Administration, Thammasat University
• Witsanu Khruea-ngam, Associate Professor (วิษณุ เครืองาม) : Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Secretary General of the Cabinet, Associate Professor of the Faculty of Law, Chulalongkorn University
• Wira Musikaphong (วีระ มุสิกพงศ์) : politician, journalist, activist for democracy

• Sanong Tuchinda (สนอง ตู้จินดา) : President of TMB Bank Public Company Limited
• Somkhit Loetphaithun, Professor (สมคิด เลิศไพฑูรย์) : Dean and Professor of the Faculty of Law, Thammasat University
• Somchai Prichasinlapakun, Associate Professor (สมชาย ปรีชาศิลปกุล) : Dean of the Faculty of Law, Chiang Mai University; academician of the Midnight University; expert on social laws
• Somchai Wongsawat (สมชาย วงศ์สวัสดิ์) : Minister of Education, Permanent Secretary for Justice
• Somyot Chueathai, Associate Professor (สมยศ เชื้อไทย) : Dean and Professor of the Faculty of Law, Thammasat University
• Samak Sunthorawet (สมัคร สุนทรเวช) : Leader of the People’s Power Party, Prime Minister of Thailand, Minister of various ministries, Governor of Bangkok Metropolis
• Sahasomphop Sisomwong (สหสมภพ ศรีสมวงศ์) : manager of various World-Champion boxers
• Song Watcharasirot (สอง วัชรศรีโรจน์) : activist, economist of the Stock Exchange of Thailand
• Sanya Thammasak, Professor (สัญญา ธรรมศักดิ์) : Dean and Professor of the Faculty of Law, Thammasat University; Rector of Thammasat University; Prime Minister of Thailand; President of the Privy Council
• Suraphol Nitikraipot, Professor (สุรพล นิติไกรพจน์) : Member of the National Legislative Assembly; Dean and Professor of the Faculty of Law, Thammasat University; Rector of Thammasat University
• Saowani Atsawarot, Professor (เสาวนีย์ อัศวโรจน์) : constitutional judge

• Atthakariniphon (Sitthi Chunnanon), Professor Phraya [พระยาอรรถการีย์นิพนธ์ (สิทธิ จุณณานนท์)] : Dean and Professor of the Faculty of Law, Thammasat University
• Itsariya Saisanan (อิศริยา สายสนั่น) : actress, emcee
• Udom Rattha-amarit, Associate Professor (อุดม รัฐอมฤต) : Professor of the Faculty of Law, Thammasat University
• Ophat Arunin (โอภาส อรุณินท์) : attorney general, first chairperson of the National Counter Corruption Commission

Prominent Activities

Prince Raphi's Commemorative Day^[13][14]

At the commencement of August of every year, at TU Faculty of Law's Tha Phra Chan Campus there takes place, once per annum, the Prince Raphi's Commemorative Day Exhibition. The activities within the Exhibition consist of: laying the wreaths paying homage to Raphi Phatthanasak Krommaluang Ratchaburi Direk Rit, son of Chulalongkorn and Father of the Thai Jurisprudence, at Bangkok's Southern Criminal Court; Buddhist ceremonies; exhibition of laws and jurisprudence; academic forums on the topic pertained to prevailing political circumstances of the Country; moot court; legal clinic providing legal advices sans frais; academic contentions on the topic of laws and politics; soccer competitions betwixt the law students and the team of superstars; and so on.

Moreover, four masculine and four feminine students of the Faculty elected by all the Faculty's students will be appointed as Prince Raphi's Commemorative Day Ambassadors. The said Ambassadors are charged with duties to carry out public relations campaigns for the Exhibition and to lay the wreaths before Raphi Phatthanasak's Monument together with the administrators of the University.

The Exhibition on Prince Raphi's Commemorative Day of Faculty of Law, Thammasat University, normally attracts the mass media and the public sectors owing to the academic forums about the prevailing political circumstances of the Country which is participated by many qualified persons and prominent persons in the society.

References

See also

Coordinates: 14°04′32″N 100°37′02″E / 14.07559°N 100.61722°E / 14.07559; 100.61722