The School of Global Studies (SGS) at Thammasat University is proud to be a co-organizer of the International Civil Society Week (ICSW) & Asia Pacific Social Forum (APFS) 2025, taking place from 1–5 November 2025. This major global event convenes over 1,300 leaders, activists, academics, and youth from more than 90 countries, serving as a critical platform for exchanging ideas and fostering collaboration toward a more equitable and sustainable world.
Thammasat Welcomes Global Civil Society
At the opening ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. M.L. Pinittapan Boripat, Vice Rector for Research and Innovation at Thammasat University, delivered a warm welcome to delegates. He emphasized the university’s core mission, stating, “civil society is the heart of democracy.” He highlighted Thammasat’s commitment to being a space for learning, exchange, and action that actively drives freedom, responsibility, and social progress.
The event’s collaborative spirit was reinforced by insights from key partners, including:
- Dr. Kothari Areeya, President, Asian Cultural Forum on Development (ACFOD)
- Mr. Mandeep Tiwana, Secretary-General, CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation
- Mr. Ichal Supriadi, Secretary-General, Asia Democracy Network (ADN)
- Mr. Wichai Na Suwanno, Deputy Director, Community Organizations Development Institute (CODI)
- Mr. Rangsan Mankong, Senior Professional International Relations Officer, Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth – สสส.)
The commitment to inclusive development was also strongly supported by the city of Bangkok. Dr. Lertluck Leelaruengsangkram, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), reaffirmed that “civil society is the heart of democracy and a force for real change.”
SGS Faculty Lead Critical Discussions on AI and Democracy
Faculty members from the School of Global Studies are playing an integral role in the week’s discussions, lending their expertise to critical global challenges.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Prapaporn Tivayanond Mongkhonvanit, Dean of the School of Global Studies, was a key speaker in the workshop “Development, Global Citizenship and Human Rights: Artificial Intelligence (AI) & the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in Asia Pacific.” This timely session, held as part of ICSW 2025 and APFS 2025, explores the profound impact of technological transformation on rights, citizenship, and development pathways across the Asia Pacific region.
Additionally, Asst. Prof. Dr. Jitti Mongkolnchai-Aranya contributed his insights to the “Defending Democracy” session hosted by the Asia Democracy Network (ADN).
Join the Conversation
The vital conversations and collaborative sessions at ICSW & APFS 2025 continue until 5 November 2025.
To learn more about the event, the full schedule, and the School of Global Studies’ involvement, please visit the official event page: https://sgs.tu.ac.th/icsw-2025/
