Thailand's NASTA Signs Academic Partnership to Enhance University Safety Against Violence

Key summary

On October 27, 2026, the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Office (NASTA) under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, in collaboration with Suan Dusit University and the Siam Warodom Foundation, signed an academic cooperation agreement for a project titled 'Preparing for Violence Incidents in Higher Education Institutions.' The initiative aims to utilize research, knowledge, and innovation to address social challenges by analyzing risk scenarios and past experiences to formulate policy proposals. Key objectives include developing measures to prevent violence, establishing emergency communication monitoring systems, and creating mental health support mechanisms tailored to higher education contexts. The project seeks to foster awareness among institutions, enabling systematic preparation for violent incidents, thereby cultivating a culture of physical and psychological safety. This environment aims to reduce risks, mitigate the impact of unexpected events, and create a conducive atmosphere for learning, work, and growth within universities. Prof. Dr. Supakorn Punyutit, Deputy Director of NASTA, emphasized that NASTA focuses on developing human resources capable of thriving in a changing society with diverse risks. The collaboration integrates roles between policy agencies, civil society, and higher education institutions to build knowledge, operational prototypes, and safety networks that can be expanded sustainably to other universities.