Thammasat University

The Graduate Volunteer Centre (GVC) was originated by Dr. Puey Ungphakorn, former Dean of the Faculty of Economics and former Rector of Thammasat University, to be an experimental program in the Faculty of Economics and later has been officially approved as “The Post Graduate Diploma Program” by the Council of the Thammasat University and Board of National Education in 1969. In the following year, the Office of Civil Service Board recognized that those who have fulfilled the training courses are of an acceptable standard. In 1975, the Graduate Volunteer Centre was approved by the State University Bureau as an academic unit equivalent to a faculty of Thammasat University .

Purpose
- To study society in real situations to be the foundation for analyzing and understanding of Thai rural society
- To explore concepts in rural development, including learning methods used in studying, analyzing and training in the rural community
Objectives
- To produce knowledgeable graduates in the Graduate Volunteer Diploma, who understand volunteer concepts, learning methodology and development with an emphasis on rural community, in order to apply their knowledge and cooperate with countrymen and development organizations.
- To train graduates to be tough, patient, responsible, pleasant and creative, to practice self-sacrifice and to devote themselves for the public benefit
Training
This post graduate study-service program consists of three parts.
1. Three-month academic training course and intensive field project training.
2. Seven-month field work in one of the following projects.
2.1 “Mae Pha Luang” Learning Centre for Hilltribe Project. Non-Formal Education Management Office. (Ministry of Education)
2.2 Nutrition Project (Ministry of Health)
2.3 National Science and Technology Development Agency.
2.4 Non-Government Organization :
- Tambon Administrative
- Learning Centre of Eastern Forest 's Network Project.
- International Child Support Regional Office Asia .
- Holt Sahathai Foundation
- Learning Centre of Sindhu-Praetong's Network, Pathalung.
- Credit Union League of Thailand, Limited.
- Network of Abstaining from Alcohol Organization
- Learning Centre of “Choko” Project, Nan
- Songkhla's youth citizen Project
- Hill Area Development Foundation
- Etc.
3. Two-months working on mini-thesis writing and final mini-thesis presentation.

Purpose
To produce qualified academics to have knowledge and skills of studies in social research with a special focus on rural society and development, as well as to have ability to study and analyze rural society to integrate and/or utilize their knowledge for rural development appropriately.
Objectives
To produce graduates to be academics, researchers and staff responsible for rural development with the following qualifications:
1. Knowledge and understanding of philosophy, concepts, theories and principles of rural development.
2. knowledge of research methodology and ability to analyze, research and integrate knowledge received from the countryside efficiently.
3. Ability to apply knowledge obtained to plan and make guidelines in managing rural development appropriately.
4. Be patient, devoted, ethical and moral, creative and cooperative with staff in various careers for rural development.

• To organize the seminar, discussion and lecture about rural society, development and voluntary work
• To organize the rural-development training courses and workshops.
• To offer services to voluntary work and community studies about rural societies, for university students and the publics.
• To disseminate information about GVC. Programs and activities to the public
• Etc.