Poverty is a multifaceted issue that affects millions of individuals and families across the globe. In Thailand, the average household size is 2.9 people, and the income distribution reveals significant disparities among different segments of the population. According to the National Statistics Office of Thailand, the average annual income per person varies across five quintiles, and when adjusted for household size, the annual income per household becomes:
- Quintile 1: Approximately 123,648 Thai baht (3,556 Thai baht per person)
- Quintile 2: Approximately 222,204 Thai baht (6,207 Thai baht per person)
- Quintile 3: Approximately 330,576 Thai baht (9,214 Thai baht per person)
- Quintile 4: Approximately 491,940 Thai baht (13,665 Thai baht per person)
- Quintile 5: Approximately 1,022,196 Thai baht (29,533 Thai baht per person)
Source: National Statistics Office of Thailand
These statistics reveal that a large number of families face difficulty meeting basic needs, especially those in the lower income brackets. At Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU), this challenge is evident among the student population. Of 2,987 first-year students, 1,688 come from households earning less than 150,000 Thai baht per year, indicating a substantial economic strain. Notably, 154 students report having no household income at all, emphasizing the critical need for targeted support.
BSRU’s student body reflects a wide range of backgrounds, with many students confronting the difficulties of poverty. These economic hardships affect both their access to education and their overall quality of life. Recognizing this reality is essential to appreciating the steps BSRU is taking to help students overcome such challenges and succeed academically and personally.
To tackle these challenges, BSRU has introduced various initiatives focused on assisting students from low-income backgrounds. The university actively raises awareness of the Student Loan Fund (กยศ.) as an important financial resource, with the Office of Student Affairs working closely with the fund to offer detailed information and guidance to prospective applicants.
In August and September 2024, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University held a loan agreement signing event for the Student Loan Fund, supporting both new borrowers and those transferring institutions. A total of 1,251 students were approved for loans (twice the number as last year), providing vital financial assistance to help them continue their studies and reduce economic pressures. The event included submission of required documents and completion of loan disbursement forms, with students registering online for their scheduled appointments. Through this initiative, BSRU continues to enhance accessibility to higher education, offering a structured and supportive process that empowers students and their families to overcome financial barriers and achieve their academic aspirations.
In 2024, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU) continues its commitment to fostering academic excellence and equal opportunities by offering a range of scholarship programs for undergraduate students enrolled in the regular program. These scholarships include the Srisomdej Scholarship, the Special Talent Scholarship, the Field of Study Support Scholarship, and the No Poverty SDG 1 Scholarship (Page 2, par.1.4). Through these initiatives, BSRU aims to recognize outstanding talent, support specific academic fields, and alleviate financial barriers for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, thereby enabling them to fully pursue their academic goals.
Additionally, on September 3rd, 2024, the university launched a program to help students find work while studying. This initiative employed 20 students in various roles, such as working in the university’s uniform and insignia shop, assisting in the gym, and providing support for students with disabilities.
On September 6th, 2024, a meeting was held for students who successfully secured positions through the work-study program to discuss their responsibilities and complete necessary documentation. The university emphasized the importance of these opportunities in helping students manage their educational and living expenses.
In 2024, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU) organized the BSRU Job Fair 2024 in partnership with the Department of Employment and a wide range of public and private sector employers. The initiative provided graduating students, including those from the lowest-income households, with direct access to job opportunities, reducing financial vulnerability at the point of transition from study to employment. By facilitating pathways into the labor market, the Job Fair helps ensure that students from disadvantaged backgrounds can complete their studies with confidence in their immediate post-graduation prospects.
In 2024, BSRU reinforced its commitment to supporting students by expanding financial aid opportunities through a wide range of scholarships. Presided over by Asst. Prof. Dr. Kanakorn Sawangcharoen, the President of BSRU, a formal ceremony was held to award a total of 18 scholarships from various foundations, associations, and private sector contributors. Altogether, these scholarships amounted to 7,735,272 baht, reflecting both institutional and external dedication to student success. The diverse sources of funding—from alumni associations and charitable foundations to corporate partners—underscore the strong network of support surrounding the university community. By ensuring access to financial assistance, BSRU continues to reduce barriers to education, enabling students to pursue their academic goals with confidence and fostering an inclusive environment that values opportunity, equity, and achievement.
BSRU takes pride in providing the Southern Border Provinces Higher Education Scholarship, which is dedicated to supporting students from Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and selected areas of Songkhla. The scholarship is designed to ease financial challenges faced by economically disadvantaged students, ensuring greater access to higher education and advancing social equity. Through this support, students are given the opportunity to pursue their studies, strengthen their skills, and prepare to make meaningful contributions to their local communities.
Through these initiatives, BSRU demonstrates its dedication to reducing poverty while cultivating an inclusive academic environment that enables every student to succeed. Recognizing this context is essential in examining the university’s continued efforts to empower learners and provide meaningful support, especially for those from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
