Thammasat University, or in brief TU, is Thailand’s second oldest institute of higher education. Officially established to be the national university of Thailand on 27 June 1934, the university was originally named by founder Pridi Banomyong, The University of Moral and Political Sciences; RTGS: Mahawitthayalai Wicha Thammasat Lae Kan Mueang), reflecting the political fervor of Thailand. It started as an open university, with 7,094 students enrolled in its first academic year studying law and politics.The guiding philosophy of the university was “to teach students to love and cherish democracy”. The university’s name was shortened to its present by the Revolutionary Council. Nevertheless, Thammasat University has always been involved in Thai national politics, counting most Thai political leaders among its graduates.