Chulalongkorn University-Thammasat University Make History with CU-TU Unity Football Match 2024
Students of Chulalongkorn University and Thammasat University joined forces to showcase their potential and make new history in the CU – TU Unity Football Match 2024 on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at Suphachalasai National Stadium. The match was organized with the theme “Unity to Sustainability,” reflecting the solidarity shared by the two institutions and promoting sustainability in society. Prof. Dr. Bundhit Eua-arporn, President of Chulalongkorn University, and Assoc. Prof. Gasinee Witoonchart, Rector of Thammasat University, gave the opening speeches at the event.
The event started with the much-anticipated parades, including the themed parade on sustainability and sustainable development requiring contribution from all sectors and the social criticism parade presenting social and economic issues and emphasizing the need for solutions with the main goal of effecting positive change in society.
Chulalongkorn University’s parade, themed ‘Limitless Possibilities,’ aimed to shatter the walls restricting each individual’s unique potential to express their creativity. When everyone complements each other with their talents, then innovation, philosophy, new knowledge, or skills can emerge in society, thereby instigating continuous sustainable development. The concept was conveyed through the first balloon parade that communicated gender diversity, and a parade of Chulalongkorn staff that incorporated security guards, administrative staff, and familiar faces, without whom lives in Chulalongkorn campus would not have been the same these past years.
Thammasat University’s parade, turning back time with the retro theme from “The Great Gatsby” reimagined the glitz, glamor, and freedom through various aspects of society. The parade included an OTOP product caravan, which highlighted the unique characteristics of local products that had been overlooked with new value, meaning, and the delicacy of Thainess, followed by the RECYCLE parade, showcasing the power of recycling to make positive change in society. There was also the highly anticipated PRIDE parade, which reflected diversity not only in gender, but also in race, color, appearance, and many more, to promote equality in society.
This year’s social criticism parade was primarily inspired by the economic and social problems, with the goal to voice ideas that can lead to change and sustainable solutions.
After the two teams played neck and neck, the friendly football match ended with a score of 0-0 draw. This year was the first time that the players were all current students.
Throughout the match, both universities presented unprecedented card stunts where no students were forced to participate in the stands. The content for the stunts remained the students’ ideas, displayed on over 420 LED screens
Furthermore, the event was jam-packed with special performances from both universities. In addition to their recreational dance team, Thammasat University also presented the Lanna Arts and culture club, Ballroom Dancing Club, TPC Dance, TU COLORGUARD, TU Folksong, Higher Level, TU Chorus, TU Drama, TULP Dance, and TU Architect group. Chulalongkorn University, on the other hand, brought CU COLORGUARD, CU BAND, CU POMPOM, CUDC, CU ANGELS, CU DEVIL, CU Chorus, Northeastern Arts and Culture Club, Thai Music Club, Thai Dancing Club, CU Architect Club, and ballet dance crew. The day concluded with an impressive and memorable concert from hot T-POP girl groups, 4EVE representing Chulalongkorn University and the up-and-coming DICE representing Thammasat University.
