Originally called as Thammasat Lae Karn Muang or sometimes as University of Moral Science and Politics, Thammasat University was established in the year 1934. The university was the idea of the father of Thailand’s democracy, Pridi Banomyong as well as the interior minister. It is situated at Tha Phra Chan which is on the Rattanakosin Island, along the Bank of the Chao Phraya River. The university has 2 campuses under its name, one situated in Rangsit which is about 42 kms north of Khlong Luang city and the other campus situated in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area- Tha Phra Chan, Phra Nakhon. The university is also associated with 4 regional campuses which include Narathiwat, Pattaya, Lampang and Udon Thani. The university houses 23 institutes, faculties and colleges. The university became the first in Thailand to end the free entry policy and therefore asked students to pass the national level entrance examination to secure admission in the university. The members of the Royal Family and other government officials are notable alumni of the university.