Thammasat University (TU) has recruited 19 disabled students this year to study at its faculties.

One of them has enrolled in the Faculty of Engineering.

"We allow the students to choose a faculty where their physical disability won't hinder their learning," TU Rector Surapol Nitikraipoj said yesterday.

He said the new engineering student had a hearing impairment.

According to Surapol, TU plans to allocate 56 places to young people with physical disabilities this year. The quota accounts for one per cent of the total places available.

So far, only 16 disabled students have passed the test to enrol in TU and will study this semester at the Faculty of Law, Commerce and Accountancy, Political Science, Economics, Social Work, Liberal Arts, three in the Faculty of Journalism, the Faculty of Science Technology, and Engineering.

Their physical disabilities vary.

Some have hearing problems, some are blind and some have mobility disabilities. 

"We will take good care of them. We are confident that

after graduation, they will be able to help our society

as much as other people," Surapol said.