In 2005, there were 23,714 Thai students studying at universities overseas. This is
equivalent to 1.2 percent of the domestic higher education population. Most students who
travel abroad to study are from middle- to high-income families that can afford the costs of
education in foreign countries. The influence of globalization and the ease of travel and communication
technologies have facilitated the flow of students around the world. The United
States, Australia and the United Kingdom are the three most popular destinations for Thai
students (Table 3-7).
TABLE 3-7: THAI STUDENTS STUDYING ABROAD, 2005
Source: UIS, 2007
Since the period of King Rama V, the Royal Government of Thailand has promoted
student exchanges overseas. Originally, the main purpose of these exchanges was to understand
foreign politics, economy, and culture to enable Thailand to strategize how to resist
efforts (military, religious or otherwise) to “colonize” the country. At present, there are several
overseas Government scholarship schemes. The King’s Scholarship is a prestigious award for
international study, yearly managed by the Office of the Civil Service Commission. Approximately
nine King’s Scholarships are awarded annually.
TABLE 3-8: NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT-FUNDED THAI STUDENTS STUDYING ABROAD, 2005
Source: Office of the Civil Service Commission, UIS, 2007
Please note that we cannot take any responsibility for the correctness of the data shown on this Web site. We try our very best, but we depend on universities, their Web sites, and fellow students and lecturers, to get updates when ever programs, conditions, or tuition fees change.
