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Thailand
Number of recipients
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
Applicants are encouraged to discuss with their host how to apply their expertise to strengthen the capacities of faculty members, researchers, graduate students, and higher education administrators in Thailand. This can be achieved through research projects, teaching and research projects, and professional projects.
Applicants may propose activities aligned with their chosen activity type. Host institutions must be accredited higher education institutions or government institutions that primarily serve a Thai audience. Engagement with programs serving an international student population is strongly discouraged and will only be considered on a case-by-case basis. If selected, applicants must consult with the Commission before making any changes to their proposed host school, department, or institution. Unapproved changes may affect the integrity of the evaluation process and the status of the grant.
Applicants are encouraged to discuss with their hosts the award length (4-6 months) and starting period, as academic calendars can vary between universities. If possible, start dates are often aligned with the beginning of a semester. In general, the academic year in Thailand runs from August to December (1st semester) and January to May (2nd semester).
Applicants are encouraged to review Thailand’s priorities from the Thirteenth National Economic and Social Development Plan (2023-2027), and Thailand’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP). While applicants may apply in any area of their interest, Fulbright Thailand prioritizes areas aligned with the country’s priorities, including but not limited to economic growth, social development, water management, agriculture, food security, public health, and natural resources management.
Fulbright East Asia Pacific Regional Travel Program
As conditions allow, Fulbright Scholars in the East Asia and Pacific (EAP) region may have the opportunity to apply for funds to support short-term (3-14 days) travel to other countries in the EAP region for activities such as lectures, workshops, graduate or faculty seminars, master classes or recitals, curricular advising, or panel presentations. EAP Regional Travel Program funding covers transportation only. Regional Travel Program activities/host sites should NOT be included in the initial Fulbright application. Scholars may start the process of seeking out invitations for short-term activities in other EAP countries once notified that they have been selected for a Fulbright grant but will only be able to apply for travel program funds, conditions permitting, once they have actively started their Fulbright grant in their host country. Scholars on Flex grants are not eligible for the regional travel grant.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
Fulbright grantees/scholars must apply for a non-immigrant visa type F when coming to Thailand. Since the grant period is more than 90 days, host institutions of Fulbright scholars must issue a letter confirming that applicants are working with them. This letter is necessary for Fulbright Thailand to facilitate a visa extension. Therefore, having an invitation letter from the host institution is required, as it ensures they accept to host the applicant during the grant period.
While Thai is the official language, English is widely spoken in academic and professional settings. Learning basic Thai phrases can enhance your experience and help you connect with the local community.
For applications choosing to work in academic institutions, a Ph.D. or other terminal degree is required. For professionals and higher education administrators and executives, we are keen on applicants with ten or more (10+) years of experience. Applicants without prior experience in Thailand are strongly encouraged to apply.
Thailand-U.S. Educational Foundation
U.S. Department of State - Thailand
For more information, please visit our East Asia and the Pacific regional webpage and view our schedule of upcoming webinars.
Email the East Asia and the Pacific Team with questions about applying.
Scholars will receive all allowances and reimbursements in Thai Baht (local currency). Estimates are provided in U.S. dollars using an exchange rate of 32 Baht per dollar.
Each month (prorated), Scholars will receive a maintenance allowance of 70,000 Baht (approximately $2,200) for professionals, lecturers, and assistant professors, and 80,000 Baht (approximately $2,500) for associate professors and professors, and a housing and subsistence allowance of 28,000 Baht (approximately $875), regardless of their location and the number of dependents.
Fulbright Thailand will arrange economy round-trip tickets with two pieces of luggage, each weighing ~23 kilograms, for each Fulbright Scholar and up to two dependents from a preferred airport in the U.S. to an airport near their host institution, in accordance with the Fly America Act. Costs for extra weight and luggage shall be paid by the Scholar. Note that supported dependents must be with the Scholar for the full grant period to receive the support of flights and visa.
Additionally, each Scholar will receive a lump sum of 4,500 Baht (approximately $140) for in-transit expenses each trip (9,000 Baht in total), and 15,000 Baht (approximately $470) for one-time relocation or settling-in expenses. These amounts will be deposited with their first monthly allowance.
In the event that the Scholar’s host university is located outside Bangkok and the Scholar is required to stay in Bangkok to open a Thai bank account prior to departing to the host university, Fulbright Thailand shall reimburse accommodation expenses for up to two (2) nights, not to exceed THB 2,500 per night (approximately $80), upon submission of the original receipt, booking confirmation, and/or folio.
Each Fulbright Scholar may be reimbursed up to 40,000 Baht (approximately $1,250) for educational and research materials used for their teaching, research, and/or professional projects. These materials should be donated to their host institution upon completion of the project. Receipts and justification of expenses must be provided to Fulbright Thailand for processing the reimbursement to the Scholar’s Thai bank account. Scholars are encouraged to submit these expenses at least a month before their departure date to ensure sufficient processing time. Fulbright Thailand reserves the right not to reimburse expenses unrelated to their projects or teaching duties.
Fulbright Thailand cannot cover the cost of international schools, or other related educational services for your children while in Thailand. Scholars with children listed as dependents will receive a lump sum allowance of 60,000 Baht (approximately $1,875), regardless of the number of children, to help subsidize additional expenses for the entire grant period.
Dependents must accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the period abroad and a minimum of one semester in order to qualify for additional dependent benefits. Dependent benefits are not provided to Flex grantees.
The cost of living in Thailand varies based on an individual’s lifestyle. While Fulbright Thailand cannot match the stipend levels provided in the U.S., the stipend we offer ensures that our Scholars can live comfortably, with all necessities covered, and enjoy a standard of living above that of the average Thai faculty members.
Fulbright scholars may register for Thai language training and be reimbursed up to 20,000 Baht (approximately $625) upon presenting Fulbright Thailand with a certificate of completion and receipt.
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Fulbright Commission in the host country reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
Thailand
Thailand, in the heart of Southeast Asia, offers a vibrant mix of modern cities, rich cultural traditions, and stunning natural landscapes. From bustling markets and lively festivals to serene temples and tropical islands, daily life is welcoming, colorful, and full of opportunities to explore, learn, and connect with local communities.
Cultural and Historical Significance: Thailand is a country rich in culture and tradition, offering colorful festivals like Songkran (Thai New Year) and Loy Krathong that light up the year. Visitors can explore stunning temples, palaces, and local markets, experiencing a culture that blends art, spirituality, and community. Its unique traditions and warm hospitality make Thailand an unforgettable place to live and learn.
Living in Thailand: Living in Thailand means experiencing the vibrant life of bustling cities, the charm of historic towns, and the serenity of tropical islands. Street food, local markets, and welcoming communities make everyday life exciting and accessible. Affordable living costs and excellent regional connections add convenience for both personal and professional exploration.
Language: Thai is the national language, known for its melodic tones and distinctive script. While English is widely used in academia and urban areas, learning basic Thai phrases opens doors to deeper cultural experiences and builds meaningful connections. Many visitors find that even small efforts to speak the language are warmly appreciated by locals.
Climate: Thailand’s tropical climate supports a productive work environment year-round, with hot, rainy, and cool seasons shaping a vibrant backdrop for daily life. During personal time, visitors can enjoy nearby beaches, scenic landscapes, and short trips to explore cultural or natural sites, making it easy to balance work and leisure.
Education and Research Opportunities: Thailand’s universities and research institutions offer excellent opportunities for collaboration. Visitors can engage in research, teaching, and community projects, while the academic calendar, August to December (1st semester), January to May (2nd semester), and June to July (summer) provides a clear framework for productive work and short personal travel.
Conclusion: Thailand combines strong professional opportunities with a welcoming environment and rich culture. Work can be productive and collaborative, while short personal travel allows for exploration of local traditions, natural beauty, and vibrant communities, making the experience both professionally rewarding and personally memorable.
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.