This thesis seeks to consider Thai students and their reasons for choosing to study
in United Kingdom universities. Through the literature review it has been
identified that higher education is globally expanding. Competing knowledgebased
economies with higher education institutions have led education to be
considered a market commodity and consequently the marketization of higher
education in competitive world markets. This is exemplified by discussion of the
United Kingdom higher education policies and the resulting demand for higher
education in the United Kingdom. The numbers of overseas students studying at
higher education institutions in the United Kingdom is rising, with a notable
increase in the number of students from South-East Asia. In its endeavour to
increase its knowledge-based economy, Thailand has increased opportunities for
Thai nationals to study overseas through scholarships and Government policies.
The advantages of overseas degrees to individuals, these include a facility with
English language, enhanced employment and promotion prospects, and increased
social status, are discussed.

A study of Thai students studying in the United Kingdom has been used to explore
the reality of these advantages for individual students. A case study approach was
used and personal interviews with students and questionnaires with their parents
and grandparents. The data was analysed using a ‘categorical-content perspective’
narrative method (Lieblich et al., 1998).
The thesis concludes that, despite as a nation Thailand having good geographical
links with other advanced countries such as Japan and China, living in an
economically stable and democratic country, having excellent opportunities to
access Thai universities and having no direct links with the United Kingdom, Thai
students still see real advantages to studying at higher education institutions in the
United Kingdom. This decision is influenced by social and cultural factors, in
particular the extended family, and potential financial rewards. However as a
result of studying overseas in the United Kingdom the Thai students experience
and have to resolve various social and cultural tensions. They have become more
individualistic in their attitudes and opinions, which are at odds with the
traditional collectivist values, held by their families and deeply entrenched in Thai
society.