Communication Education in Thailand:

From the Past to the Present and the

Co-Created Future of Asian Community

Professor Dr. Parichart SthapintanondaFaculty of Communication Arts, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330,Thailand

& President of Social Science Association of Thailand sparicha@yahoo.com

From the Past: Communication Education in Thailand

• Chulalongkorn University & The Starting Point of Communication Education in Thailand

1939: The first communication program began at Chulalongkorn University (CU), the oldest university in Thailand. It was the diploma program on “Journalism” under the faculty of Arts and Science. (Wikipedia)

From the Past: Communication Education in Thailand

• Thammasart University & The first BA program in Journalism

1954: The communication program was transferred to a new faculty-at Thammasart University (TU), under the faculty of Journalism & Mass Communication. It was then launched as the first Bachelor’s degree program at Thammasart University.

From the Past: Communication Education in Thailand• The Re-establishment of Communication Program at Chulalongkorm

University1965: Chulalongkorn University re-introduced the communication

program at the faculty of Political Science. The program was launched on July 5th, 1965

1966: The Independent Department of Mass Communication and Public Relations was established. It has a status equal to a Faculty Unit.

1974: The Faculty of Communication Arts at Chulalongkorn University was formally established.

From the Past: Communication Education in Thailand

• Chulalongkorn University and the first MA & Ph.D. Thai program in communication

1978: Chulalongkorn University launched a MA program in Thailand under the name of “Development Communication”. After the program has been strongly established in the country, Chulalongkorn University has offered MA programs in Mass Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Advertising, Speech Communication, Performance Arts, and Film. 1997: The first Ph.D. program in Communication at Chulalongkorn University was launched and supervised by Thai faculty members.

From the Past: Communication Education in Thailand• The Joint-PhD. Program between Thailand and the US: A

new move forward1993- Bangkok University, joining hands with Ohio

University in the US, offered a first Ph.D. program in Thailand. It was taught by professor from Ohio University in Thailand in the first year, and then at Ohio University in the second year, following by completing the Dissertation via the on site-and on-line system.

From the Past: Communication Education in Thailand

• The English Program in Communication & a Step toward Global Community

2003: The first BA English program in communication was launched in Thailand. It was under the faculty of Communication Arts, Chulalongkorn University.

2010: Chulalongkorn University has offered the MA English program in Communication.

2012: Chulalongkorn University was recognized as top 100 world class universities offering programs in Communication. (QS World University Ranking)

To the Present: Communication Education in Thailand• 2013: Communication-related programs at the BA, MA, or/and Ph.D levels are offered at 65 universities in Thailand

• 35 universities in Bangkok (15 public universities + 20 private universities)• 7 universities in the northern provinces: Chiengmai (4), Pitsanulok (2), Chiengrai (1),

Payao (1), Lampang (1), Utradit (1).• 8 univiersities in the northeastern provinces: Nakornrachasima (4), Petchaboon (1),

Udornthani (1), Mahasarakarm (1), Ubolrachathani (1)• 6 universities in the central provinces (excluding Bangkok): Nakornsawan (1), Lopburi (1),

Nakornpratom (1), Ayutthaya (1), Patumtanee (1), Rachaburi (1)• 6 universities in the Southern provinces: Songkla (2), Surathani (1), Nakornsrithammarath

(1), Phuket (1), Pattani (1), Yala (1)• 3 universities in the eastern provinces: Cholburi (1), Chantaburi (1), Chachengsao (1)

To the Present: Communication Education in Thailand• In Thailand, communication Education mainly belongs to

the School of Communication, School of Journalism and Mass Communication. However, a number of communication programs are acting as a part of the following Schools, such as School of Management, Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Humanity Science, Faculty of Social Science, Faculty of Science and Arts, and Faculty of Information Science. In addition, communication classes are taught in the school of Architecture, and the department of Fine Arts. (Korponklang, 2005)

To the Present: Communication Education in Thailand• International/English programs are offered in 10

universities in Bangkok and the neighboring provinces.• More than 20 MA programs, and 10 PhD. programs in

Communication-related areas are offered in Thailand.

To the Present: Communication Education @ Chulalongkorn University

• BA & MA programs in Journalism, Mass Communication, Public Relations and Advertising, Motion Pictures and Still Photography (BA only), Speech and Performing Arts, Communication Management, Strategic Communication.

• 70 full-time faculty members• 350 graduate students• 600 undergraduate students (Thai program) and 400

undergraduate students (International programs)

To the Present: Communication Education @ Chulalongkorn University

• Drama & informal reconnection between current students, alumni, and the publics since 1968.

• International Collaboration and the stronger ties with Chulalongkorn University• The Faculty of Communication Arts at Chulalongkorn University has joint-agreements with a

number of leading institutions in communication and media studies around the world. Classes are offered by local professors and eminent professors from United States, Australia, England and Europe.

• Joint research projects with students, academics, and researchers from local universities and international communities are welcome.

• Study trips & exchanging program at the local and international levels are actively activated.• EX: Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) & Chulalongkorn University (CU) student

workshop on Tourism Branding in Asia (the undergraduate level) in 2012

Preparing for the Co-creating Future of Communication Education • Communication education has established as government-initiating programs for

national development purposes. However, it has grown as a response to the demand of commercial section in the competitive environment. • The 1 year diploma program at CU was initiated by General P. Pibunsongkram-the Prime Minister

during that time. The main propose is to educate people who want to work as journalist, government officers, and government public realtion officers. The first program at Chiengmai University is reported as a part of the national plan on economic and social development.

• The programs are currently re-arranged according to market opportunities, trends in the international technological, academic, and political environment, attempts to attrack the new learners, and stakeholders including funders. For example, the new program at NIDA was launched in 2012 as the MA & Ph.D. in Communication Innovation Management. Also Sukhothaithammathirath Open University (STOU) will join hand with University of the Philippines in launching a newest program on Asian Communication in 2014.

Preparing for the Co-creating Future of Communication Education• Communication Courses at the Undergraduate level are

among the top three popular courses.• They are focusing on 3 levels: General Education, Core courses,

and electives. The aim is to provide the students analytical thinking skills, practical skills, and the understanding of society at the local, national and international community. (Korpoonklang, 2002)

Preparing for the Co-creating Future of Communication Education

Current Study Methods Number PercentageTeacher-centered lecture 78 34.7Student-centered lecture 21 9.3Internship 15 6.7Case studies 18 8Seminars 18 8Individual research & report 66 29etc 9 4Total 225 100

Korponkoang (2005). This study is based on interviewing communication professors

Preparing for the Co-creating Future of Communication Education

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Series 1 Series 2 Series 3

The real teaching styles VS the wish teaching styles of professors

Korponkoang (2005). This study is based on interviewing communication professors

Preparing for the Co-creating Future of Communication Education• Critical studies on communication education in Thailand

indicates that those who have graduated from the field of communication lack of skills, critical and systematic thinking, etc. (Husen, 2005; Treesukhon, 2005; Payakavichien, 2006).

• Communication education is strongly criticized when media issues are widely recognized. Major criticism include personal abilities, and ethics of the professions.

Preparing for the Co-creating Future of Communication Education• Theses, dissertations, and research in the communication-

related or media-related area have been conducted by graduate students and professors from various fields in social science. (Boonchutima, 2013)

Preparing for the Co-creating Future of Communication Education• International collaborations, and strong local networks are encouraging.

• Classes via skype with universities abroad in special topics.• Seminars among academicians, communication education program developers, and experts in

the field.• Joint research projects in various topics. • Joint articles, and textbooks focusing on communication, media, and Asian Community. • Workshops• Study tours• Student exchange programs• Internships• Etc.

Q & A