Thai higher education reform: a new funding framework

Saenghong, Nannaphat

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/14757 Copy

Description

Title

Thai higher education reform: a new funding framework

Author(s)

Saenghong, Nannaphat

Issue Date

2010-01-06T17:50:04Z

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Anderson, James D.

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Anderson, James D.

Department of Study

Educational Policy Studies

Discipline

Educational Policy Studies

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.A.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• Higher Education Reform
• Higher Education Funding
• University Faculty

Abstract

This study examines the new funding framework for Thai higher education under the autonomous university system. The study also explores the effects of this new funding framework on university faculty, especially with respect to institutional income generation. The research is employed a mixed method approach involving quantitative archival data and qualitative interviews. Six Thai university faculty from three different universities were interviewed using open-ended interviews. The archival data such as legislations, reports, and recommendation documents were collected and analyzed. The research findings reveal that the new framework of higher education funding is comprised of four major elements: performance-based funding mechanism, resource mobilization for higher education, institutional external income generation, and shifting greater funding to demand side (students and parents) through income contingency loans. The research findings also disclose that the new funding framework for higher education has effects on academic work time and effort of university faculty: they must to teach more students while at the same time they are compelled to focus much more on research and publications. In interviews, university faculty emphasize a discrepancy: research performance of faculty is enhanced whereas the quality of students is viewed to decline. The study raises four issues: equity assurance; cultural change of public’s giving to education; the pressure of resource allocation over available time for teaching, and leadership issues. Recommendations are made for further development of Thai higher education funding: developing regulations to assure financial aid or loan for needy students; creating a culture of giving to education; utilizing graduate assistance; and developing leadership program. In conclusion, the study provides suggestions for future research.

Graduation Semester

2009-12

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/14757

Copyright and License Information

© 2009 Nannaphat Saenghong

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