The University and Wisconsin–Madison prides itself on its strong connection with Thailand. Student, faculty, staff, alumni, and partner engagement allow ties to be developed that promote rich opportunities for cultural exchange, research, and other collaborations. Learn more about some of the connections between Thailand and UW–Madison.
A born leader: UW–Madison alumnus Varawut “Top” Silpa-archa builds on legacy of public service in Thailand
Varawut Silpa-archa was born with great expectations.
The son of Thailand Prime Minister Banharn Silpa-archa, he grew up in a world of leadership and politics. Both his mother and father saw great things for Varawut, with his mother even nicknaming him “Top” as a young boy, because she wanted him to be at the top of everything. It is a name that has continued to suit him for decades as he works to better Thailand and the global community. Read more.
Royal visit strengthens WIPAC and IceCube’s partnership with Thailand
Study abroad in Thailand
UW-Madison currently hosts study abroad programs and international internships in Thailand, focused on global health, language learning, and a variety of other topics.
Three levels of Thai offered through SEASSI
Southeast Asian Studies Summer Institute (SEASSI) is an eight-week intensive language training program for undergraduates, graduate students, professionals, and non-traditional students.
Explore agreements between UW and Thailand
Learn about official agreements between UW and Thailand through the Wisconsin Directory of Global Engagement (WiDGE).
Forecasting the future
Q&A: Jinan Sous discusses WISc and interning abroad in Thailand
Even before their first day at the UW–Madison, some students prioritize building an international dimension into their Badger experience. Among the many ways to begin cultivating themselves as global citizens is the Wisconsin International Scholars Program (WISc).
Keeping Madison’s Royal Thai Pavilion Beautiful
After 22 years in Madison, the Royal Thai Pavilion needs of a new roof. More than 18,000 ceramic tiles were removed from the roof of the pavilion by hand. Writing is still visible on the back side of some tiles – remnants of a tile signing ceremony held on September 13, 2001.
The sparkling journey of Kavant and Sharart
Husband and wife team Nuttapon (Kenny) Yongkiettakul ’05 & Shar-Linn Liew ’05 shine in the world of fine jewelry. Their innovations in function and design have adorned stars from film, television, and music such as Greta Gerwig, Reese Witherspoon, Lupita Nyong’o, Madonna, and Jennifer Lopez.
Bridging Cultures: A Journey in Asian Languages and Community Empowerment
In May 2024, Nautilus Mambaje graduated with a double major in Asian Languages and Cultures and Gender and Women’s Studies, along with a certificate in Asian American studies. He began studying Asian languages and cultures taking four years of Mandarin in high school. Coming into college, Mambaje decided to transition to Thai. Read more.
Charting New Territories
Neena Whitlow has moved around for most of her life. She was born in Baltimore, Maryland, but spent most of her childhood in Indiana and Wisconsin. Now, she will embark on a study abroad program in Thailand.
After studying Thai at UW-Madison, Whitlow wanted to intertwine her interest in national and global security with the Thai language. Read more.
PhD candidate explores Cambodian culture at UW–Madison
From childhood dance steps in Thailand to delving into Cambodia’s cultural revival through her PhD studies, Nalin Sindhuprama’s passion for Southeast Asian cultural dynamics burns bright. Her journey began with traditional Thai dance, igniting a lifelong fascination with the art form, particularly in Cambodia. Read more.
Forming Connections Through Language
Language has played an important role in Nattaporn Luangpipat’s’ life. Throughout her educational journey, language, whether writing or speaking, has helped her form meaningful connections with her peers and students. Her fascination with how language unites people informed her research on the intergenerational literacies of Thai-Chinese families in Thailand, while receiving her PhD in composition and rhetoric through the English department. Read more.
Discovering Roots and Exploring Culture
What do civil rights and coffee have to do with each other? For Po-Tao Chang, a PhD candidate in geography at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the answer is “everything.”
His journey, from beginnings in forestry to his explorations of lineage, family and indigenous movements in Thailand, exemplifies the power of heritage in shaping one’s academic path. Chang research not only sheds light on the Akha coffee industry but also highlights the broader narrative of cultural resilience and innovation. Read more.