UW and Thailand
UW–Madison and Thailand
UW–Madison’s connections to Thailand have been built and strengthened over generations through people and partnerships. Engagement among students, faculty, staff, alumni, and institutional partners creates rich opportunities for cultural exchange, research, learning, and collaboration across disciplines.
These relationships extend from campus to communities and organizations throughout Thailand, creating a network that continues to grow and evolve. Together, they deepen understanding, encourage the exchange of ideas, and open new possibilities for meaningful collaboration and lasting impact.
Explore some of the connections between UW–Madison and Thailand.
Featured Country Initiative
Thailand is one of six countries selected for the Featured Country Initiative (FCI). The FCI celebrates the university’s international collaborations in specific locations around the globe. These collaborations include joint research and publications, student and faculty exchanges, community engagement, and creative endeavors.
By the Numbers
59
Students enrolled from Thailand during AY 25-26
10+
UW-Madison faculty and staff are known to be from Thailand
60+
Students enrolled in Thai language courses
460+
Registered alumni living in Thailand
Center for Southeast Asian Studies
Established in 1973, the Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS) offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs and provides K-14 outreach, local community collaboration, research opportunities, and more.
CSEAS has garnered significant external funding from prestigious organizations like the Mellon Foundation and Henry Luce Foundation. These funds support student research, study abroad, internships, language instruction, outreach activities, and faculty positions focused on social justice issues in Southeast Asian studies.
The Center for Southeast Asian Studies is the focal point connecting Southeast Asia to the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is dedicated to all aspects of research, education, and outreach related to Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Philippines, and Indonesia.
Featured Stories
Wisconsin idea
CALS continues to support development of Thailand-U.S. dairy partnership
One year ago, when a UW–Madison research team traveled to Thailand by royal invitation, a clear hope emerged for bilateral benefit — an exchange of ideas, experts and research; improvement of Thailand’s domestic dairy and crop production; and market development for Wisconsin dairy products abroad.
Research
IceCube Neutrino Observatory gets a major upgrade beneath the ice
The IceCube Neutrino Observatory has received its first major upgrade since it came online 15 years ago, a project that significantly boosts the observatory’s scientific capabilities.
Community
Spotlight on the Royal Thai Pavilion & Garden
The pavilion was a gift to the University of Wisconsin-Madison from the Thai Government and the Thai Chapter of the Wisconsin Alumni Association.
Alumni
Forecasting the Future
In a world brimming with uncertainty, Karndee Leopairote stands at the forefront of futuristic thinking, offering a beacon of insight in an ever-evolving landscape.
alumni
Varawut “Top” Silpa-archa Builds on Legacy of Public Service in Thailand
The son of Thailand Prime Minister Banharn Silpa-archa, Silpa-archa grew up in a world of leadership and politics. Today he serves as Thailand’s Minister of Industry.
Research
WIPAC agreement with Thai partners signals enthusiasm for future collaborations
This global scientific collaboration includes Thai-IceCube, which is comprised of Chiang Mai University, Chulalongkorn University, the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand, and the Panyapiwat Institute of Management.
Students
Charting New Territories
After studying Thai at UW-Madison, Neena Whitlow wanted to intertwine her interest in national and global security with the Thai language.
Faculty
Cabrera Provides Keynote at Thailand International Conference
Victor Cabrera was a keynote presenter at the second Agricultural International Conference on Innovation for Resilient Agriculture.
UW History
Ceremony to Mark Assembly of Thai Pavilion
A traditional ceremony known as “Yok Sao Eak,” which means “stand up the first pillar,” will be held Thursday, Sept. 13, 2001, at 9 a.m. as Thai artisans begin construction of the Thai Pavilion at Olbrich Botanical Gardens.
Thailand Connections
The Wisconsin Directory of Global Engagement (WiDGE) captures international activity across the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus. This directory currently includes 18 formally signed, active agreements between UW-Madison and institutions in Thailand.
