Bangkok: The government has initiated a program to allow students from the southern border provinces to apply for placements at 12 universities this year, aiming to uplift educational standards in the region. Mr. Karom Polpornklang, deputy government spokesman, announced that the Ministry of Interior is facilitating the project for the academic year 2025. This initiative targets students registered in the provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, Satun, and specific districts in Songkhla, offering a total of 44 scholarships-27 for science and 17 for social sciences.
According to Thai News Agency, the scholarships provide 40,000 baht annually for science students and 30,000 baht for those in social sciences. The participating universities include prominent institutions such as Kasetsart University, Chulalongkorn University, and Thammasat University, among others. Applicants must meet several criteria, including Thai nationality, residence in the specified provinces for at least three years, and a maximum age of 25.
The program also stipulates that applicants' parents or guardians must reside in the designated regions for a minimum of one year. Candidates should have completed high school or be in Mathayom 6 within the specified districts and maintain good academic and conduct records. Additional eligibility requirements include financial need, impact from regional unrest, and compliance with university qualifications. Applicants must not be currently enrolled in a closed state university or hold any other scholarships from this project.
Interested students can find further details about the project and application process on the Ministry of Interior's official website. The application window is open until March 5, 2025.