Thai Language & Thai Studies at UC Berkeley
Our Mission
At UC Berkeley, we strive to generate knowledge of and appreciation for the Thai language and culture by enabling students to create meaningful connections with Thai institutions, individuals, and community.
UC Berkeley is one of the first U.S. institutions to offer Thai language instruction. The Thai Studies program encompasses much more than the language alone. Courses in the literature and civilization of Southeast Asia celebrate the culture and history of Thailand examining its people, traditions, and beliefs.
Intermediate Thai class students celebrate Loy Kratong, a Thai Festival of Lights, with Lecturer Emeritus Supatra Chowchuvech.
Interview with The Asian Pacific News
Please enjoy watching this interview with Distinguished Lecturer Emeritus Ajaan Supatra Chowchuvech.
Thank you for your support!
Thanks to the generous support of our local and global community of alumni and friends, Cal students have continued to benefit from exceptional instruction in the Thai language this fall semester. Since the launch of the Thai Language Fund earlier this summer, we raised over $12,000!
These valuable funds enabled the Department of South and Southeast Asian Studies to appoint a lecturer in Thai for Fall Semester and offer a new course in Advanced Thai, designed and taught by a graduate student instructor. We couldn't be more grateful for your support of our students and faculty.
ขอบคุณมากค่ะ/ ครับรั - Thank you very much!
Read Thai Language & Thai Studies brochure >
Meet Gina Palefsky
Thai Scholar & Archaeologist
Watch this video: Palefsky shares how studying Thai at UC Berkeley changed the course of her studies and her life.
Alumni Voices
has shaped me into who I am as a young scholar of Thai studies, and personally as a 1.5 generation Thai-American reconnecting with my cultural roots.
- Rose Schweis '21
Support Thai Studies at UC Berkeley
Please indicate that your donation is for the Thai Studies Fund.