OEA LONDON

     The Office of Educational Affairs (formerly known as the Thai Government Students’ Office) in London is the European Regional Office of the Civil Service Commission in Thailand, and comes under the Royal Thai Embassy. The Office is responsible for government scholarship students studying in the United Kingdom and Ireland and for privately funded students being educated in the United Kingdom.

     The students are divided into three main divisions, namely Scholars, Government Officials on Leave and privately funded students – of which a detailed description is given in the “Work of the Office” section.

     Our Aim

     Our aim is to help students obtain the best education and training offered in the United Kingdom, whilst at the same time maintaining their Thai culture and traditions in order for them to return home with suitable qualifications and experience. This will thus enable them to take their place in Thai society and play their part in developing the country.

     Other activities

     Our main responsibility is the education and welfare of our students, however in addition we –

     – Liaise with Thai and British institutions to promote joint programmes in higher education

     – Check on the standing and accreditation of educational establishments in the United Kingdom

     – Verify qualifications obtained by any Thai student who has been educated in the United Kingdom

     – Provide advice and information on education as well as International Institutions in Thailand

     – Translate educational papers in certain circumstances

     – Advise students on the accessing of reference books, the internet, and information on education in the United Kingdom

     – Liaise with Thai organizations in the United Kingdom such as the Anglo-Thai Society, the Samaggi Samagom, ThaiSocs at Universities etc

     – Facilitate seminars in the United Kingdom for Thai organisations connected to education

     Centre for Thai IGCSE Cambridge International Examination

     The Office of Educational Affairs is an official centre for this examination. Each year students apply through their schools to sit the IGCSE Thai examination in May at the Office in Prince’s Gate. The advantage of this is that students have the opportunity to add an extra subject to their GCSE score, potentially at a high grade – providing their standard of written Thai is good.

     The origins of the OEA began in 1881 when Prince Prisdang, a great-nephew of Rama IV (and the great-grandson of Rama III) became the first resident Siamese Minister to the Court of St James. Rama V (King Chulalongkorn) bestowed on him the responsibility of taking the first group of 9 students to Europe in 1881, finding the schools for them and supervising their studies so that none would be “idling or lagging behind in his work”. Prince Prisdang later became the first person to superintend Siamese students in the United Kingdom i.e. the Superintendent. This title was used until fairly recently – however, the position is now known as Minister (for Education).

     Thai students have been coming to the United Kingdom ever since, except during the war years. The OEA have record books of their work, progress, behaviour and health dating back to the beginning of the 20th century. During World War II a number of students remained in the United Kingdom and were decorated by the British Government for their contribution to the war effort.

     During the past 30 years increasing numbers of students have come to the United Kingdom as Thailand’s prosperity has flourished, although, in 1998 owing to the economic situation, many students had to return home. However, since the end of the economic situation in Thailand in approximately 2001, an increasing number of students are again going to study abroad.

     The Office has a long history; with very many of the students going on to take an important and distinguished part in many aspects of Thai life. 9 former students educated in this country and under the care of this Office have become Prime Minister.

The students are divided into 3 categories

     1. SCHOLARS

     These students have been awarded scholarships by the Royal Thai Government, universities, and other official authorities. Additionally, there are students who are sponsored by non-government organizations such as EGAT, Bank of Thailand and international organizations such as the British Council, WHO, etc.

     The scholars study mainly postgraduate courses for Master degrees or Ph.D degrees. However, each year a few students with high school leaving qualifications are sent to study for GCE A-levels in order to prepare for entry to first degrees at British Universities. A few scholarships are given to disabled scholars. 

On their return home the scholars are contracted to work for the government for 2 years for every year of their scholarship.

Some Government Officials are also awarded these scholarships.

     Placement Before their arrival in the UK, most scholars have applied and been accepted from Thailand for places in postgraduate courses in their chosen fields at universities. The OEA continues monitoring the admission procedure, accommodation and tuition fees once they have registered at the office on arrival.

For the A-level scholars preparing to enter for their first degree, the OEA arranges school and college placement, advises on courses, monitors progress and supervises the UCAS application procedures.

     Monitoring The Office monitors students’ academic progress closely, making sure that any problems which arise (such as counselling or university/course transfers) can be dealt with promptly.

     Finance The OEA is responsible for paying all tuition fees and maintenance for the scholars and guaranteeing their financial status. All invoices for fees are carefully scrutinised and negotiations take place on appropriate tuition fees, financial assistance, scholarships and bursaries. Each scholar receives a maintenance allowance and certain other expenses.

     Memorandums of Understanding have been negotiated with some universities such as University College London and the University of Birmingham for scholarships to be awarded by the universities and by the Royal Thai Government to very promising postgraduates.

The Office promotes close relationships with the International offices in many universities and receives warm collaboration and financial assistance for our scholars.

     2. GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS on study leave.

     These are government officials who have been permitted to further their studies, undertake training or conduct research in selective fields during a specific period of time. A few study on their own funds and report to the OEA.

     They are sponsored by either the Thai Government or the British Council in collaboration with British Institutes or by various sources, to attend short courses of professional training programmes or are research fellows. These programmes range from 3 – 12 months.

Info on the Thai Educational System

Info on the UK Educational System

     Office of Educational Affairs located at

                    Office of Educational Affairs

                    Royal Thai Embassy

                    28 Prince’s Gate

                    London, SW7 1PT

                    Tel. +44(0) 20 7584 4538

                    Email : info@oeauk.net

     Map by map.google.com

     Contact Us

     Office Hours :    10.00 – 13.00 Hrs , 14.00 – 17.00 Hrs

                                  Monday – Friday (Except Public Holiday)