Thammasat Institute of Area Studies (TIARA) Thammasat University, Rangsit Center

Formerly known as Thammasat Institute for Study of International Cooperation (TISIC), TIARA ventures into a new era as it was given the trust to expand and take responsibility of Area Studies within the University. As Thammasat University underwent major changes to its structure since 2014, the former Institute now expand to include that of Russia & CIS Study Centre, Indian Study Centre and ASEAN Study Centre. With a focus on the Area Studies, it is hoped that TIARA becomes the engine of academic excellence and main driver towards the internationalization of the University.

The Institute has a long and proven history. Established according to an agreement reached by APEC Economic Leaders back in 1993, it started out as Thai APEC Study Centre (TASC). Three years later, in 1996, the Thai APEC Study Centre was successfully realized and pioneered in Thammasat University. As a premier study centre in Thailand for research and policy advice on APEC issues, TASC's main activities includes organizing conferences, workshops, regional dialogues, symposia, research and training programs that involve regional and international researchers, experts, policy makers, regulators and businesses in support of APEC’s objectives and wider regional interests.

Later on, TASC incorporates 2 more study centres namely ACD Study Centre (ACD) and Center for International Studies-- which was renamed as the International Cooperation Study Center (ICSC). Befitting its new name and function, Study Centre expands its activities to include that of promoting an understanding of International law and politics as well as international relations, with much emphasis given to the economics spectrum in terms of teacher trainings and various special lectures.

As part of the ongoing process of extending Thammasat University’s autonomy, all areas studies centres are to be brought together to share administrative staff and facilities, as well as integrate research activities. The merger for ICSC and Australian Study Centre was mooted and approved in 2013. The merger resulted in the upgrade of the status from study centre to an Institute and was renamed Thammasat Institute for Study of International Cooperation (TISIC).

In line with the University-wide restructuring in 2015, the Institute underwent a major revamp to include 3 more area studies institutes namely Indian Studies Centre, Russian and CIS Studies Centre, and ASEAN Studies Centre. With the consolidation of these 3 new area study centres, the institute was therefore renamed Thammasat Institute of Area Study (TIARA). The Institute will continue to do what it does best-- producing high quality academic excellence-- and hope that with the new restructuring, the institute will be able to achieve more in the coming years.

The institute is also running a master’s program named Master of Arts in Asia Pacific Studies. Focusing on the Asia Pacific Region, the Institute is the first in Thailand to dedicate a master’s program focusing wholly on the Asia Pacific. Building upon TIARA’s networks and experiences, the master’s program provides a unique and holistic approach of area studies in examining the said region.

Thammasat Institute of Area Studies (TIARA), Thammasat University has a long history dating back to 1996 when the first center, Thai APEC Study Center (TASC), was established. Later on, TASC incorporates 2 more study centres namely ACD Study Centre (ACD) and Center for International Studies, which was renamed as the International Cooperation Study Center (ICSC). Befitting its new name and function, Study Centre expands its activities to include that of promoting an understanding of International law and politics as well as international relations, with much emphasis given to the economics spectrum in terms of teacher trainings and various special lectures.
    Afterwards, International Cooperation Study Center (ICSC) was merged with Australian Study Centre in 2013 and was renamed Thammasat Institute for Study of International Cooperation (TISIC). In line with the University-wide restructuring in 2015, the Institute underwent a major revamp to include 3 more area studies institutes namely Indian Studies Centre, Russian and CIS Studies Centre, and ASEAN Studies Centre. With the consolidation of these 3 new area study centres, the institute was therefore renamed Thammasat Institute of Area Study (TIARA) until present. 

TIARA is a home to five area studies centers, namely, Thai APEC Study Center, Australian Studies Centre, India Studies Centre, Russian and CIS Studies Centre, and ASEAN Studies Centre. Our objectives are to conduct and encourage research area studies; provide consultation; organize seminar, forum, lecture domestically and internationally; promote publications and dissemination of research finds, books, articles, and other forms of media, and build academic and research network across the globe.

MAPS is an interdisciplinary graduate program that is designed for internationally-focused students who wish to obtain an in-depth understanding of this fascinating and occasionally turbulent part of the world through multi-faceted and inter-disciplinary lenses. Our graduates go on to pursue careers in academia, business, government, and with a wide-range of organizations – local and international.

MAPS is a truly international program with more than 80 per cent of international students. Students at MAPS program come from ASEAN member states and countries in the Asia- Pacific such as Bhutan, Japan, and China. The majority of them works in public and higher education sectors, that is, civil service officers at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and university lecturers. When they graduate, they will go back and become the driving force for sustainable developments in their counties. The program allows the exchange of first-hand knowledge and experiences from international students particularly from APEC and ASEAN member countries. After graduation, graduates are equipped with knowledge of situations, phenomena, contemporary issues, and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region which can be applied to their careers in the public sector, diplomatic service, academic consultancies, international organizations, and sustainable development related career domestically and internationally.