Fulbright-Hays recipients have to obtain
research clearance from the authority in the host country,
which in this case is the National Research Council of
Thailand (NRCT). The clearance procedure may take several
months. It is, thus, advised that they start this procedure
well in advance. The NRCT application form can be obtained
on-line from www.nrct.net.
In this matter, we would also suggest that confirmation
letter(s) from the Thai institutes/ where the candidate
plans to affiliate with (confirming their willingness
to be his/her hosts) or from Thai researcher(s) or professor(s)
from whom s/he wants to seek cooperation should accompany
his/her completed NRCT application form. This supporting
letter(s) should address to the National Research Council
of Thailand. This can help expedite the review process
since NRCT can start their review right away upon receiving
them. Nonetheless, s/he can also send the application
to the NRCT and have the letter of support sent to the
NRCT directly in due course. If this is the case, s/he
has to make sure that their host institute(s)/Thai colleague(s)
will send their letters of support to the NRCT soon enough.
Completed NRCT application form as well as relevant supporting
documents are to be mailed to the following address:-
National Research Council of Thailand
(Foreign Researcher Section)
196 Paholyothin Road
Chatuchank, Bangkok 10900
Thailand
Tel. (66) 2579-2690, 0-2940-6369
Fax. (66) 2561-4771
Website: www.nrct.net
*** You should not enter Thailand until an
NRCT official letter of approval has been received from
the NRCT. After approving your proposal, the
NRCT will provide you with a letter of authorization,
a copy of which should accompany your visa application.
You should submit a copy of the NRCT letter to the Thai
Embassy or consulate where you plan to apply to. You should
request a 90-day non-immigrant visa of the type that can
be changed to a "Permit to Stay" for the period
of your grant period. Do not enter Thailand on a tourist
visa or a 30-day non-immigrant visa, since these types
of visa cannot be extended by the NRCT. NRCT will take
care of your visa extension after your arrival in the
country.
Experience
sharing :
The following suggestions on research clearance
were given by a 2004-2005 Fulbright-Hays recipient and
she hopes that this information will help grantees (and
applicants) with their predeparture arrangements:
Information about the National Research
Council (NRC) approval process:
It is encouraged applicants to apply for
NRC approval at the same time that they apply for a Fulbright
Grant OR at least four months before they hope to arrive
in the country irregardless of whether or not they know
if their research projects will be funded by Fulbright.
At least four months is suggested because Fulbright-Hays
wants a month to approve a grantee’s travel arrangements,
but the approval form required by the U.S. Department
of Education (which must be submitted by the university
Fulbright representative) can only be sent in AFTER the
grantee has obtained the correct Thai visa. And the non-immigrant
research visa can only be obtained AFTER written approval
from the NRC has been received. Very confusing and stressful!
So it would be helpful to have a timeline on the website
that looks something like this:
3-6 months before applying for Fulbright Grant(s)
- Arrange for Institutional Affiliation(s) in
Thailand. - Obtain letters of affiliation from Thai
faculty advisor(s) and fill out the necessary university
applications and forms.
At the same time as applying for Fubright Grant(s)
OR at least four months before anticipated departure
- Apply for National Research Council
Approval - Apply for Human Subjects Approval at home
university (if haven’t already done so)
While waiting for NRC approval (approval usually
takes at least three months)
- Prepare materials for visa application -
Research and make preliminary travel arrangements
Once NRC approval is obtained
- Submit visa application. A COPY
of the NRC approval letter should accompany your
visa application materials. - Finalize travel arrangements
Once visa is obtained
- Submit travel arrangements to U.S. Department
of Education (for Fulbright-Hays) - Prepare to leave!!
Thailand
- United States Educational Foundation (TUSEF/Fulbright)
Thai Wah Tower 1, 3rd floor, 21/5 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120,
Thailand
Tel : (66) 0-2285-0581-2 Fax : (66) 0-2285-0583 Email : tusef@fulbrightthai.org
