I hold two MAs (one is an MAT in TESOL) and have over twenty years teaching experience, with eighteen of those in Japan. I also have about twenty publications. I held the position of Associate Professor for approximately six years in Japan. I was hired at a university here in Thailand, but only made a lecturer. What are the rules here in Thailand for honoring previously held university titles in other countries, if any? Please only respond if you are familiar with this topic.

Regards,

prd34

The title typically comes with the job, visa-wise. If you've been hired for a run-of-the-mill university English teaching job, that's a typical job title (for visa purposes, anyway)- it's not particularly high-status, as it doesn't require a Ph.D. Somewhere in a thread some time ago people were posting what their titles were according to their visas; most university-level types were lecturers but one or two were something like 'cultural specialists.' I am aware there are 'special' categories for foreign university professors who are more specialised and higher paid (usually research-focussed or teachers of graduate programs).

I don't think your status in a previous country or position would come into the paperwork here- I'm fairly sure the title is categorised according to the job itself, within the Thai system and how it routinely handles foreign professionals.

If you feel you were promised something more, you should have raised objections at the time of signing the contract, I suppose. What do other foreign teachers at your university say?

I happen to know that one uni requires you to work 2 years before they will recognize a previous title. Afterwards, when they accept the title, the pay increase is inconsequential unless you continually publish/read papers/etc.--and then you would get a very handsome bonus for the year.

I imagine the policies vary according to institution.