international student survival guide

INTERNATIONAL 

STUDENT 

SURVIVAL 

GUIDE 

Mae Fah Luang University

LIVE ▪ LEARN ▪ LEAD

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE 

2 

Mae Fah Luang University 

Table of Contents 

About MFU 3 

................................................................................................ 

International Affairs Division 6 

................................................................................................ 

Registration 8 

................................................................................................ 

Campus Life 13 

................................................................................................ 

Culture Shock 24 

................................................................................................ 

Important Behavioral Tips 24 

................................................................................................ 

Visa 25 

................................................................................................ 

Money Matters 28 

................................................................................................ 

Ride and Drive in Thailand 31 

................................................................................................ 

Thailand and Chiang Rai 36 

................................................................................................ 

Useful Phone Numbers 41 

................................................................................................ 

Maps 44 

................................................................................................

About MFU 


Mae Fah Luang University was established as an 

autonomous public institution under the Royal 

Charter in 1998, with fi nancial support from the 

Royal Thai Government. It was created to meet 

the needs of the people in the north of Thailand, 

and to commemorate the gracious contribution 

of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, the 

late Princess Mother, lovingly known to her 

subjects as “Mae Fah Luang.” From its inaugural 

class of 64 students in 1998 to now, MFU has 

become Thailand’s fastest growing post-secondary 

institution with an enrollment of 9,700 students 

in 2010. After little over a decade of operation, it 

is already well-known for the high quality of its 

teaching, research, and service to the people of 

the north, and the country as a whole. 


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The campus is located in a spectacular setting of mountains 

and trees. It has a clean, inviting environment that is conducive 

to teaching and learning. It spans an area of more than 800 

hectares and consists of a number of state-of-the-art buildings. 

Construction has recently been completed on a new residence 

and recreational building for international students, a large 

modern gymnasium equipped with fi tness facilities, and an 

outdoors sport fi eld. Established to serve as both a national 

and regional university, MFU also provides quality educational 

services and resources to the neighboring countries of the 

Greater Mekong Sub-region, (Lao PDR, the Republic of the 

Union of Myanmar, Cambodia, China and Vietnam) and reaches 

out to all of Southeast Asia. 

The University’s philosophy is embodied in the intention of 

the Princess Mother to foster quality environment and human 

resource development. In this regard, promotion of a healthy 

environment throughout the Greater Mekong Sub-region is a 

primary focus for the University, as well as improvement of 

the quality of life for the disadvantaged, through higher 

education. Another focus of the university is to build human 

capacity in an ongoing search for knowledge. Also, as an 

institution of higher learning that meets international 

standards, the University aims to excel in selected academic 

services to society, such as technology adaptation and 

promotion of Thai arts and culture. 

Mae Fah Luang University is proud to offer living and learning 

in an ideal atmosphere and environment. It is simply the best 

place to be!



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International 

Affairs Division 

Vision 

Our vision is to provide high-quality service and establish 

international cooperation with partners around the world, with 

the aim of fostering academic opportunities for students and 

staff. As the primary unit for supporting international activities 

within the campus, the International Affairs Division is 

committed to providing students with the opportunity to attain 

a global education. 

Resposibilities 

Our Division is comprised of 5 separate affairs, each with their 

own responsibilities: 

1. General Affairs. 

2. Scholarship and Exchange Program. 

3. Public Relations and Information. 

4. International Collaboration. 

5. Student Affairs.


Contact Us 

Dr. Romyen Kosaikanont 

Assistant to the President 

(66) 5391 6087 

Mrs. Natthaporn Wongjai 

Administrative Offi cer, General Affairs 

(66) 5391 6024 

Ms. Chadaporn Chotiradapa 

Administrative Offi cer, Scholarship and Exchange Program 

(66) 5391 6090 

Ms. Natchayathorn Taranitpirapat 

Administrative Offi cer, International Collaboration 

(66) 5391 6026 

Ms. Yaowapha Phoemphul 

Administrative Offi cer, Student Affairs 

(66) 5391 6024 

Ms. Wannapha Thippayasak 

Administrative Offi cer, Public Relations and Information 

(66) 5391 6091 

Ms. Kelly McCray 

Administrative Offi cer, Public Relations and Information 

(66) 5391 6091 

Address: International Affairs Division 

AD Building, 1st Floor, 


333 Moo 1, Tha Sud District, Muang, Chiang Rai, 

Thailand 57100 

Tel: (66) 53 916 024 Fax: (66) 53 916 023 

Email: inter@mfu.ac.th Website: www.mfu.ac.th 


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Registration 

The registration date for each academic year is offi cially 

announced at www.mfu.ac.th 

Required Documents 

• Two 1-inch color photographs while dressed in proper 

student uniform. 

• Two copies of passport (student to verify each copy with 

signature). 

• Two copies of name change certifi cate (student to verify 

each copy with signature). 

• Two copies of high school or diploma certifi cate (student 

to verify each copy with signature). 

• Two copies of transcript (student to verify each copy 

with signature). 

Step 1: Payment 

1. Fill out a yellow registration form and prepare the 

documents listed above. 

2. Present documents and tuition fees to the Division of 

Registrar during the registration period. 

3. Receive a tuition fee receipt. 

4. Receive your password to access the Online Course 

Registration Website.


Step 2: Student ID Card 

Upon registration, the Division of Registrar will help students 

to obtain a Student ID card. The ID card, which is issued by 

the Bank of Ayudhya, can also be used as an ATM card and 

Visa Electron. Please allow 3 weeks for it to be processed. 

Students may have to inquire at the Bank of Ayudhya (D1 

building) as to when it is ready, and then pick it up in person. 

Step 3: Open a bank account 

• Pick up a bank form at the Division of Registrar and fi ll 

it out. Prepare the documents listed below. 

d A copy of passport (student to verify the copy) 

d A copy of visa (student to verify the copy) 

d A 1-inch color photograph with proper student uniform 

d A copy of MFU acceptance letter 

• Electron ID fee of THB 155. 

• The minimum THB 100 deposit needed to open an 

account. 

Note: If your receipt is lost, go to the police station and 

receive the proper form. Next go to the accounting 

department to get a copy of the receipt. 

Note: Please wear your student uniform every time 

you visit a University offi ce. 


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Step 4: Online course registration guide 

1. Go to the website http://reg.mfu.ac.th 

2. Click on “English version” on the left-hand side of the menu. 

3. Click on “Log In” on the left-hand side of the menu. 

4. Enter your student ID and password. 

5. Follow the instructions. 

6. Click “confi rm” after you have inserted the list of all the 

courses. 

7. Print out your tuition bill before paying your account balance 

at the bank or the Division of Financial Affairs. 

Note: The registration period begins one week before 

classes open. The late registration period ends 2 

weeks after classes open during the fi rst and second 

semesters, and one week after classes open during 

the summer semester. 

Note: 2nd and 3rd year students will be required to pay 

a late fee of THB 50 each day they do not register for 

classes. 

GPAX requirements 

Students are required to maintain a GPAX of 2.00 while 

enrolled at MFU. If you fall under the GPAX requirement, and 

have a GPAX of 1.50 to 1.99 for 4 semesters, you will be retired 

from the university. If your GPAX falls under 1.50, you will be 

retired form the university.


Caution! 

How to survive when studying at MFU: 

1. Student should not have a GPAX lower than 1.5. 

2. If you get put on probation for 2 semesters, you will be 

retired from MFU. 

Note: If your GPAX falls below 2.00, contact your 

advisor immediately; you may be in danger of 

retirement from the University. 

Changing Major/Program of Study 

To change your program of study, you must have studied at 

least 2 semesters. First-year students are not allowed to 

change their program of study. 

If you have studied at least 2 semesters, you may submit a 

change of major form to the Division of Registrar at least one 

week before the registration period begins. This form may be 

downloaded at http://reg.mfu.ac.th. 

All the courses that you have registered for will be changed 

into your new major. Courses not in your new major structure 

will be classifi ed as elective courses. 

Checking Your Exam Schedule 

Go to http://reg.mfu.ac.th to check your exam schedule. Click 

on the “Student Timetable” link on the left side of the home 

page. Once directed to a new page, input your student ID 

where it asks for your student code. You will be directed to 

your exam schedule. 


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Campus Life 

Student dormitories 

The University has increased its accommodation capacity and 

offers up to 5,000 beds in 16 dormitory buildings for students. 

The international students’ attractive residence is just a tenminute 

walk from the main building. Students have privacy 

within a safe, friendly, and lively leaning environment. First 

year students are recommended to stay in the dormitories. 

Intended to encourage students to develop their social skills 

through living together, learning together and helping one 

another, the student dormitories, which are supervised by 

University staff and guarded round the clock by security 

offi cers, offer desks, beds and mattresses, internet corners, 

TV rooms and study rooms. 


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Dormitory Services 

24-hour dormitory guardians 

24-hour security offi cers 

24-hour laundry 

Wi-Fi Internet access 

Dormitory Rules and 

Regulations 

All students who reside in the 

dormitory shall strictly observe the 

following rules and regulations: 

1. No gambling. 

2. No alcohol, illegal drugs, or any 

other substances which when 

used inappropriately or excessively 

can be dangerous, are allowed in the building. 

3. Weapons, bombs, fuel, fi recrackers and any other material 

which cause fi re, disturbance, or danger, are prohibited. 

4. Pets are not allowed. 

5. Permission must be sought from the offi ce in charge of 

the dormitory in order to bring electronic equipment into 

the rooms. 

6. Furniture or shared equipment provided in the dormitory 

cannot be taken to any other room. 

7. Permission must be sought from an authorized person in 

order to post advertisements within the building, and they 

are only permitted in specifi c places for an allotted time.


8. Guests are not allowed inside dormitories or to stay 

overnight. 

9. No loud noises. 

10. Cooking in the rooms is prohibited. 

11. Equipment within the room must not be altered, modifi ed, 

or moved elsewhere. 

12. Nothing can be done that will damage the dormitory or 

any property within it. 

13. Written permission must be sought from an authorized 

person in order for the student to stay overnight outside 

the dormitory. 

14. Partying is not allowed inside the dormitory. 

15. No refrigerators or microwaves are allowed. 

16. The dorm will close at 10:00 pm and open again at 6:00 

am. After 10:00 pm, you may enter after contacting a 

security offi cer, who will then record your ID number to 

report to the Student Development Center. 

Punishments 

Students residing in the dormitory who violate the above rules 

and regulations will be punished as follows: 

• Written warning, or 

• Put on probation, or 

• Suspended from all courses for a minimum of 1 

academic year, or 

• Compelled to resign from the university, or 

• Given any other sanction according to MFU Regulations. 


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Dormitory Checkout Procedure 

Before leaving MFU at the end of the semester, students have 

to: 

1. Inform the dormitory staff of the exact date of leaving, the 

date of return, and home contact number. 

2. Collect all valuables, such as computers and money. They 

are not to be left in the dormitory. 

3. If the student wants to live in the dormitory the next 

semester, pack up belongings in the cupboard, lock it, and 

pay THB 2,000 to keep the room. 

4. Drop off the room keys to dormitory staff. Dormitory staff 

will check the room and the student will have to sign a 

document confi rming that they have left the room. 

5. Students who want to stay in the dormitory more than 15 

days after the last day of examination must pay the 

dormitory fee of THB 2,000 per person.



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Uniforms 

International students who are registered at the undergraduate 

level (regular or international program) are required to wear 

University uniforms in accordance with the University policy. 

The uniform requirements are specifi ed below. 

Female 

A white, short-sleeved shirt with fold line at the back and MFU 

logo on the front, with engraved chrome buttons; a black skirt 

long enough to cover the knees; a brown leather belt with 

MFU buckle. White canvas shoes for First-year students and 

black leather shoes for all others. The university pin must be 

clasped on the right hand side of the shirt at chest level. 

Male 

A white long-sleeved shirt, navy/black trousers; a black leather 

belt with MFU buckle; black leather shoes; a blue necktie. 

Ride and Drive at MFU 

The general rules and regulations of Thailand will be listed 

later in this handbook; however, there are a few rules particular 

to Mae Fah Luang University. 

1. First-year students are strongly encouraged not to ride a 

motorbike or drive a car. 

2. Everyone, including passengers, must be wearing a helmet 

in order to enter or depart from the campus at Mae Fah 

Luang University while driving a motorbike. 

3. Motorcycles must park in the designated parking areas. 

Note: In case of emergency or accident on campus, 

please contact 0 5391 6999.


Medical Insurance 

International students are required to purchase medical 

insurance. 

Individual policies are subject to change. 

For more information, contact Ms. Yaowapha Phoemphul at 

0 5391 6024. 


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Facilities and Resource Centers 

MFU Hospital 

This on-campus hospital provides 

students, staff, and community members 

with medical treatment from a physician, 

dermatology services, dental services 

and holistic health services. The hospital 

aims to combine Thai traditional medicine 

with western medicine. 

Tel: 0 5391 7563 

The Living and Learning Support Center 

This support center is on the fi rst fl oor 

of D1 Building, Room number 127 (open 

08.00 am. - 05.30 pm.). It provides 

assistance to students to advance their 

personal, academic and psychological 

development. The center provides 

students with many different aids, from 

reading techniques and memorization 

strategies to improve their study skills, to 

consultation and counseling services to 

improve their personal and social lives. 

Tel: 0 5391 6666 

The Sirindhorn Chinese Language and 

Culture Center 

A center for Chinese language instruction, 

development and standardization, this 

center offers both Chinese language and 

Chinese teaching courses to ensure 

community and national level human 

resources development. 

Tel: 0 5391 7097


The Center for Learning Resources and 

Educational Media Center 

This modern library and learning center 

located on the second floor of D1 

Building. It utilizes internationally 

recognized information-technology 

systems in its services. One of which is 

the Teaching Development Center, which 

provides academic services for the 

community. 

Tel: 0 5391 6330-31 

Scientifi c and Technological Instrument 

Center 

This center provides science and 

technology support and services for 

university students and personnel. 

Tel: 0 5391 6211 

Computer Laboratory 

This computer laboratory is a center fi lled 

with electronic educational tools to 

supplement students’ learning and 

training activities. This computer laboratory 

is at S1 Building. 

Tel: 0 5391 6404 


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MFU Book Center 

This a center for the distribution and sale 

of books, educational media and 

stationary for students, lecturers, and 

university staff, as well as the general 

public. Open Mon.-Fri., 08.00 am. to 

07.00 pm. and Sat.-Sun., 10.00 am. to 

06.00 pm., it close to 7-Eleven shop on 

University Avenue. 

Tel: 0 5391 7020-4 

Auditorium and Conference Hall 

Mae Fah Luang University’s auditoria and 

conference halls are fully equipped with 

modern audiovisual facilities. They serve 

both the university and other organizations 

as venues for seminars, training programs, 

symposia and conferences. 

Food Centers 

The canteens on the second fl oor of D1 

Building and on the ground fl oor of E1 

Building are open from 6 am. to 10 pm. 

In addition, the Faculty Union cafeteria, 

which is open from morning to evening, 

and the food shops near 7-Eleven, which 

are open from 5 pm. to 10 pm., give 

students and staff a greater variety of 

dining options.


Indoor Stadium (Chalermprakiat 

Building) and Sports Center 

This is a multi-purpose indoor stadium 

offering various indoor sports facilities as 

well as fi tness rooms, open to both MFU 

staff and the public to promote sports 

activities and exercising. 

Wanaphirom Park 

This is an arboretum-like park where 

arboricultural attractions can be 

appreciated. 

Post Offi ce 

A licensed on-campus post offi ce offers 

post services such as mailing and 

receiving of letters and parcels. The offi ce 

open Mon.-Fri. from 08.00 am. to 04.00 

pm., it located on the fi rst fl oor of the D1 

Building. 

Tel: 0 5391 6170 

Banks 

• The Bank of Ayudhaya, MFU Branch open Mon.- 

Fri. 08.30 am. to 03.30 pm., located on the fi rst 

fl oor of the D1 Building. Tel: 0 5391 6177 

• The Bangkok Bank, MFU Branch open Mon.-Fri. 

09.00 am. to 04.30 pm., located next to 7-Eleven 

shop on University Avenue. Tel: 0 5391 2209-13 

• The Government Savings Bank, MFU Branch 

open Mon.-Fri. 09.30 am. to 04.30 pm., located 

next to the 7-Eleven shop on University Avenue. 

Tel: 0 5391 2441 


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Culture shock 

Every culture has a unique understanding of the range of 

behavior that is acceptable. Diffi culties and frustrations may 

arise when people integrate into a new culture. Culture shock 

may occur when a one feels excessively homesick, lonely, or 

bored. When fi rst arriving in a new place, many people feel 

culture shock. Even with adequate preparation, it may be 

impossible to prevent. It takes time to overcome it, but it will 

ultimately broaden your perspective and help you grow as a 

person. 

MFU is the fi rst public university to provide a Living and 

Learning Support Center equipped with professional staff 

and teachers who are on duty to assist students with any 

issues, be they academic of personal. 

Important 

Behavioral Tips 

1. Show reverence to all Buddhist objects and places. Women 

should never touch a monk or his robes.

2. Thais greet each other with a Wai (a prayer-like gesture 

where the palms of the hands are pressed together and 

raised to chest level) As a general rule it is polite to Wai 

when meeting someone older or in a more senior position 

than you. 

3. Always remove your shoes before entering a temple or 

someone’s home. 

Visa 


Obtaining a visa 

Once your application to study at MFU has been approved, you 

will need to obtain a Non-Immigrant ED visa to enter Thailand. 

This visa will be extended once your study commences. In any 

case, DO NOT enter Thailand on a tourist or transit visa, as they 

cannot be extended to cover your period of study. 

Documents required for a visa: 

1. A copy of the offi cial letter of acceptance from MFU. 

2. Four recent 3x4 cms photographs (less than 6 months old). 

3. A copy of your passport-information page(s). 

4. A medical certifi cate (less than 6 months old. 

5. Visa fee. 


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Visa extension 

Students are requested to: 

1. Notify the International Affairs Division no less than 2-3 

weeks before the expiry date, bringing your passport with 

you, as well as the documents listed below. In about one 

week, the International Affairs Division will issue the visa 

extension request letter. 

• Certifi cate of Students status issued by the Division of 

Registrar. 

• Transcript – except for fi rst year students – issued by 

the Division of Registrar (NOTE: It takes 3 days for the 

Division of Registrar to complete a transcript request). 

• A copy of passport (the fi rst page that shows your photo). 

• A copy of visa (the page that shows your expired date 

of Visa). 

2. After receiving the visa extension request letter from MFU, 

take your passport and one recent 3x4 cms photograph to 

the Mae Sai Immigration Offi ce. 

Note: Foreign nationals on a student visa are not 

eligible to work in Thailand. 

Re-Entry Regulations 

Students wishing to leave Thailand for academic purposes 

must apply for RE-ENTRY at the Immigration Offi ce. If they 

fail to do so, when re-entering Thailand, their visa will be 

canceled automatically.

Documents required for re-entry: 

1. Completed re-entry form, which can be obtained at the 

Immigration Offi ce front desk. 

2. Your passport. 

3. A recent 2-inch photograph. 

Immigration Office 


Chiang Rai Immigration Offi ce 

117 Moo 1, Wang Phang Kham, Mae Sai, Chiang Rai 57130 

Tel: 0 5373 1008 Ext. 23 

Offi ce Hours: 08.30 am. to 04.00 pm. 

Monday-Friday 

Bangkok Immigration Offi ce 

507 South Sathon Road, Soi Suan Phlu, Bangkok 

Tel. 0 2287 3101-10 

Offi ce hours: 08.30 am. to 04.00 pm. 

Monday-Friday 

90-Day Report 

Before the end of your initial 90 days in Thailand, foreign 

students must report to the International Affairs Division to 

complete a “Form for Alien to Notify of Staying Longer Than 

90 Days.” Please bring your passport and an empty stamped 

envelope. This form will be sent to the Chiang Rai Immigration 

Offi ce to document that you are still in the country and still 

studying. 


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Money Matters 

Sending and Receiving Money in Thailand 

You may need to send money to someone in Thailand, or even 

to yourself. Due to advance technology in the banking industry, 

sending a small amount of money– less then 10,000 US dollars, 

to Thailand is easy. Banks in Thailand do not use an International 

Bank Account Number (IBAN); instead, they used SWIFT 

coding system for bank transaction. Here are some methods 

used to send money to Thailand: 

• Via Western Union. Many people fi nd this convenient, 

cheap and fast. This service is very useful in emergency 

cases; it is a retail money transfer with no bank account 

required. The fees vary depending on the amount, the


country you send from, and the country you send to. If 

you send more than 1,000 dollars, they will ask for more 

personal information and the reason for sending it. 

• Bank transfer. This is convenient if both the sender and 

the recipient have a bank account. The sender requests 

an international bank transfer at their bank. The money 

transfer can take up to fi ve days depending on the bank. 

Not all bank branches do international money transfers. 

• International money order. This is inconvenient because 

it can be cashed only at certain bank branches, and banks 

in Thailand charge a high fee for cashing money orders. 

• Sending a debit card to a recipient in Thailand. The sender 

provides a debit card such as Visa or MasterCard to the 

recipient, along with the pin number. The recipient can 

withdraw money directly from an ATM machine in 

Thailand. This way, the sender can control how much 

money is put into the account and can stop the account 

access at any time. 

• By PayPal. This is the safer, easier way to make an online 

payment and can also be used to send money to 

someone. PayPal lets you send money to anyone with 

an e-mail address. It is free, and works with your existing 

credit card and current bank account. There are a few 

ways to do this. Go to www.paypal.com to learn more 

about how to sign up and other details. 


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Exchanging Money In Thailand 

It is easy and convenient to exchange money when you fi rst 

arrive at the airport. You should exchange just enough for a 

few days because you can get a better rate from bank in town 

or from money exchange booths. 

An easy way to access your money from your home country 

is to use ATM card with the PLUS, Cirrus, or STAR logo. You 

can also use a major credit card to get Thai currency from your 

account back home. 

Fees vary from bank-to-bank. Also, you should alert your bank 

and credit card company that you will be traveling in Thailand 

before you leave home. The bank may detect what it may think 

are unauthorized withdrawals and put a hold on your 

accounting learning you with no access to your money. 

There are always unforeseen problems when you need to get 

cash right way. Therefore, you should have some extra cash 

and travel’s checks as back up. Only carry enough cash for 

your expense for the day, or only an amount that you are 

comfortable losing. Check with your hotel about leaving your 

valuables in a safe. 

Thai banks are closed on public holidays. Some branches in 

town open on weekends. ATM machines are usually accessible 

24-hours a day, since many of them are outside bank, 

convenient stores, and other locations.


Ride and Drive 

in Thailand 

Rules of riding a motorbike and driving a car 

1. Traffi c moves on the left side of the road. 

2. The legal driving age for cars and motorcycles is eighteen. 

3. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.5 milligrams of alcohol 

per liter of blood, and 0.2 milligrams of alcohol per liter of 

blood for those who have held licenses under 5 years. 

4. Law requires the driver of any vehicle to hold a valid driver’s 

license and copy of vehicle registration document. 

5. A tax sticker and at least third-party motor insurance are 

required for all vehicles (including motorcycles), and have 

to be renewed annually at the local Department of Land 

Transportation offi ce. 

6. The driver and passengers in the front seat of vehicles 

are required to wear seatbelts fastened. 

7. Speeding fi nes and traffi c tickets may be paid at the local 

police station. 

8. Vehicles with red registration plates cannot be ridden at 

night. 

9. Law does not require children’s car seats. 

10. The speed limit on the highway is usually 90 kilometers 

per hour, and in some areas 100 or 120 kilometers per hour. 

In urban areas it is usually 50 or 60 kilometers per hour. 

11. Motorcycle riders are required to wear a helmet. 


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Safe Driving Tips 

• In larger cities, heavy traffi c usually occurs on weekdays 

between 07.00 am. - 09.30 am. and from 04.30 am. to 

07.30 pm. In smaller towns, the rush hours are shorter. 

• At the start and end of major holidays, traffi c is very 

heavy. Numerous accident and fatalities may occur due 

to drunkenness and recklessness. 

• Pay more attention to your driving than you would back 

home because directional signs in English are quite small 

and some road signs are only in Thai. 

Traffic Accidents 

In case of a traffi c accident in which no one is injured: 

• Move all vehicles involved to the side of the road to avoid 

blocking traffi c. 

• Call the emergency number 191, or 1155 for English 

speaking police assistance. 

• Exchange information with the other drivers: passport 

and ID card numbers, driving license number, vehicle 

registration, insurance details, the vehicles’ registration 

number, phone numbers and addresses. 

• Know what your insurance company requires. Know if 

the company has a 24-hour assistance phone number. 

• Inform your insurance company and fi le the necessary 

forms.


In case of a traffi c accident in which there is an injury: 

• Call the emergency number 191, or 1155 (Englishspeaking) 

for police assistance. 

• Uninjured persons should move to the side of the road. 

• Call an ambulance and tend to anyone who is injured. 

If you are trained, apply emergency fi rst-aid procedures. 

• Do not move the vehicles involved. 

• Exchange information with the other drivers: passport 

and ID card numbers, driver’s license number, vehicle 

registration, insurance details, the vehicles’ registration 

number, phone numbers and addresses. 

• Know what your insurance company requires. Know if 

the company has a 24-hour assistance phone number. 

• Inform your insurance company and fi le the necessary 

forms. A police report will need to be completed at the 

local police station. 

How to Get a Driving License 

To get a driving license you have to be in good health with no 

physical or mental handicaps and be of sound mind. Foreigners 

with an international driving license and valid driving license 

from their home country, along with a Non-Immigrant visa, 

can apply for Thai license. With these documents foreigners 

do not need to take the driving test or written exam in Thailand. 

You will be provided with a one – year temporary driving 

license for passenger cars. (Not for commercial vehicles or 

motorcycles) 


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In Thailand, a driving license is obtained at the Department 

of Land Transport Offi ce. In certain offi ces the exam is available 

in English. If not, the exam will be in Thai, but you may be able 

to use a Thai interpreter to help you during the process if you 

receive the permission of the examiner. Foreigners must take 

the Thai driving license examination if they do not have and 

international driving license and valid license from their home 

country. 

In order to receive a driving license, you must fi rst submit 

the following documents to the International Affairs Division: 

• Proof of residency from your dormitory. 

• Student certifi cation (from the Division of Registrar). 

• A copy of your transcript (from the Division of Registrar). 

• A copy of your passport information (the page with your 

photo). 

• A copy of your visa (showing the date of expiry). 

• Letter of certifi cation form a doctor (from the Hospital). 

Once you submit these documents, you will receive a letter 

from the President authorizing you to apply for a driving 

license. Take that letter, along with your passport containing 

a valid non-immigrant visa, your letter of certifi cation from a 

doctor, and a copy of relevant passport information to the 

Chiang Rai Immigration Office. Once you submit this 

paperwork to the Immigration Offi ce, you will receive another 

letter from them, saying that you will apply for a driving 

License. Take this letter, and the following documents to your 

local Land Transport Offi ce:


• Your valid passport with valid non – immigrant visa. 

• Two copies of the passport’s relevant pages for personal 

data and signature, the current non – immigrant visa, 

the page with the last entry stamp and the immigration 

card. 

• A letter of certifi cation from a doctor that you are in good 

health physically and mentally, issued within the previous 

thirty days. 

• Letter form the Mae Sai Immigration Offi ce. 

• Two recent 1-inch photographs (less than 6 months old). 

Note: If you have your international and home – 

country driving license, you will only need to pass 

these simple tests: color blindness, refl exes, and 

depth perception. After you have passed these tests, 

your documents will be checked. After paying the 

THB 105 fee, you will receive a temporary Thai 

driving license. 


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Thailand and 

Chiang Rai 

Climate 

Thailand has a tropical climate, with three distinct seasons– 

hot from March to June, wet from July to October, and cool 

from November through February. The temperature in Chiang 

Rai is 28°C (83°F) on average, ranging from 40°C in April to 

15°C in December. 

What to Wear 

Light, loose cotton clothing is best. Synthetic materials should 

be avoided. Sweaters are needed in the cool season, especially 

in the evening or when visiting mountainous areas or national 

parks. Jackets may be necessary. Polite, modest dress is 

required entering temples or palaces. 

Local Time 

GMT+7 hours 

Business Hours 

Most offi ces open from 08.00 am. to 04.00 pm., Monday to 

Friday, except on public holidays. However, the offi ces may 

be closed during the lunch hour. Many stores are open 12 

hours a day, seven days a week.


Currency 

THB=Thai Baht, there are 100 Satang in THB 1. Notes are 

issued in denominations of THB 1000 (gray), THB 500 (purple), 

THB 100 (red), THB 50 (blue), and THB 20 (green). There are 

10, 5, and 1 Baht coins, as well as 50 and 25 Satang coins. 

Most foreign currencies and traveler’s checks are easily 

changed at banks, hotels, or moneychangers. 

Electricity 

The electric system is 220 Volt AC (50 cycles). There are many 

types of plugs, so carrying a plug adapter kit is recommended. 

Thai Food 

Thai food offers a variety of fl avors and tastes, mixing herbs 

and spices and market-fresh ingredients for a special culinary 

experience. 

Eating ranks high on the Thai scale of pleasures; and meals 

are informal affairs. The staple is rice, accompanied by a variety 


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of dishes that can be eaten in almost any order and seasoned 

to individual taste. Several condiments such as fi sh sauce and 

chili peppers are also usually present at every meal. Most 

often there will also be a soup of some kind, along with curry, 

a steamed or fried dish, a salad, and one or more basic sauces. 

Desserts may consist of fresh fruit or one of the many 

traditional Thai sweets. 

Chiang Rai 

Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand, is about 

785 kilometers north of Bangkok. Situated in the Kok River 

basin, Chiang Rai covers on area of approximately 11,678 

square meters with an average elevation of 580 meters above 

sea level. The province, which is located within the renowned 

Golden Triangle area where the Republic of the Union of 

Myanmar, Lao PDR and Thailand converge, is also know as 

the gateway to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Lao 

PDR and southern China, Chiang Rai, founded in 1262 by King 

Meng Rai, was the fi rst capital of the Lanna Thai Kingdom (the 

kingdom of a million rice-fi elds). Later conquered by Burma, 

it was not unit 1786 that Chiang Rai again became a Thai 

territory and was proclaimed a province during the reign of 

King Rama VI in 1910. However, Chiang Rai culture remains 

distinctive. Because of its Lanna origins, Chiang Rai has food, 

music, art, and even a language unique only to this region. 

Today, Chiang Rai is a traveler’s paradise endowed with 

abundant natural tourist attractions and antiquities. The 

province itself is evidence of a past civilization. Attractions


range from magnifi cent mountain scenery to ruins of ancient 

settlements. There are historic sites, Buddhist shrines, and 

ethnic groups, as the province is also home to several ethnic 

groups who maintain fascinating lifestyles. For those 

interested in the natural side of Chiang Rai, jungle trekking is 

recommended along various trails. Chiang Rai, which tends 

to be a little more “laid back” now competes with Chiang Mai 

as a hub for reaching many tourist attractions and is fast 

becoming a popular escape for tourists wanting to get away 

from the troubles they left behind. 

HRH The Princess Mother built the Doi Tung Royal Villa, where 

she lived there for a number of years, while implementing the 

Doi Tung Development Project, a reforestation project and 

program to improve the lives of the people in the area. The 

Golden Triangle is a popular tourist destination because of the 

ability to view the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Lao 

PDR and Thailand all at once. Many people visit Phucheefah 

during the winter to watch the sunrise and set over a sea of 

valleys. 


39


40 


The food of the North is as distinctive as its culture. Sticky 

rice is preferred, traditionally kneaded into small balls with 

fi ngers. Northern curries are generally milder than those of 

central and northeastern Thailand. The infl uence of neighboring 

the Republic of the Union of Myanmar is evident in such 

popular dishes as Kaeng Hang Le, a pork curry that relies on 

ginger, tamarind, and turmeric for its fl avor, and Khao Soy, a 

curry broth with egg noodles and meat topped with spring 

onions, pickled cabbage, and slices of lime.


Useful Phone 

Numbers 

Emergency Numbers 

MFU Emergency 0 5391 6999 (internal 6999) 

............................................................................................................................... 

Emergency Police Service 191 

............................................................................................................................... 

Police Fire Bridgade 0 5371 1222 

............................................................................................................................... 

Crime Suppression Division 195 

............................................................................................................................... 

Tourist Police 0 5371 7779 

............................................................................................................................... 

General Numbers 

Tourist Service Center 1155 

............................................................................................................................... 

Food and Drug Administration (hotline) 1556 

............................................................................................................................... 

Airport 

Flight Schedules 1566 

............................................................................................................................... 

Suvarnabhumi Airport (66) 2312 1888 

............................................................................................................................... 

Mae Fah Luang - Chiang Rai 

International Airport 0 5379 3048 

............................................................................................................................... 


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Airline 

Thai Airways International 0 2288 7000 

............................................................................................................................... 

Air Asia 0 2515 9999 

............................................................................................................................... 

Orient Thai 1126 

............................................................................................................................... 

Kan Air 0 2551 6111 

............................................................................................................................... 

Bus 

Nakhonchai Air 0 5391 2391 

............................................................................................................................... 

Sombat Tour 0 2792 1444 

............................................................................................................................... 

Green Bus 0 5370 5739 

............................................................................................................................... 

Immigration Department 

Immigration Bureau Offi ce (66) 2287 3101-10 

............................................................................................................................... 

Chiang Rai Immigration Offi ce 0 5377 7098 

............................................................................................................................... 

University Numbers 

School of Agro-Industry 0 5391 6738 

............................................................................................................................... 

School of Cosmetic Science 0 5391 6830 

............................................................................................................................... 

School of Health Science 0 5391 6821 

............................................................................................................................... 

School of Information Technology 0 5391 6741 

............................................................................................................................... 

School of Law 0 5391 6857-8 

............................................................................................................................... 

School of Liberal Arts 0 5391 6723 

............................................................................................................................... 

School of Management 0 5391 6695 

...............................................................................................................................


School of Nursing 0 5391 6869 

............................................................................................................................... 

School of Science 0 5391 6775 

............................................................................................................................... 

School of Anti-Aging and Regenerative 0 2664 4360, 

0 2664 2295 

............................................................................................................................... 

Divisions 

Division of Registrar Tel: 0 5391 6370-5 

reg@mfu.ac.th 

............................................................................................................................... 

Division of Research Services Tel: 0 5391 6389 

research@mfu.ac.th 

............................................................................................................................... 

Division of Students Development Tel: 0 5391 6377 

personal@ mfu.ac.th 

............................................................................................................................... 

Division of Admission Tel: 0 5391 6103 

admission@mfu.ac.th 

............................................................................................................................... 

Division of Public Relations Tel: 0 5391 7034 

pr@mfu.ac.th 

............................................................................................................................... 

Division of Finance and Accounting Tel: 0 5391 6003-5 

fi nance@mfu.ac.th 

............................................................................................................................... 

Division of Placement Tel: 0 5391 6366 

and Co-operative Education job@mfu.ac.th 

............................................................................................................................... 

Division of Graduate School Coordination Tel: 0 5391 6138 

graduate@mfu.ac.th 

............................................................................................................................... 

International Affairs Division Tel: 0 5391 6026 

inter@mfu.ac.th 

............................................................................................................................... 


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Buildings snd Offi ce Buildings Zone 

1. Her Royal Highness The Princess Mother’s Statue 8. The Offi ce of T 

2. Lang Tong Vihara 9. Princess Moth 

3. Mae Fah Luang University Hospital 10. Building Front 

4. Police General Pow Sarasin Hall 11. The Offi ce of T 

5. Learning Resources and Educational Media Center 12. Wanasom We 

6. Sirindhorn Chinese Laguage and Culture Center 13. Wanawes Inn 

7. Sport Complex

he President Building 1 

er Hall 

or University Avenue 

he President Building 2 

llness and Aesthetic Resort 


Map of MFU 

Dormitory Zone 

A Dormitory Lamduan 1 - Lamduan 5 

B Pow Sarasin Dormitory 

C Female Dormitory 1,2,3,4,5,6 


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46 

BUS STATION 


Map from Chiang Ra 

TO PAYAO 

KASEMRAJ- 

SRIBURIN 

HOSPITAL 

WIANG 

INN 

LOCAL BUS 

STATION 

WANG 

KHAM 

WAT PHRA KAEW 

OVERBROOK 

HOSPITAL 

KING MENGRAI STATUE 

DUSIT 

ISLAND 

MAE 

LE MERIDIEN 

CHIANG RAI RESORT 

LAND

MAE KOK RIVER 

i City to MFU 

MAE KOK RIVER 

RIMKOK RESORT 

FAH LUANG 

BRIDGE 

THE 

RIVERSIDE 

BAAN LANNA 

CHIANG RAI 

TRANSPORT OFFICE 

TEAK GARDEN 

SPA RESORT 

CHIANG RAI 

RAJABHAT UNIVERSITY 

CHIANG RAI 

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 


17 kilometers from King Mengrai Statue to Mae Fah Luang University 

NAM THONG 

RESORT 

GOLDEN PINE 

RESORT 

N 

WAT HUAY PHU 

TO MAESAI 

MAE FAH LUANG 

UNIVERSITY 


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Mae Fah Luang University Chiang Rai Thailand 57100 Tel. : (+66) 5391 6026, (+66) 5391 6024 

Fax : (+66) 5391 6023 Website : http://www.mfu.ac.th E-mail : inter@mfu.ac.th

international student survival guide

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