Payap University vs Ramkhamhaeng University

The following is correspondence with a reader from 2013. I thought it might be valuable for you too, if you are considering university in Thailand.

---------------

Hello Brad,

I hope this message finds you well. I originally ran across your Payap University blog last year during my research for a potential international college in Thailand.

I enjoyed every bit your insight from the blog about your college life. It seems that you have moved to Ramkhamhaeng University sometime in March of 2012 and I haven't see any updates afterward.

Pardon my series of questions, as I'm at a crossroads in deciding and pursuing advanced education in Thailand. I am hoping that you would be kind enough to share your dos or don'ts in pursuing your formal education in Thailand?

1. I'm wondering if you found your switch of college progressing along? Would you be able to share the reason why you switched school (if possible)? Was it the quality of education, etc...? I just returned from my Central America backpacking trip and laying the stepping stones to liquidate my earthly possession to move to Thailand for college. The problem is I initially decided on Payap (due to cost) but now having second thought and truly wondering what made you drop out of Payap?
2. I might consider Webster, although it is at-least 3 times more expensive when it comes to cost but I heard that the degree/credential issued will be both in the US & Thailand. It's an advantage for US residents like myself. I believed you're also from the US. Do you know if holding a foreign issued university degree would deter you from employment opportunity?
3. Of course, I have a ton more questions but I do respect your time and effort. I thank you for your time and I look forward to hear back with your feedback on college life in Thailand.

Ramkhamhaeng University

Ramkhamhaeng University IIS Building

It's no secret that I'm not a fan of Payap University. I'm not enrolled there anymore—I transfered to Ramkhamhaeng University in Bangkok—but if you've spent any time on this blog you'll learn that I didn't like the administration, the teachers or the campus.

But that's all changed.

Ramkhamhaeng University is on another level of incompetence. I don't have words for how bad it is and I've yet to meet another student who doesn't have the same bad things to say.

Bangkok Immigration Office

My 90-day check-in was due recently but I had no idea where the immigration office was in Bangkok. I did a search but was still unsure. After some more digging I found that the office had recently moved, explaining the conflicting information on the web. It's now inconveniently located in the north of the city away from anything expats or tourists are likely to frequent.

Tony Joh of Thai-FAQ has a great video on the topic: