In 2009, Prof. Dr. Sompong Wittayasakpan acknowledged that there were a lot of people interested in studying the Thai language. Formerly, Chiang Mai University once accepted foreign exchange students to study in class with Thai students. Unfortunately, they were unable to study together smoothly because international students did not understand the lesson contents thoroughly due to language and communication barriers.

Therefore, Thai as a Foreign Language Program (Thai As a Foreign Language or TFL) was established and developed to suit foreign students. TFL is a 4-year program focusing on learning the Thai language by natural approaches like native speakers. Our goal is to help foreign students achieve their academic accomplishments in Thai language skills, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in order to communicate with native speakers effectively.