On January 1, 2025, Associate Professor Somchai Prechasilpakul of the Faculty of Law, Chiang Mai University, shared a reflective post on the Facebook page “A Thin-Faced University Research Center,” recounting his protracted journey toward securing a professorship. Despite the university council approving his position years ago, administrative delays have kept the process unresolved for over a decade.
Prof. Somchai revealed that while he spent four to five years conducting research and writing to qualify for the professorship, the procedural approval process has now stretched into its tenth year. He expressed deep frustration and irony, thanking the university for providing a harsh "awakening" to the realities of career advancement for faculty members.
The issue dates back to 2015, when Prof. Somchai initially applied for the professorship. The university council approved his candidacy in 2019, yet bureaucratic hurdles have prolonged the finalization of his title for over 100 months. In March 2024, he filed a lawsuit against the university’s president and three others, seeking accountability for the delays.
In his post, Prof. Somchai sarcastically wished the university future success in attracting high-quality personnel, while vowing never to forget his experience. His story highlights systemic challenges in academic career progression within Thailand's higher education system.