Abstract

The internationalization of education, where the quality of teaching is often attributed to a qualified teaching force, has brought significant reforms in educational policy, and approaches in most educational institutions in the world. While these educational changes have directed teachers to develop in their profession, higher education institutions (HEIs) have also placed substantial attempts to improve the profession. Thus, with an increasing demand for quality of teaching, academics in most HEIs in the world are required to show evidence of professionalism and competence in teaching. In Thailand, a number of HEIs have employed the UKProfessional Standards Framework (UKPSF) and have institutionalized the Fellowship application in Advance Higher Education Academy (Advance HE). Drawing on the concept of professionalizing teaching, this chapter explores university academics in Thailand and their perceptions of their profession as teachers and as fellows of the Advance HE. It also identifies the implications of professionalizing teaching on their profession, students, and their institutions. Although HEIs mainly apply the UKPSF of the Higher Education Academy in the UK and Europe, this chapter also considers and recognizes UKPSF and Advance HE’s contributions towards the professionalization of teaching and teachers in Asia, particularly in Thailand.