Deadline: 31-May-2026
The Puey Ungphakorn Institute for Economic Research is inviting research proposals focused on key economic and financial challenges relevant to Thailand’s economy and the policy priorities of the Bank of Thailand. The programme supports rigorous, policy-oriented research with strong academic and practical value.
Funding of up to THB 400,000 (approximately USD 12,300) is available per project for research activities over a typical duration of 12 months. The initiative encourages high-quality research that can contribute to international peer-reviewed publications.
Research Priority Areas
Inflation Measurement and Dynamics
Research may focus on:
- Inflation trends in Thailand
- Price stability analysis
- Inflation forecasting models
- Consumer price behavior
- Cost-of-living studies
Thailand’s Monetary Policy Framework
Supported topics include:
- Monetary policy evaluation
- Interest rate transmission
- Central banking policy effectiveness
- Economic stabilization tools
- Monetary policy communication
Thailand’s Economic Structure and Growth Potential
Research areas may include:
- Productivity and economic growth
- Labor market analysis
- Structural economic transformation
- Long-term development trends
- Macroeconomic resilience
Financial System and Market Development
Projects may explore:
- Financial inclusion
- SME financing
- Household financial access
- Banking system efficiency
- Financial market innovation
Competition in Financial and Payment Services
Eligible studies include:
- Digital payment systems
- Fintech competition
- Payment market efficiency
- Consumer financial services
- Financial technology regulation
Funding Details
- Maximum funding per project: THB 400,000
- Approximate USD equivalent: USD 12,300
- Typical project duration: 12 months
- Extensions may be approved in special cases
- Additional support for data collection may be considered
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants should have strong expertise in economic research.
Applicants may include:
- Academic researchers
- University faculty members
- PhD researchers
- Early-career researchers
- International researchers
- Research professionals in economics and finance
Both principal investigators and co-investigators must submit:
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Publication lists
- Research background information
For empirical research projects, the principal investigator must lead the primary analysis.
Why This Grant Matters
The programme supports evidence-based economic research that can:
- Improve economic policymaking
- Strengthen Thailand’s financial system
- Support monetary policy development
- Advance academic research in economics
- Contribute to international journal publications
The initiative also helps researchers build policy-relevant research portfolios and international academic visibility.
How to Apply
Applicants should:
- Develop a research proposal aligned with programme priorities
- Clearly explain research objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes
- Prepare CVs and publication lists for all investigators
- Demonstrate policy relevance and academic contribution
- Submit the proposal according to institute requirements
Strong proposals should include:
- Clear research questions
- Rigorous methodology
- Policy relevance
- Publication potential
- Feasible implementation timeline
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting proposals outside priority research areas
- Weak methodological design
- Limited policy relevance
- Incomplete investigator information
- Unclear research outcomes
FAQ
What is the maximum funding available?
Projects can receive up to THB 400,000.
How long can projects run?
The standard duration is 12 months, although extensions may be considered.
Are international researchers eligible?
Yes, international researchers are encouraged to apply.
Can PhD students apply?
Yes, PhD researchers and early-career researchers are encouraged to participate.
What research fields are supported?
The grant mainly supports economics, monetary policy, financial systems, inflation studies, and payment market research.
Is additional funding for data collection available?
Yes, additional support may be considered where appropriate.
Conclusion
The Puey Ungphakorn Institute Research Grant 2026 provides valuable funding for economists and researchers working on Thailand’s economic and financial policy challenges. The programme supports high-impact, policy-relevant research with strong academic potential and encourages collaboration among experienced and emerging researchers.
For more information, visit PIER.