Country: Thailand
Placement Code: TH3
Project type: Commercial Hatchery
Organization: Uthai Phan Pla
Address: Uthai, Ayuthaya
Supervisor: Mr. Thawat / Dr. Ram C Bhujel
The project site is located in a village, 20 km away from Ayuthaya town, former capital of Thailand and
a UNESCO's World Heritage site. Around the area several food/drink shops, banks with ATM Cash
machines which accept major debit/credit cards, post-office are there. It is about 60 km north from
Bangkok. It is connected by bus and Santhaew from Ayuthaya and Ayuthaya has train, bus and
minivan to go to Bangkok.
It is very much suitable for those who want hands-on work in rural setting or communities. This is run
by a small partnership using the sex-reversal technology developed at the Asian Institute of
Technology to produce and supply high quality tilapia fry. Tilapia is a cichlid fish. It grows fast and is
easy to raise therefore, well suited for poor farmers to earn quick cash and supply family with protein.
Therefore, it is now dubbed as "poor men's fish". Tilapia hatchery project is unique of its kind
developed through research which comprises unique method of fish breeding, egg incubation and
larval rearing. This technology was transferred to private sector and has become a major
breakthrough for the expansion of tilapia farming in Thailand and in several other countries. As an
intern you can help our staff for day-to-day work, carry out research, produce more fish fry to supply to
more farmers and promote the technology through publication and communication. The hatchery
helps local communities by supplying fish fry, providing knowledge and technical assistance as well.
Internship period will be from 1-6 months. Working hours are 8 am – 4:30 pm (Monday – Friday). You
are free for travel on weekends and any public holidays.
Here staff speak very little English. Expect to face some difficulties but it will be a life-time experience living in a small village/community. There are plenty local restaurants and vendors which serve delicious Thai food. Cell phone works in the area but you have to have machine and SIM card purchased in the local town. Bank, postal service, ATM/cash machines are also available on-campus.
Accommodation on campus (air conditioned with internet facility)
Assist in arranging food at cheapest price (you will need to pay only about US$1/meal)
International airfare (please check with your University, may have this provision)
Transportation from and to the airport
Fees for visa/passport
Food and drinks (approx. about US$1/meal)
Any costs of trips, trainings, and others arranged personally
Insurance and costs of damages due to personal negligence
Note: you will be paired with students of our local partner institution, as far as possible.
