About the Library

The David Thomas Library is named after David Thomas, a distinguished linguist, who worked in Thailand and Vietnam (see more details here). At one time, the library collection was housed with Mahidol University, a valuable partner to the organization. The collection is now kept in two locations. Many items are stored in the Bangkok branch on Phahol Yothin Road with easy access via the Sky-Train. The remaining items are available in the Vajanakarn building, Mae Khao campus, of Payap University, Chiang Mai.

The focus is upon minority languages of Southeast Asia. The Library has a collection of volumes in the topics of general linguistics, literacy, anthropology and some national languages. Presently there are approximately 11,000 books, articles and journals in the Library.

Library Services

1. Reading and Borrowing Library Books
   1. It is free of charge to use and read the collection in the library. Visitors please come to the service counter to register before entering the library. Upon registration, the library user will be provided with notice of privileges and regulations.
   2. The library provides a book borrowing service (1-3 items for up to 30 days) to professors, researchers and students of local universities. The user should provide the following items to our librarian to complete the registration.
      • ID card or Passport
      • University staff or student card
      • For University students, we do request that your department issue a letter of guarantee from the professor of your faculty as reference. (You can download a sample form here.)
   3. Library users can renew their borrowed materials by calling our librarian or by sending an email renewal request to the library (see 'Contact Us' page).
      
   4. All overdue books are subject to a fine.
      


2. Photocopying Services
   User can have photocopies made of items in the library. The library staff will charge one Baht per page copied.
   


3. Opening Hours
   • Bangkok branch
     Monday to Thursday : 9:00am - 12:00pm; 1:00pm - 4:30pm
     Friday, Saturday and Sunday : Closed
     Public Holiday : Closed
   • Chiang Mai branch
     Monday to Friday : 9:00am - 12:00pm; 1:00pm - 4:30pm
     Saturday and Sunday : Closed
     Public Holiday : Closed