An analytical study on the motivational factors influencing Thai and International Students’ intention to pursue medical education, including preferred study destinations and essential supporting document.

This research investigates the factors that affect the decision of Thai and foreign high school students to pursue a medical education and addresses the cultural, academic, and motivational backgrounds of these individuals. The subjects’ target countries and knowledge of the procedures involved in the applications to medical schools are also considered because a medical education attracts individuals who are driven by either personal motives or social needs. It is a qualitative research, conducted through structured interviews among 20 students (10 Thai and 10 International students enrolled on an International Program), Year 12/Grade 11 level from schools located around Bangkok. Each interview took no longer than 30-45 minutes and was done in Thai and/or English language. Thematic analysis is employed here to determine important motivational and contextual themes. Findings show intrinsic motivation to be the main force behind student interest in the medical field. Nevertheless, there were differences in the considerations in each group. Thai-program students were primarily concerned with preparation for the national entrance exams used for admitting Thai medical students into medical programs such as TCAS and UCAT. Most Thai students had a preference to stay in Thailand for medical education because of lower costs, proximity to home, and familiarity with the Thai healthcare system. Conversely, international program students had a better idea of international admission procedures, especially within English-speaking nations such as the UK, Australia, and America. There was a strong interest within this group to pursue further studies abroad, because of international experience, perceived quality of medical education, and improved career mobility. In essence, the study illustrates the interplay between intrinsic and sociocultural factors in relation to career choices in the medical field. The implications of this study are that school management and career guidance practitioners should take note of these diversified needs and be more proactive in providing explicit guidance on admissions and career guidance.Keywords: Medical education, Thai high school students, international high school students, motivating factors, intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, cultural background, educational background, medical school application, TCAS, UCAT, study destination, qualitative research, thematic analysis