THE UNIVERSITY at Buffalo has established an exchange program with Chulalongkorn University, Thailand's oldest and most prestigious university. The program, UB's first with a Thai institution, is offered in cooperation with similar programs at the University of Washington and Oregon State University.

Chulalongkorn University, in the center of Bangkok, has more than 20,000 graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in programs run by its 17 faculties and professional schools. The university will soon send doctoral students to study at UB.

Joseph Williams, director of International Student and Scholar Services at UB, said the Thai program is open to all UB graduate and undergraduate students and faculty.

The program offers UB students intensive courses in the Thai language at the beginning, intermediate and advanced levels throughout Thailand's June-March academic year. During the fall semester, which in Thailand runs from June to October, students may also enroll in a special Thai civilization course. The course is taught in English and examines the history, geography, religion and arts that influence and define Thai culture. Intensive Thai language and civilization courses offer a total of 16 academic credits.

Chulalongkorn's business administration program is also taught in English, and business-management majors can take special courses focusing on the Thai business environment.

The cost per semester, excluding air fare, is $5,920 and includes tuition, fees, books, personal expenses and housing in Chulalongkorn's air-conditioned residence halls. A weekly meal plan is available in university cafeterias.

Students must have a GPA of 2.7 or above to be accepted for the program. For Information on the 1995-96 winter term at Chulalongkorn, which runs October through February, call 645-3912.