The purpose of this qualitative research study was to investigate premature dropping out of university
study at Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus in southern Thailand. 21 Muslim and non-Muslim
males and females and four senior staff were interviewed. The findings are discussed in terms of practical
implications and also reflecting on Tinto’s model of university dropouts from western findings. The five
main reasons for dropout are interesting for the Eastern cultural context. These were concerns about
being enrolled in a non-preferred field of study, security, and lifestyle, problems with time management
and problems caused by a break or change in an intimate relationship