Within the Ministry of Education, three following departments
previously under its supervision prior to the bureaucratic reform
are now under the supervision of other ministries. The Department
of Physical Education was moved to the Ministry of Tourism and
Sports. The former Office of the National Culture Commission
has been upgraded to the Ministry of Culture. At present, religious
affairs are under the auspices of two agencies, the Department of
Religious Affairs under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, and
the Office of National Buddhism, an independent public agency
directly under the Prime Minister.
The Royal Thai Government attaches great importance to
educational provision and promotion. It is hoped that an increasing
educational access and quality will enable Thai people to pursue
lifelong learning as well as to think critically, make rational
judgments and live in harmony with other members of society.