Around a hundred years ago, when formal education was introduced to Thai, working as an official became a status symbol in our country. Many people left their paddy fields or other ancestral vocations and tried for more dignified work in town. Fortunately, king Vajiravudh realised this would be detrimental to Thailand’s future as Thailand was an agriculture-based
However, there was a big problem in the beginning. Before vocational education started, there was a student handicraft exhibition held at Suankularb wittayalai School in 1912. Its purpose was to convince Thai youth to practise arts and crafts and use this knowledge to earn a living.
If he can make his way in trading or handicraft, I may promote him as a nobleman like one who is the official. As Phraya Phirom Phakdee who owned a timber business and also a passenger liner service on the Chao Phraya River and Phraya Phakdi Noraset who owned the first bus service in Siam.
The first art school in Thailand was opened in January, 1913 and was named ''Poh Chang' by King Vajiravudh. He said, "At this time when we are getting a lot of knowledge from abroad"
Besides the art school, King Vajiravudh also established the commerce school in 1916, to teach people to trade. It was named Wat Maha Pruettharam Commercial Vocational School. Then the school moved to Wat Kaew Jam Fah Lang, so its name was changed to Wat Kaew Jam Fah Lang Commercial Vocational school.
The plan to establish teacher training was continued however, with the first Primary Agricultural Teacher Training School being established in1917 with the name Hor Wang Primary Agricultural Teacher Training School. It was located in the National Stadium. Although the vocational school did not flourish at that time, it was a good beginning that made Thai people realise the advantages of careers other than being government officials.