On July 7th, 2011 at the Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel, Bangkok, Ms. Churairat Sangboonnum,
the Deputy Permanent Secretary for Education and Ms. Srirat Rastapana, the Director
General of the Trade Negotiations Department within the Ministry of Commerce signed an
MOU on cooperation between both ministries. The signing took place during a seminar and
workshop on “Readiness Preparation for the ASEAN Economic Community”. The
participants in attendance were 300 MOE educational administrators, teachers, students and
educational personnel.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary informed all that the Office of the Permanent Secretary for
Education and the Department of Trade Negotiations jointly organized this event in order to
increase understanding in relation to the ASEAN Economic Community and also to develop
the quality of educational institutes, in the hope that this will enhance the capacity of Thai
youths and citizens to overcome any challenges that they may face as a result of the
establishment of an ASEAN Economic Community.
The Deputy Permanent stated further that this activity would assist in the region the
dissemination of knowledge on the ASEAN Community and on the ASEAN Economic
Community. The target groups consisted of educational administrators, teachers, students,
educational personnel and other interested parties, the ultimate aim being to raise awareness
of the need of readiness preparation and also to impart knowledge on how to adapt lifestyles
to fit in well with the ASEAN Economic Community in 4 regions. Moreover, the Ministry
emphasized building and developing the skills and quality of Thai labourers in order for them
to be ready for the competitiveness of the ASEAN labour market. Particular focus was placed
on the need for attitude changes in relation to vocational learning especially in how
remuneration is considered. In addition, English and technology proficiencies were also
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included which will help to reinforce Thai labourers to be in a position to overcome high
competition and gain benefits from the ASEAN Economic Community.
Moreover, it was found necessary for the Ministry to develop educational quality and
technological skills as well as English and other neighboring Asian language proficiency in
response to moving forward towards the ASEAN Community in 2015. Moreover, there will
be the inclusion of 500 World Class Schools and 54 schools of Spirit of ASEAN along
neighboring borders. In addition, there will be training and the development of educational
administrators and teachers. This is to be conducted annually in order for them to understand
the importance of being part of the ASEAN Community and also for them to develop a future
educational network for educational dissemination.