ANGKOK, 15 June 2015 (NNT) - The Higher Education Commission has confirmed that the Thai academic calendar will remain unchanged in line with universities in other ASEAN countries, despite pleas from Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi (RUTT) to adjust the term dates.
RUTT dean Prasert Pinpathomrat earlier appealed to the commission to reconsider the recent change in academic calendar to match universities' in the region, saying the term dates now include more holidays and collide with the peak of the summer season, which could affect the length of each school course.
HEC secretary-general Piniti Ratananukul responded to the university request by saying that he personally foresees several benefits of the academic calendar change that can offset its cons. By extending the semester until May, teachers have the opportunity to fully educate students before they leave for their chosen university, he asserted.
According to him, when universities have different academic calendars from those of elementary and secondary schools, severe traffic congestion, which is a common problem during school terms, is less likely to happen.
He added that the argument that the new term dates would result in having classes during the height of the summer is not valid as the country is constantly coping with high temperatures all year-round regardless of the calendar change.
The commission is also planning to stage activities for students in preparation for their entry into university life, which will greatly benefit all students.