Educational Policies and Strategies
of H.E. Phongthep Thepkanjana, Minister of Education
Education is key to a nation’s development and competitiveness. It is the capability of its human capital rather than conventional resources that gives that country a competitive edge. Any attempt to reform our national education system that involves millions of personnel and students has to take into account the past performance of Thai education. Too many hours have been spent in learning, with little results in knowledge acquisition in learners who are stressed out and emerge relatively unqualified on graduation. Under the leadership of the new minister, emphasis is placed on continuity of policy implementation. The ministry’s modus operandi must be adjusted to allow for its novel and supportive role in other policies’ implementation. More active participation from all sectors, in particular school directors is expected. In turn, school directors must attach importance to the policy directives which must be carried out in earnest. In order to effectively move forward the government’s educational priorities, the following policies and strategies are highlighted:
1. Accelerate Quality Development of Education and Learners
1.1 Reform the curriculum at all levels of education
1.2 Develop human resources in response to domestic and international demands
1.3 Instil ethical, moral and democratic values in students.
1.4 Develop teachers, faculty staff and educational personnel
1.5 Use of ICTs to improve educational quality
2. Increase Access to Education
2.1 Provide educational opportunities to the poor, the underprivileged and the disabled
2.2 Develop lifelong learning opportunities
3. Reinstate Peace in the Three Southern Border Provinces
4. Alleviate Drug-related Problems
5. Develop Tablet Content for the One Tablet per Child Project
6. Focus on Research and Development
7. Promote the New Business Fund Project
8. Push Forward the People’s Constitution
9. Accelerate the Disbursement of Government Budget
10. Develop Administration and Management systems
10.1 Practise good governance
10.2 End sexual abuse in educational institutions
10.3 Increase efficiency in educational institutions
10.4 Prepare Thai people for the establishment of ASEAN Community
11. Work closely with other ministries and agencies to move forward government policies
Translated by Bureau of International Cooperation,
Office of the Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Education