Outcome of Education Management Committee for Southern Border Provinces Meeting 2/2013

(08-05-2013)

Preparation for the New Semester
Mr. Thepkanjana said that the participants at the meeting were informed of the unrest that affects education in the Southern border provinces of Thailand. He asked that all related government sectors coordinate with one another as well as with national security departments to prepare everything before the new semester starts. Next week, in the area that needs supervision from a higher authority, the Minister or the Deputy Minister of Education will be there to attend a meeting with the relevant sectors before schools start.  

The Project for Teachers in Southern Border Provinces
During the meeting, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education who had set up the donation project to help teachers in the Southern Border Provinces, reported that the donated money had been given to the heirs of teachers and educational personnel killed in the area. On the first occasion, the sum of 7,600,000 baht had been divided and given to 76 people on March 28, 2013 at the C.S Pattani Hotel. The second time, 5,700,000 baht was given to 57 heirs of those who had been killed and 800,000 was given to 8 disabled government officers at Had Yai Palace Hotel on April 10, 2013. The total amount of financial aid was15,700,000 baht altogether.  There were 12 people who did not receive any money. Nine of them did not have a contact address; two have not yet presented sufficient required documents, and one does not belong to the Ministry of Education.

   Before the meeting, the Permanent Secretary received 100,000 baht from Mr. Chaiwat Anankawanich, the President of the “Book Boon Today” Group. He wished to donate the money to the “Fund for Teachers in Southern Border Provinces.” The money donated to the fund will be given to teachers who had been affected or injured from working in the three southernmost provinces of Thailand and their families or descendants. Ms. Wiparat Rattanalertnawee, the Director of the Office of the Permanent Secretary, will deposit the money in the bank account of the fund.


Project to Develop the Potential of Teachers in Southern Border Provinces
Mr. Thepkanjana said that everyone at the meeting had been informed of the results of the implementation of the project, which had been created to provide development, learning, and exchange of teaching experience for local teachers in public and private schools. The development can be grouped into three programs, which are:
1) An intensive Summer Camp for Teachers in the Southern Border Provincesduring April 17-26, 2013
2) Teaching Development Courses for700 primary teachers, to help them become “Teacher Tutors”   in 5 subjects:Thai language, English Language, Malay Language, Mathematics, and Science
3) Potential Development Courses for High School Teachers, attended by 300 teachers in private schools that teach Islamic Religious Studies within the regular school curriculum. The program was to help them become “Teacher Tutors” for six subjects: Thai Language, English Language, Mathematics, Physics, and Biology. The period of the program was from April 29 – May 8, 2013.

In addition, the participants at the meeting also considered the preparation and installation of more security systems to increase safety for teachers and educational personnel in the three border provinces of the South.

MOE Minister giving interview after Thungsong-Bangkok Train Ride

(07-05-2013)

1. On“Train Systems”
   “Last night (May 1,2013) I took the train because I needed to travel from Trang to Hua Hin and there were no other better transportation options available. I boarded the train at about 10.30 pm and found out later that my program at Hua Hin had been cancelled, so I took the train straight on to Bangkok and arrived there at 11.00 am. It took quite a long time.  
           I have to admit that the train system in Thailand is underdeveloped. Its services have not been improved for a long time. The locomotives are at least 25 years old. That is why not so long ago, the cabinet made a resolution to purchase a number of new locomotives. You can see that taking a train from Thungsong to Bangkok took more than 13 hours. Traveling by train should be much faster than that. All of these delays were caused by the ineffectiveness of the system such as time spent waiting to shunt.   
          The government has just set up a new train track system, which will be beneficial for the transportation system in Thailand as a whole. More space to carry cargo and new trains that run at faster speeds are provided for people to choose from. I spoke to an officer of the State Railway of Thailand and he said that the numbers of people using the train services exceed the capacity of the trains to carry them. Train schedules do not continue for 24 hours a day. There are only a number of trains leaving the main station but there are long lines of people waiting to board them every day.
         The train is still in high demand in our country, therefore, if the train system is developed and improved so that trains can take people to their destinies faster, it will become an even more popular and inexpensive choice of transportation. I believe that the Thailand 2020 Project that the government has started will bring great development to the rail system.”   

Progress of High Speed Rail Project

    “Mr. Chadchart Sitthiphan, the Minister of Transportations and Communications, is working on this and there has been a lot of progress made. Many rail systems in Bangkok have been constructed, especially the Red Line. The State Railway of Thailand is still using diesel electric locomotives on the old tracks because the whole electric system is incomplete, but once the high-speed trains are ready to go on service, the people will have many more choices of train on which to travel. These trains will be very convenient and fast, almost like air freight. The trains will run through the middle of the city. Actually, it will be even better than using airplanes when you calculate the time and compare the price. It will be a safer way of traveling, too. People are afraid that the prices will be too high and that ordinary people will not be able to afford it, but I believe that the Ministry of Transportations and Communications will carefully consider the price structure. They will make sure that the system is affordable for most people. We really want everyone to have access to this service.”

 

MOE preparing human resources for this new train services

“We are usually assigned to prepare human resources whenever there are new development projects. For the coming new rail services, we need a lot of people to work in the system. Vocational and academic institutions must prepare them. We have discussed and speculated on the types of personnel suitable for different areas. The government will not only produce the workforce, but will also consider which industries to develop in order to support this new public transportation project so that we don’t have to waste money on foreign currency. We want more income and more business opportunities for Thai people.”

2. On“Corruption in the Teacher Assistant Examination”
Information expected from the Department of Special Investigation:
“The DSIis processing this criminal case and we are going to use the information from the case for investigating and deciding on the consequences for those who passed the exam by cheating. So far, we have received some information from DSI for our consideration and it was presented to OTEPC at the last meeting.”
“I assure you that this is not a phony fight. No one will be protected. We are working through the process in the most straightforward way. Any MOE personnel involved in this corruption will certainly be punished. As for the offenders outside the MOE, the Department of Special Investigation will find out whether or not they have any criminal liability."

Alcohol-Free Freshmen Welcome Party

(07-05-2013)

Mr. Supphakorn Wongprad, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Minister of Education, presided over a seminar of school directors and student leaders on the topic of alcohol-free activities in educational institutions, in cooperation with Professor Dr. Suchart Thaweepornpathomkul, the manager of the "Fund for Alcohol-free Activities in Educational Institutions" project, at the Thai Health Promotion Foundation on April 27, 2013.

Mr.Wongprad said in the seminar that Thailand is like an ill person who needs medication and therapy. People in Thailand can be divided into four categories:  (1) Youth, the most problematic group, involved in fights and drug abuse, (2) People in General, involved in conflicts, quarrels, divisions, and lack of unity, (3) Politicians, and (4) government officers and intellectual groups like university students. The last category is the important one. They are capable of solving social problems, like doctors treating a sick society. These people are the ones participating in this seminar on non-alcohol activities in schools and universities.

As the office supervising university students, the Ministry of Education assigns all educational institutions in the country to strictly observe student activities, especially freshmen welcome parties. It must not involve any kinds of violence or any unhealthful activities such as smoking, drinking, or illegal drug using.

“Cooperation between the MOE, the TPF, and educational institutions to initiate this campaign will help reduce alcohol consumption, smoking, and violence among youth and increase fraternity between university students,” said the Deputy Permanent Secretary.  

In this seminar, there was a forum to exchange opinions between heads of educational institutions and students, as well as a special lecture on “Knowing the Truth behind the Liquor Business” which was attended by 347 people, including university students and celebrities

MFA refuses to extend visa of foreign teachers

(07-05-2013)

Mr. Somkid Lertpaitoon, the President of Thammasart University and the Chairman of the Council of University Presidents of Thailand (CUPT), said that CUPT had submitted an official letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), asking for a change in visa regulations for foreign teachers and students by extending their length of stay in Thailand. At present, foreign teachers who apply for a 4-year visa are usually granted only 1 year, and foreign students who apply for a 1-year visa are granted only 90 days. The MFA replied to this letter by refusing to do as requested. A similar petition sent to the Office of Thai Royal Police and to the Immigration Bureau was also turned down.

The Chairman of the CUPT disagreed with their decisions because he viewed that it is a way that universities should respond to the opening up of our country to the world. It is important for universities to employ quality people as teachers and to take good care of foreign students. The request was made for the benefit of all Thai universities and for the country. It is a waste of time and energy for foreign people to ask for visa extensions so often. He said that he will continue to send the petition, this time to those in higher authority such as Mr.Phongthep Thepkanjana, the Minister of Education, and Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Minister calling up a meeting to find strategies for students fighting problem

(03-05-2013)

Golden Tulip Essential Vasu Hotel, Bangkok– Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana, the Minister of Education, presided over a workshop on SO Strategy to prevent and solve the problem of quarrels and fights among vocational students on April 29, 2013. The participants of the meeting included Mr. Pradit Rasitanon, the Deputy Secretary General of the Vocational Education Commission, Mr.BunditSriphutthangkul, the Secretary General of the Private Education Commission, the Deputy-Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police, Representatives from the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Public Health, the Office of the Royal Thai Police, parents, and school directors.

The Minister of Education stated his opinion at the beginning of the meeting that the problem of students fighting with one another is not an uncommon thing because there are always conflicts at places where a number of people stay together. However, if we let the students continue to fight without setting up any preventive measures, they will continue to behave this way and will ask the other person or group out for a fight, whenever a conflict arises.

More and more violence is used in student fights today than in the past. Parents now begin to reconsider whether they should let their children study in vocational schools because they are worried about safety. News about vocational students violently fightingand ending up with people getting injured or killed has had great impact on the decisions of those who want to study in vocational institutes. They are afraid that studying there might cause them to lose their own lives or lose their friends and family. This kind of news does not come out every day, but it severely affects the feelings of people.

Thailand is still in need of people graduating from a vocational line of education. They account for only 34 percent of all graduated students today. One of the educational goals of our nation is to have 50 per cent of students graduate from vocational institutions and the other half graduate from universities. Therefore, we need to attract people to this line of study and eliminate whatever makes them afraid to do so.
   The government needs cooperation from every sector to seriously deal with the problem. In some other countries, student bullying or students fighting within a school is already considered an act of violence. Most schools in other countries will immediately deal with the problem by dismissing the student who uses violence, in order to give a strong warning to others that this kind of behavior is really unacceptable. However, only some vocational schools in Thailand dismiss students who commit violent crimes. Although they ensure that the students can continue their study elsewhere, the act of dismissing the wrongdoing students is a good example for others, for it shows them the consequence of fighting and using violence. This should be a matter for all vocational institutes to consider.

The minister also thanked many public sector organizations that have given their cooperation to solve this problem. There have been times when some conflicts were resolved and the root cause of the problem was removed. He admitted that the cause of conflicts among these students is hard to determine, like the reason why dogs hate cats. It is hard to find out how they can become enemies with students studying in another institution. However, the minister believes that it is possible to change their attitudes. Some graduated vocational students are able to work peacefully in the same organization with those whom they used to fight with in the past. Therefore, taking students from different institutions to participate in activities together is an effective method.

The minister also mentioned that the cause of the problem has been analyzed by psychological experts, such as the Director of Nakhonratchasima Rajanagarindra Psychiatric Hospital. The problem is being studied at the hospital and they are working to find a solution. The result of their study should lead to practical actions that will solve the problem. An opinion was stated in the meeting that it is important to let students know that vocational education can help them get a job with private organizations after graduating. If they are convinced that this kind of education can give them a bright future, they might want focus more on their studies and try to behave well. Currently, the Minister of Education is cooperating with many top companies such as BMW, B.Grimm, and Bosch in order to provide opportunities for vocational students to have on-the-job-training during their studies or getting a real job with good companies after graduating.

In conclusion, the minister asked that every sector should collaboratively find solutions and implement them. He hoped to see more positive news about vocational students through the media and more people studying in vocational institutions for it would have a good impact on the numbers of vocational personnel in Thailand. He looked forward to seeing effective strategies being established to end the problem of vocational students fighting, and hoped that he would be able to report this to the prime minister soon.

ASEAN Trade Leader

(03-05-2013)

Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana, the Minister of Education, presided over the opening ceremony of a business forum called “The Path Toward Becoming a Leader in ASEAN-China Trade” arranged by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the ASEAN Trade Promotion Association on April 29, 2013 at Thai Chamber of Commerce, Bangkok.  

The Minister said that the opening of the ASEANEconomic Community in 2015 would lead to more freedom in trading and services. Some businesses and some groups of people might be affected but it is an opportunity for those who can adjust and change. The market will increase from 67 million people within Thailand to 600 million people in the ASEAN region. Larger markets also mean more opportunities and channels of trade. E-Commerce will be beneficial for small businesses for it saves them the cost of setting up a store and helps them access all groups of customers. 

The Minister of Education said that university students and business people should have knowledge and expertise of languages, not just Thai and English, but also Chinese and other languages used in the ASEAN region. Possessing language skills will bring advantages to one’s business. Most importantly, university students should learn to look for more business channels, not just in Thailand but in other countries as well. They should know where to find resources and a variety of markets as well as knowing how to impress and create trust with the neighboring countries by showing them sincerity, good attitudes, and ethical trading. Sustainable business can happen if one does not take advantage of others and intend to bring benefits to both sides.    

“I would like academic and business institutions to provide courses for ASEAN business leaders. We need cooperation from well-known and widely-accepted business institutions to enhance people’s knowledge, open their vision to the world, and give opportunities for them to build business networks in the ASEAN region,” said the Minister of Education.

MOE sells 30-70% discounted student uniforms

(03-05-2013)

Mr. Sermsak Pongpanit, Deputy Minister of Education, said that the government has a policy to provide quality education and has allocated a budget to support children from early childhood until they complete primary education. This budget should help reduce the tuition fees and the cost of learning tools, school uniforms, textbooks, and enabling activities in order that all Thai children have equal education opportunities. This year, the government wants to lighten the burden of parents who are facing changes in the economics so the Office of the Non-Formal and Informal Education is assigned to arrange a big sale of discounted school uniforms during May 2-12, 2013. The uniforms will be discounted from the price tags about30-70%.

"I reported this to Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana, our Minister of Education, and he agreed with the idea. He also suggested that this type of sales should be arranged in other provinces as well, to lighten the burden of the parents,” said Sermsak.

Mr. Prasert Boonruang, Secretary General of Ministry of Education, received cooperation from many uniform stores and companies such as Samor, Somchainuk, Mammoth, Normchit, etc. The uniforms produced by the students of Clothing Construction Vocational Center will be on sale in this fair as well, with prices discounted by 70%. Whether similar types of sales will be arranged in other provinces will depend on their policies.

Ministry of Labour launches project to ensure transparency in Office of Permanent Secretary operations

(03-05-2013)

Deputy Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Labour presided over a ceremony to launch a project to ensure transparency in Office of the Permanent Secretary’s complaint service at Rangsit University’s Viphavadee Study Centre. The project, the second of its kind, emphasized on satisfaction of service receivers.

Mr. Poonsak Sethanandha, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Labour, said the project is part of the government policy, which requires all government agencies to evaluate and explore their missions that are risk of being involved in corruption. Office of the Permanent Secretary chose to improve its complaint service.

He said with information system and good knowledge about service, officials at Office of the Permanent Secretary can quickly search for needed information and examine services delivered, which would satisfy service receivers.

The project would also enhance knowledge on the usage of benefits-claiming service for insured person who are unemployed. These would make Ministry of Labour’s Labour Service Centre a place where people can truly rely upon.

According to the deputy permanent secretary, the project consists of three activities; the improvement of search system to help ensure transparency in the complaint service process, the training to improve knowledge about the system for service providers and the data collection and satisfaction evaluation of the service.

A total of 50 officials joined the project at Rangsit University’s Viphavadee Study Centre.

Alien workers service center for 3 nationalities(Burmese, Laos, and Cambodian) at Major Hollywood Suksawad Ratchaburana

(03-05-2013)

POL.COL. Watcharapol Prasaratchakit, Deputy Director-General of the National Police Bureau presided over the opening ceremony of alien workers service center for 3 nationalities (Burmese, Laos, and Cambodian) of Office of Migration. In this regard, Mr. Anusorn Kraiwatnussorn, Vice Minister of Labour and Mrs. Naruemon Tarndumrong, Advisor to Minister of Labour also joined the opening ceremony. MOL has coordinated with National Police Bureau in increasing one stop service at Major Hollywood Suksawad Ratchaburana and Imperial Department store Latprao in order to facilitate 3 nationalities of alien workers (Burmese, Laos, and Cambodian) and provide a better service of alien works.

Thailand, Oman explore ways for labour cooperation

(02-05-2013)

Mr. Anusorn Kraiwatnussorn, Vice Minister of Labour, said Mr. Pornchai Danvivathana, Ambassador of Thailand to the Sultanate of Oman, met with Mr. Lee Chee Khian, CEO Specialist Economic Zone Authority at Duqm, to discuss about the possibility of singing accords on labour cooperation between Thailand and Oman. The accords concern the sending of Thai workers to work in Oman and skill development training.

 

According to the vice minister of labour, Thailand was asked to arrange lectures and develop curriculums for skill training program, designed for local workers in petroleum drilling and refining, building, iron and welding industries in Oman. The Arab state also wanted Thailand to send semi-skilled and skilled workers in building and oil drilling sector to work in the country.

Minister of Labour urges workers to improve skills to prepare for AEC

(01-05-2013)

Minister of Labour presided over a ritual ceremony held to mark the National Labour Day on May 1, 2013. He urged workers to speed up improving their skills to prepare for the formational of ASEAN Community in late 2015 and said the new minimum wage policy would help improve workers’’ quality of lives.

Mr. Phadermchai Sasomsub, Minister of Labour, said after the ritual ceremony held to mark the National Labour Day near the Equestrian Monument that May 1 was a very important day for workers. Ministry of Labour was the main agency that took care and protected workers from both formal and informal sectors as well as those working overseas. It looked to improve workers’ quality of lives, ensure they have career stability and increase their skill so they could compete with workers from other foreign countries, especially when the formation of the AC was just two year away.

Mr. Phadermchai said the increase of minimum wage to 300 baht per day was just the guarantee of workers’ basic pay. They had to keep improving their skills to earn higher pay.

He stressed that the new minimum wage would certainly help improve workers’ quality of lives. Workers affected by the policy could contact Department of Employment for information on available job positions or skill training courses. They could also attend skill training courses organized by Department of Skill Development. Workers could send their complaints about unfair treatment under the policy to Office of Labour Protection and Welfare or concerned Ministry of Labour’s agencies across the country. The ministry would launch punishment against employers who breached the policy.

In response to 11 demands rasied by the Labour Congress of Thailand on the National Labour Day, the labour minister said his ministry had implemented some of the demands including the setting up of breast-feeding corner in workplaces, which the ministry was waiting for the enactment of a bill to enforce workplaces on the matter. It had also requested workplaces to allow male workers to take leave for 15 days to take care of their wife after giving birth but still had to wait for the enactment of a bill to enforce workplaces on the matter.

As for the signing of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 87 and 98, he said the issue had reached Office of the Council of State. Once it was approved, it would then be forwarded to the cabinet and the House of Representatives.

As for other demands, he said some concerned other organisations, including Ministry of Finance. Ministry of Labour would coordinate with Ministry of Finance through Office of Labour Protection and Welfare in speeding up the implementation of the demands.

Ministry of Labour and its agencies jointly organized the Labour Day ceremony to promote public awareness of workers. To mark the National Labour Day, ritual activities were in the morning. The labour minister and Ministry of Labour’s executives then led 14 processions of workers in a march to the Sanam Luang for Labour Day cerebrations, where there were concerts from musicians from R-Siam Co Ltd, mor lam musicians from Ubon Ratchathani province and quiz contest by Ministry of Labour’s agencies.

Permanent Secretary for Labour chairs meeting on career promotion for people with disability

(30-04-2013)

Mr. Somkiat Chayasriwong, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Labour, chaired a meeting to discuss ways to promote employment and business opportunities for people with disability. The meeting, which took place at Department of Employment’s Amporn Junnanond Conference Room, was attended by representatives from public, garment, toursim, retail, agricultural, food and financial sectors.

US envoy, Vice Labour Minister discuss illegal workers problem

(30-04-2013)

Mrs. Miriam Awad, Deputy Economic Counselor, and a group of delegation from the U.S. Embassy in Thailand met with Mr. Anusorn Kraiwatnussorn, Vice Minister of Labour, at Office of the Permanent Secretary’s Conference Room. During the meeting, the U.S. delegation and Thai representatives from Department of Labour Protection and Welfare and Department of Employment exchanged information on measures designed to prevent and examine illegal workers of the two countries.

ASEAN is a Priority in Canada’s Foreign Policy

(30-04-2013)

H.E. Mr Donald Bobiash, Ambassador of Canada to ASEAN, presented his Letter of Credentials to H.E. Mr Le Luong Minh, Secretary-General of ASEAN, yesterday at the ASEAN Secretariat.

Ambassador Bobiash expressed his honour to be accredited as Ambassador of Canada to ASEAN. He reaffirmed that relations with ASEAN remained a priority in Canada’s foreign policy, and expressed Canada’s support for ASEAN Community building efforts, with more concrete cooperation plans and measures. SG Minh thanked Canada, one of the important longstanding Dialogue Partners of ASEAN, for its consistent support to ASEAN in the realisation of its goals and priorities, including the ASEAN Community building efforts; and looked forward to working with Ambassador Bobiash in contributing to the enhancement of the ASEAN-Canada dialogue relations.

Ambassador Bobiash and Secretary-General Le Luong Minh also exchanged views on ways to move forward the ASEAN-Canada Enhanced Partnership, as well as on other potential areas of cooperation between the two, such as connectivity, transportation, sustainable development and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

ASEAN-Japan Enhance Further Cooperation in Information and Communication Technology

(30-04-2013)

H.E Le Luong Minh, Secretary-General of ASEAN and H.E. Shindo Yoshitaka, Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan discussed on the current and future activities of ASEAN-Japan cooperation in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and disaster management communication and Japan’s support for the implementation of ASEAN ICT Masterplan 2015 (AIM2015) yesterday at the ASEAN Secretariat.

SG Minh informed Minister Shindo that ASEAN shared the same view with Japan that the growth of ICT was mainly driven by users’ need. Therefore, the role of telecommunication providers was to ensure the availability of high capacity infrastructure and quality services while the role of the government was to regulate the supply and demand in assuring an equal and affordable access and safety for the public and fair competition amongst providers.

Minister Shindo shared Japan’s experience on the utilization of ICT for communication in disaster management. He highlighted the importance to have a standardized protocol of network in the distribution of computing information of early warning to the population for wider areas. He further stressed on the urgency to inform the evacuation scheme to the affected population by introducing the protocol of evacuation, and the need to filter the initial information on the early warning system prior to its transfer to the affected population. Minister Shindo expressed Japan’s willingness and readiness to provide support to ASEAN and to strengthen ASEAN-Japan cooperation in this area.

While appreciating Japan’s support in the provision and setting up of ASEAN’s current ICT Disaster Management System, SG Minh expressed the interest of ASEAN to learn more from Japan’s experiences in the design and implementation of ICT systems in Telemedicine Practices in remote areas and Energy Consumption Monitoring for environmental improvement.

SG Minh thanked Japan for the continued cooperation with and support to ASEAN on information security. In this regard, SG Minh and Minister Shindo shared high confidence that the upcoming ASEAN-Japan Ministerial Policy Meeting on Cyber Security Cooperation, to be held in September 2013 in Japan, will yield important outcomes to further enhance ASEAN-Japan Cyber Security Cooperation in, among others: (1) strengthening the support for the less secured countries to improve their system of cyber security; (2) promoting collaboration in proactive response against cyber-attacks; (3) strengthening security awareness raising initiatives; (4) providing training programs for cyber security; (5) Promoting information exchanges between cyber-security researchers; and (6) Sharing best practices for protecting personal data and children online.

ASEAN Community 2015 is High on the Agenda of 22nd ASEAN Summit

(29-04-2013)

H.E. Le Luong Minh, Secretary-General of ASEAN shared his thoughts and briefed the diplomatic community, representatives of international organisations, and media on the highlights and outcomes of last week's 22nd ASEAN Summit in Bandar Seri Begawan, today at the ASEAN Secretariat.

SG Minh highlighted the good progress on the three ASEAN Community pillars. “The Leaders reviewed the progress made in the implementation of the Roadmap for an ASEAN Community across three Community pillars. They agreed to redouble efforts to ensure the realisation of an ASEAN Community 2015 which is politically cohesive, economically integrated, culturally harmonious and socially responsible,” said SG Minh.

SG Minh also briefed the participants on the Chair’s initiatives including visa-free travel in ASEAN countries for ASEAN nationals, ASEAN immigration lanes, an ASEAN Business Travel Card, and an ASEAN Conference on Financial Literacy in 2013.

According to SG Minh, during the Summit, the Leaders had extensive discussions on three key clusters of issues: (i) intensifying efforts to realise the ASEAN Community by 2015 and strategising for a post-2015 ASEAN agenda; (ii) enhancing ASEAN’s central role in the evolving regional architecture; and (iii) exchanging views on regional and international issues of common interest and concern. He also underlined key statements made by the Leaders—especially on regional and international issues such as South China Sea, situation in the Middle East, and developments on the Korean Peninsula.

The Royal Thai Embassy in Moscow supports cooperation between Thailand and Russia in the field of electricity energy management

(01-05-2013)

On 15 April 2013 H.E. Lt.Cdr. Itti Ditbanjong, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Russian Federation and the officers from the Royal Thai Embassy welcomed Prof. Emeritus Dr. Direk Lavansiri, Chairman of the Energy Regulatory Commission of Thailand and the delegation from the Energy Regulatory Commission, who visited Russia from 14-17 April 2013 for a study visit in the fields of electricity energy regulatory policy and management as well as electricity generating policy. The delegation visited the MOSENERGO Power Plant, the Federal Tariff Service and GAZPROM company. The study visit will contribute to the promotion of further cooperation between Thailand and Russia in the field of electricity energy regulatory management.

Outcomes of 2/2013 ED Tech Fund Commission Meeting

(02-05-2013)

MOE– Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana, the Minister of Education, revealed after presiding over the 2/2013 meeting of the Committee of Educational Technology Fund at Ratchawanlop Conference Room on April 25, 2013, that the meeting participants had agreed that the first funding period for projects should be May – June 2013.

The Minister of Education said that the committee had agreed that project owners should make their funding requests from May 1 – June 28, 2013. Any individuals, schools, educational institutes and public or private organizations who are interested in applying for funding should submit the following required documents to the Office of the Secretary of Educational Technology Development Fund.:

• a copy of house registration,
• a photograph, and
• a project proposal that relates to the production, research, or development of educational technology,

A corporation must also attach copies of other registration documents. In the case of the government sector, the Head of that sector must submit the documents on behalf of the sector.

The projects that request funding must go in line or emphasize educational technology development as stated in the 2013 Operational Plan of the Educational Technology Fund. They should be truly beneficial for the development of technology for national education and should be genuinely practical, Research and innovation projects will receive special consideration.

In addition, there is no limitation to the amount of funds a project can request. This is to provide opportunities and support for high-budget projects that will bring great benefits to the nation. According to the data of April 19, 2013, the Educational Technology Fund currently has a total budget for funds of 155,109, 993 baht.

Everyone in the meeting was informed of the above amount as the present financial status of the fund and acknowledged the appointment of three subcommittees, which are:

1) A subcommittee for Work Planning and Academic Development, led by the MOE Deputy Permanent Secretary,

2) A subcommittee for Fund Allocation, led by the MOE Permanent Secretary, and

3) A subcommittee for Overseeing, Supervising, and Performance Evaluation, led by the Director Inspector of MOE. 

For more information, please contact the Office of the Secretary of Educational Technology Development Fund, Office of the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education, 5^th Floor of KorSorNor Building (Non-Formal and Informal Education). You can also make contact by phone: 02-281-8775 or via the website: www.moe.go.th/edtechfund.

VEC presents elderly care curriculum

(02-05-2013)

Mr. Chaiyapruk Serirak, Secretary-general of the Vocational Education Commission (VEC) said that Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, the Prime Minister, called representatives from the relevant offices to a meeting and insisted that women, disadvantaged people, and senior citizen must receive good care. VEC was assigned a policy on the care of disadvantaged people and senior citizens. The meeting discussed the issue of disadvantaged people by focusing on the problem of youths who have to work after completing Mathayom 3 education level but are unable to do so because of the Labor Law.  VEC is planning to encourage this group of young people to work and study vocational education at the same time. As for senior citizens, VEC is going to create vocational training projects in 121 vocational training centers all over the country. These centers are also part of the government policy to enhance the potential of colleges to provide vocational training to people in general. For example, Chiang Mai Vocational College is outstanding in the knowledge of international food so it offers a 75-hour training course for senior citizens so they can use their newly learned skills to earn some income.

The Secretary-General also said that, besides training courses, VEC also offers a child and elderly care curriculum which awards a high vocational diploma in Home Economics Management. This does not gain much interest from the public because many people believe that they will not have steady careers after graduating in this field. However, career professionals in the elderly care business today are in high demand in the job market. In the year 2012, four more institutes offered this kind of curriculum. The course in Chiang Rai Vocational College had 17 students, Phon Vocational College had eight students, in Det Udom Technical College there were three students, and, at Suvannabhumi College, there was one student. VEC is planning to cooperate with the people working in this area, for the course can upgrade student skills and increase the competence of business owners.

No university to produce exam questions for screening teacher assistants

(02-05-2013)

OTEPC is concerned that some Educational Service Areas will not be able to find higher education institutes to produce exam questions for the next screening of teacher assistants, insisting that any areas with this problem must inform OTEPC by May 3, 2013.

On April 25, Ms. Rattana Sriherun, Secretary-General of the Teacher Civil Service and Educational Personnel Commission (OTEPC) talked about the 2013 screening examination to select applicants to fill the positions of teacher assistants, saying that all Educational Service Areas will work together and arrange the examination into 12 districts. Higher education institutes in each area will produce exam questions, instead of using one exam paper throughout the whole country as in the past. So far, the only problem reported has been that some areas cannot find an institute to produce the exam questions. Some institutes refused to do so because it would not be convenient for them. OTEPC is now considering whether to allow such Educational Service Areas to produce their own exam papers. Whatever the decision, it must be reasonable and based on the resolution of OTEPC.

“If the subcommittee of any Educational Service Areas are preparing the examination for screening teacher assistants but are unable to follow the rules and regulations, they must inform OTEPC of the problem and the reasonsby May 3 so that the matter can be considered at the next meeting” the Secretary-General said.

The Thai Economy Expected to Remain Resilient Despite the Stronger Baht

(01/05/2013)

The Monetary Policy Committee has expressed concern over recent volatility and the rapid appreciation of the baht. Despite exchange rate appreciation, it expects the Thai economy to remain resilient, which is in line with other agencies’ assessments.

The Monetary Policy Committee on 30 April 2013 attended a regular monthly macroeconomic briefing, organized by the Bank of Thailand, and discussed recent exchange rate developments.

According to its statement, the Monetary Policy Committee has been closely monitoring the recent baht appreciation and assessing its implications for the Thai economy. The committee sees that the recent gain in baht is largely attributable to foreign investors’ confidence in the strength of the Thai economy.

On the positive side, the baht appreciation has been conducive to business investment to enhance their productivity. However, the stronger baht also has negative impact on exporters, particularly small and medium-sized firms and those that rely heavily on domestic raw materials, agricultural products, and labor.

Nonetheless, the export sector’s continued structural and productivity improvements have helped alleviate the adverse impact to some extent. Recent volatility and rapid appreciation of the baht at times have not been justified by economic fundamentals.

The committee, therefore, agreed on the need for a timely implementation of appropriate policy mix as warranted by circumstances, in close coordination with the Ministry of Finance and other agencies.

Another statement, issued by the Bank of Thailand, said that the Thai economy in the first quarter of 2013 stabilized at a level comparable to the previous quarter. Private spending continued to be the key driver of economic activities, and tourism was buoyant.

Meanwhile, merchandise exports gradually recovered in line with a stabilizing global economy. On the stability front, unemployment was kept low, and inflation moderated. The currency appreciated from a surplus in the current account coupled with strong capital inflows in the form of direct investment and debt security investment by non-residents.

A report from the Office of the Board of Investment (BOI) indicates that investment in Thailand has continued to grow. Between January and March 2013, a total of 610 projects, worth 275 billion baht, sought BOI promotional privileges. The number represented an increase of 38 percent over the same period of 2012. The value accounted for an increase of 24 percent. Most of the projects involve services, public facilities, agro-industry, and automobiles and auto parts.

Foreign direct investment during the period rose by 8.3 percent, with 338 projects worth 157.67 billion baht. In terms of value, it increased by 17.5 percent. Japan remained the largest group of foreign investors in Thailand during the three-month period, followed by Malaysia, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, and Singapore.

Public Relations Department of Thailand and Its Work in International Public Relations

(01/05/2013)

The Government Public Relations Department (PRD) celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2013. As the major public relations organization and information center of Thailand, PRD has carried out both domestic and international public relations work.

Regarding international public relations, its mission is to promote better understanding of the Thai government’s policies and strategies in the world community through information dissemination and foreign media relations activities.

The Media and Information Management Division under the PRD Foreign Office is responsible for international media monitoring, press card services for members of the international media, and other media relations activities, such as those concerning press tours, press conferences, and press centers. It also produces publications in English and publicizes information about Thailand and government policies.

As for international cooperation, PRD has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) in the fields of broadcasting, news exchange, information, and communication with six countries: Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Australia. Apart from exchanging media activities under the MOUs, it has also promoted cooperation with international media organizations and other cooperation frameworks, namely the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD), the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the Southeast Asia-Pacific Audio Visual Archive Association (SEAPAVAA).

International public relations are also carried out through Radio Thailand World Service, which broadcasts to international audiences in 10 languages, namely English, Chinese (Mandarin), German, Lao, Khmer, Vietnamese, Myanmar, Japanese, Malay, and Thai, through the English programs of the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT), and through the National News Bureau of Thailand’s English website and NBT World.

Thailand’s Huge Investments in Water Management Infrastructure and Transport Projects

(30/04/2013)

Thailand will invest 350 billion baht, or 11.5 billion US dollars, in a well-integrated water management infrastructure and flood prevention system. It will also invest 2.2 trillion baht, or 66.7 billion dollars, in transportation and logistics projects.

Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi spoke about Thailand’s huge investments in the future, in his inaugural address at the Ministerial Segment of the Sixty-ninth Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP) on 29 April 2013 at the United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok.

The theme topic for the annual session is “Building Resilience to Natural Disasters and Major Economic Crises.”

Mr. Plodprasop stated that building resilience to natural disasters and major economic crises calls for a new paradigm of thinking. It is imperative that this new paradigm will be taken further in the deliberation of the post-2015 development agenda.

He explained that Thailand was not without disasters of its own. The flood crisis in 2011 caused severe damage to Thailand’s economy and society. In comparison to natural disasters around the globe, this mega-flood was perhaps ranked the fourth since 2005.

For Thailand, he said, this flood crisis provided an important opportunity to re-evaluate and thus introduce a holistic and integrated approach to water management and flood prevention. This includes the establishment of a much-needed single command authority to coordinate water management work, which is capable of making prompt decisions while monitoring day-to-day situations and during times of crisis.

Thailand will host the 2nd Asia-Pacific Water Summit on 19-20 May 2013 in Chiang Mai. At this summit, leaders of the Asia-Pacific region will come together to share views and foster cooperation under the theme “Water Security and Water-Related Disaster Challenges: Leadership and Commitment.”

Mr. Plodprasop said that another significant prerequisite for resilience is economic growth, which can be achieved through economic integration and regional connectivity. With this mindset, he said, the Thai Parliament had approved an act that would allow huge investment in transportation and logistics projects in the country. This includes high-speed trains and dual train track development, as well as better road networks linking the Greater Mekong Subregion and ASEAN economic corridors, sea ports, and border facilities.

He pointed out that these investments are being made to ensure Thailand’s competitiveness, which is one of the four pillars of its long-term national strategy. The remaining three strategies are building the country’s growth to make it more inclusive, restructuring the economy and society so that it becomes greener, and improving the country’s internal process to ensure more balanced, resilient, and sustainable growth in the long run.

Moreover, these investments will consolidate Thailand’s role as the region’s connectivity and logistics hub, supplementing the ASEAN Master Plan on Connectivity and ESCAP’s “Asian Highway” and the “Trans-Asian Railway.”

Asia-Pacific Leaders to Gather in Thailand for the Second Asia-Pacific Water Summit

(28/04/2013)

Asia-Pacific leaders will gather in Thailand from 14 to 20 May 2013 for the second Asia-Pacific Water Summit (2nd APWS).

The event will be hosted by the Thai government, in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Water Forum. It will take place at the International Convention and Exhibition Center Commemorating His Majesty’s 7th Cycle Birthday Anniversary in Chiang Mai province.

The summit will consist of three parts. First, the Leaders’ Forum will be held on 20 May, when participating leaders will be invited to deliver statements addressing the theme “Water Security and Water-related Disaster Challenges: Leadership and Commitment.

Second, Focus Area Sessions will be held on 19 May, when representatives and experts from relevant organizations and other stakeholders will discuss issues of water security and water-related disaster challenges in the Asia-Pacific region.

Third, technical workshops and exhibitions will be held between 14 and 18 May. Participants will learn about technical and practical aspects of water management, including an exhibition on Royal Projects.

The Thai government has invited 49 Asia-Pacific leaders, ministers, and delegates from international organizations and the private sector to attend the summit and related events. Leaders from nine countries, as well as vice-presidents, deputy prime ministers, and ministers of several countries, have so far accepted the invitation. The President of the 67th United Nations General Assembly will deliver a keynote address.

The summit will provide an opportunity for regional leaders to exchange views and approaches to water-related crisis management. It will help reinforce disaster prevention and management mechanisms for flood and drought. The event will also provide a water-centric forum where leaders and senior officials may discuss regional cooperation in this issue.

The summit is expected to produce an outcome document that will synthesize regional leaders’ key messages, representing their commitment to cooperation on water resources management. It will disseminate knowledge on integrated water management and provide best practices and technologies on water management for reducing disaster risk and impact.

All countries in the region will be urged to incorporate a water resource management plan into their national economic and social development plans and to recognize water management as a key factor in sustainable development.

Thailand, on its part, will share the water-related royal initiatives of His Majesty the King and the country’s lessons learned from the flood crisis in 2011. Recognized as the Father of Water Resource Management in Thailand, His Majesty the King is aware of the importance of water. His initiatives in managing water resources have eased the water shortage problem and others concerning pollution, drought, and flooding.