Public and Private Sectors Joining Hands to Stabilize the Baht

(15/05/2013)

The public and private sectors share similar views on the appreciation of the baht and they are working together to curb the stronger baht.

The Cabinet, during its meeting on 14 May 2013, acknowledged the results of the meeting held on 13 May to discuss impacts of the stronger baht on the Thai economy.

The meeting to address the baht issue was called by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong. Participating in the meeting were representatives of the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Commerce, the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of Thailand, the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board, the Thai Bankers Association, the Federation of Thai Industries, the Board of Trade of Thailand, and the Tourism Council of Thailand.

The meeting agreed that the currency’s appreciation would adversely affect exports, tourism, and the overall economy and that joint operations by relevant agencies would help stabilize the baht and maintain Thailand’s competitiveness.

In order to deal with the situation, the private sector urged the public sector to ease the slowdown in exports and provide assistance to manufacturers and exporters. It proposed that the Government consider pushing for the baht as a major regional trading currency.

In tackling labor shortages, especially skilled labor, the public sector was urged to reduce obstacles to labor movement in the region and to expand vocational education. The private sector also called for various infrastructure projects, particularly those concerning energy, in order to meet the demand in the production sector.

As the baht has become stronger, more production industries have turned to seek raw materials overseas. This has an effect on relevant industries, especially auto part manufacturing. In this regard, the private sector asked the Government to promote the use of more domestic raw materials for local industries.

The Government was also urged to consider exempting value added tax (VAT) for industries that sell products to exporters. It was asked to allow exporters who receive foreign currencies from their businesses to pay in foreign currencies, without having to change them into baht.

The private sector called on the Government to offer loan sources with low interest rates in order to support product development. It also urged the Government to reduce tariffs for gem and jewelry imports for exhibitions in Thailand.

Moreover, the Bank of Thailand was asked to disseminate information about comparisons between the baht and other currencies, especially the Japanese yen.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra instructed Mr. Kittiratt to call meetings to address the baht issue on a continual basis in an effort to deal effectively with the appreciation of the baht.

Official Visit of President of Tajikistan to Thailand

(15/05/2013)

The President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Mr. Emomali Rahmon, will pay an official visit to the Kingdom of Thailand on 17 – 19 May 2013 as guest of the Royal Thai Government.

This is the second official visit of President Rahmon to Thailand. His first visit was in 2005. Accompanied by a high-level delegation, President Rahmon will arrive in Bangkok on 17 May, when the official welcoming ceremony is scheduled at Government House.

He will hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on the same day. After the discussions, the Prime Minister Yingluck and the President of Tajikistan will witness the signing of the Convention between Thailand and Tajikistan for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect of Tax Income.

Prime Minister Yingluck will then host a dinner in honor of President Rahmon and his delegation.

The President of Tajikistan is also scheduled to attend the 2nd Asia-Pacific Water Summit at the Chiang Mai International Convention and Exhibition Center on 19 May in Chiang Mai province.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the upcoming visit of President Rahmon takes place against the backdrop of the celebrations of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Tajikistan.

The official visit will herald a new phase of close relations between the two countries, marked by enhanced cooperation in areas of mutual interest such as socio-economic development, direct air connections, and promotion of trade, investment and tourism.

It is also a reflection of Thailand’s continuing efforts to foster closer ties with Central Asia and to strengthen the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) – an initiative for Asia-wide cooperation launched by Thailand in 2002. ACD is currently chaired by Tajikistan.

Government’s Medical Hub Plan Focuses on Private Hospitals

(14/05/2013)

The Government, in its medical hub plan, will serve as a facilitator for private hospitals, helping them to improve their medical services to foreign visitors seeking health care in Thailand.

Public Health Minister Pradit Sinthawanarong stressed that the Government would ensure that the plan would not affect the availability of affordable health care for Thai people.

Speaking in the weekly program “Yingluck Government Meets the People,” Minister Pradit said that the medical hub plan involves mainly the operations of private hospitals, while state hospitals still focus on medical services for Thai nationals. So the plan should not adversely affect Thai patients, and the Government would not spend national funds on private hospitals.

Apart from serving as the facilitator, he said, the public sector would help boost the image of the country in terms of medical advances. The medical hub policy would encourage health establishments in Thailand to improve their health services to higher standards. This will enhance the competitiveness of Thailand, as well.

According to Minister Pradit, in 2012 almost one million foreign visitors entered Thailand for health care, bringing in 140 billion baht. The number of medical tourists visiting Thailand is on the rise. In facilitating their trips to Thailand, the Government has granted visa extensions from 30 days to 90 days for nationals of six countries in the Middle East in the initial stage, so that they can stay in Thailand for a longer period for medical services. Visa extensions will later be granted to medical tourists from other countries.

He said that the Government had recently organized the first workshop for hospitals under the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Education to work together in an integrated manner, so that they would optimize the use of existing resources. In the workshop, they discussed the road map to proceed with Thailand’s medical hub plan, which also includes the creation of more qualified physicians. More workshops will be held for further discussions on the issue.

Minister Pradit said that the Government had set a target for medical tourism to grow by 10 percent a year, depending on the ability of private hospitals. The Government would facilitate the operations of private hospitals to achieve this target. To date, many private hospitals have been recognized and approved as meeting the standards set for the Hospital Accreditation of Thailand and international standards, such as ISO.

In developing Thailand into a regional medical hub, the Government will emphasize four areas. In the first area, Thailand will be promoted as a wellness hub with full-cycle services. The second area is that the medical service hub will link with spa services and health tourism. The third area seeks to turn Thailand into an academic hub for health care. The fourth area seeks to develop Thailand into a pharmaceutical and health products center.

Explanation on the Policy of Merging Small Schools with Larger Ones

(13/05/2013)

Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Phongthep Thepkanjana has given an explanation for the policy of merging small schools with larger ones, saying that the policy was intended to improve the quality of education.

In the weekly program “Yingluck Government Meets the People,” broadcast on the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT) and Radio Thailand on 11 May 2013, Mr. Phongthep spoke about the issue of closing schools with less than 60 students and merging them with larger ones nearby.

He quoted statistics showing that there are currently 700 schools in Thailand with less than 20 students. About 2,000 schools have 21-40 students each, and 3,000 schools have 41-60 students. He stated that small schools would receive minimal budget allocations and that they would not be able to handle effective management, or buy good equipment to help in teaching and learning.

Small schools also face a shortage of teachers, because they have just a handful of students. Each teacher has to be in charge of several grades of students at the same time. Small schools are often plagued by quality problems concerning teaching staff and educational equipment.

This is not the first time that the Government has had a policy of merging schools. Mr. Phongthep said that during the past 20 years, more than 3,000 small schools have been merged with larger ones nearby. Each teacher in those schools is now able to fully look after the students of each class. As a result, the quality of education has improved and parents have been satisfied.

Mr. Phongthep emphasized the policy of upgrading the quality of education, saying that budgets are not the problem causing the school mergers. Responsible officials must hold discussions with parents, students, and local villagers before deciding whether small schools should be merged with larger ones or not. The schools that are no longer used might be turned into non-formal education centers or One Tambon, One Product, (OTOP), centers, or be used for other purposes, depending on each relevant community.

Mr. Phongthep said that the Ministry of Education is in the process of reforming school curriculums at all levels: kindergarten, primary, and secondary education. In this regard, he said, teachers need to adjust their roles and teach students about analytical thinking. They should encourage students to think instead of focusing on memorizing. Another emphasis is teaching about the democratic way of living, under which members of society respect other people’s rights. Children must be allowed to practice living together in a democratic society. After the curriculum reform, teachers will be provided with an education program concerning a democratic way of living, so that they can pass this knowledge to their students.

Mr. Phongthep also thanked many local administrative organizations and private companies for their donations to support and develop education in Thailand.

Thai Ambassador to the UAE met with Director General of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry

(23-05-2013)

On 21 May 2013, H.E. Warawudh Chuwiruch, Thai Ambassador to the UAE, met with H.E. Mohamed Helal Al Muhairi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ADCCI), to discuss matters on collaboration between the Royal Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi and ADCCI, which will help promote trade and investment between Thailand and Abu Dhabi as well as with the UAE as a whole.
After the meeting, the Director General who enthusiastically expressed his fondness of Thailand, led the Ambassador on a walk through ADCCI’s public premises which served as a one-stop service to business persons and normal people. Such services include document attestation, work permit and residence permit renewal and banking.

Thai Ambassador to Hungary led Team Thailand in Hungary to visit Bekescsaba

(22-05-2013)

On 7 March 2013, H.E. Mr. Sompong Saguanbun, Ambassador of Thailand to Hungary, led a Team Thailand delegation to visit the city of Bekescsaba, capital of Bekes County, to meet with Mr. Norbert Erdos, Government Commissioner of Bekes County, to discuss ways and means to promote relations between Thailand and Bekescsaba at the City’s Government House.

Apart from the bilateral meeting, Mr. Erdos, in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bekescsaba, organized a business meeting between the Thai delegation and representatives of the local private sector. During the meeting, members of Team Thailand delivered power-point presentation about strengths of the Thai economy and exchanged ideas about opportunities for trade and investment between Thailand and Hungary with all the participants, totaling over 30 people. Furthermore, the Thai Ambassador was invited to co-host the Opening Ceremony of an art exhibition of selected paintings from students of Bekescsaba Lutheran Secondary School and students of Amnatcharoen School of Thailand. The two schools participate in a student exchange program every year. In this connection, the Thai Ambassador handed out certificates of merit, on behalf of Amnatcharoen School, to the Hungarian students whose paintings received distinction awards. Later on the same day, The Thai Ambassador was invited to co-host the Opening Ceremony of Lilavadi Thai Massage Studio, the first traditional Thai massage center in Bekescsaba.

Bekescsaba is a city with the size of about 194 square kilometers and population of 64,000 residents, making it the 14th most populated city in Hungary. The city is well known for its agriculture and horticulture activities. It is also home of the famous “Csaba” sausage of Hungary.

Team Thailand Mumbai gives an overview about Thai Economy

(20-05-2013)

On 14 May 2013, Team Thailand Mumbai, comprised of Mr. Nat Pinyowattanacheep, Consul-General of Thailand, Mr. Adul Chotinisakorn, Executive Director of the Thai Trade Center, and Ms. Kanokporn Chotipal, Director of the Thailand Board of Investment, actively participated in a seminar on Thai Economy organized by the Federation of Indian Exporters Organisations (FIEO) (Western Region) in Mumbai to its members of more than 40 persons who are highly interested in doing business with Thailand.

The Team Thailand Mumbai gave an overview about Thai-Indian bilateral relations, bilateral economic relations, Thai macroeconomic current situation and various investment opportunities in Thailand as well as more insightful information about steps to be taken to invest in Thailand along with related regulations, and information about retail business sector in Thailand and Thai consumers’ behavior. Apart from these useful information about Thai economy, the Thai team also emphasized that Thailand can be a hub for doing business with the whole ASEAN countries, which represent a combined population of more than 600 million people, with help of the connectivity by road, by air, and by sea from Thailand to other ASEAN countries as well as the Thai-Indian and ASEAN-Indian Free Trade Agreements and the fact that ASEAN will become ASEAN Economic Community in 2015.

It was also the first time that the Director of the Thailand Board of Investment in Mumbai could present her newly opened office in Mumbai to the interested Indian businessmen who eventually gained more information and confidence to do business and to invest in Thailand.

President of the Senate of Thailand Pays Official Visit to Poland

(20-05-2013)

On 7 – 10 May 2013, H.E. Mr. Nikom Wairatpanij, the President of the Senate of Thailand, accompanied by his wife and a group of senators paid an official visit to Poland as the guests of the Government of Poland. On this occasion, Mr. Bansarn Bunnag, Ambassador of Thailand, cordially invited H.E. Mr. Nikom Wairatpanij and H.E. Bogdan Borusewicz as well as delegation from both side for a dinner at his residence on 9 May in order to strengthen a closer tie between Thailand – Poland parliamentary members which would help promote bilateral relations of both countries in the future.

“The rights of persons with disabilities must be part of the post-2015 development agenda”

(17-05-2013)

Representatives from Asia-Pacific countries met in Bangkok on 15 – 16 May 2013 at a meeting hosted by the Royal Thai Government in cooperation with the Australian Government, ESCAP, the World Bank and the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) to promote the rights of persons with disabilities. This regional consultation under the theme “The Way Forward: Asia-Pacific Regional Consultation on a Disability-Inclusive Development Agenda towards 2015 and Beyond.” was organized as part of the preparation for the High-level Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on the realization of the Millennium Development Goals and other internationally-agreed development goals for persons with disabilities to be held in New York, September 2013.

Over one hundred representatives of ESCAP member governments, civil society and the private sector, many of whom are persons with disabilities themselves, were present at the meeting.  A notable aspect of the meeting was its accessibility to persons with various forms of disabilities, such as visual and hearing impairment. H.E. Mr. Santi Promphat, Minister of Social Development and Human Security; Mr. Shun-ichi, Murata, Deputy Executive Secretary and Officer in charge a.i. of the ESCAP Secretariat; H.E. Mr. James Wise, the Australian Ambassador to Thailand; and Ms. Julia Fraser the regional representative of the World Bank, delivered their statements at the opening ceremony.

The meeting also benefited from the views expressed by the participating international and Thai experts on the issues of disabilities, including Mr. Monthian Buntan, Thai Senator and member of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; Mr. Hyun-shik Kim, member of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities from the Republic of Korea; and, H.E. Mr. Libran Cabactulan, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations in New York, who will be a co-facilitator of the upcoming High-level Meeting in New York.

Participants thanked the Royal Thai Government for its commitment to promoting the rights of persons with disabilities.  Moreover, the participants, who represent stakeholders from all sectors, exchanged views on ways to advance the rights of persons with disabilities at both the regional and international levels.  In particular, the meeting recognized the significant contribution of the Incheon Strategy to the promotion and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities in the Asia-Pacific region.  Moreover, the participants recognized the importance of disability-inclusive development, especially when disability was absent from the discussion on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).  The participants thus strongly urged Member States of the United Nations to include the issue of disability in the post-2015 development agenda.  The meeting was also a good opportunity to discuss challenges on the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and to reiterate the importance of participation from civil society.

During the reception in honor of the meeting’s participants, Director-General of the Department of International Organizations presented Thailand’s report under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process in the Thai Braille version.  This publication would enhance accessibility and engage the visually impaired in Thailand’s UPR process.

The Ministerial Meeting of the Signatory Countries to the 1993 Memorandum of Understanding on Drug Control in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar

(16-05-2013)

On 9^th May 2013, H.E. Pol.Gen.PrachaPromnog,  Minister of Justice of Thailand,led the Thai Delegation to attend the Ministerial Meeting of the Signatory Countries to the 1993 Memorandum of Understanding on Drug Control in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, together with the Ministers and delegations from Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar,Vietnam and Representatives from UNODC. H.E. Mr. PisanuSuvanajata, Ambassador of Thailand to Myanmar, also participated in the meeting.  On 8^th May 2013, the Minister of Justice of Thailand together with Ministers and Heads of other Delegations paid a courtesy call on H.E. UThienSein, President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, at President House in Nay Pyi Taw

During the meeting, the Minister of Justice of Thailand and other heads of delegations signed the Nay PyiTaw Declaration,which declares the extension of the Sub-regional Action Plan on Drug control.

Royal Thai Embassy in Moscow supports networking between the court of justice of Thailand and Russia

(15-05-2013)

Representatives from Office of Judiciary, led by the President of the Court of Appeal Region 6, visited Russia during 5 - 12 May 2013 for a study of the court of justice in Moscow and St. Petersburg. On 7 May 2013, the delegation visited the Supreme Court of Arbitration for a briefing and called on Chargé d' Affairs to discuss the way forward to continue the network. In this connection, the delegation has been supplied  with background information, including the judiciary system of Russia. At present, the Russian Government has recently launched a mega plan to reform the court of justice system during 2013 - 2020, with a budget of 900 billion rubles (around $30 million).

Royal Thai Consulate-General in Dubai conducted Roving Consular Programme 2013

(15-05-2013)

Between 3 - 8 May 2013, Mr. Thosaporn Moonlasartsathron, Consul-General of Thailand to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, together with officers and staff from the Consulate-General, visited Thai employees at Banyan Tree Hotel in Ras Al Khaima, Lima Heavy Industries in Fujairah, as well as Crowne Emirates, Diamond Lines and Kudos Jewellery in Dubai, as a part of the annual Roving Consular Programme.
Consul-General and officers informed the employees of the general consular issues, as well as provided consultation on general labour law and benefits that the employees are entitled to receive from the employers. As well, the Consulate also gave Thai dried food products and ingredients, general medicine, essential items and sports equipments to the visited sites.

The ASEAN Committee in Washington Ambassadors on the USABC tour in Houston, TX

(14-05-2013)

From 29-30 April 2013, Dr. Chaiyong Satjipanon, Ambassador of Thailand to the United States of America, together with some of the ASEAN Committee in Washington (ACW) ambassadors, traveled to Houston, Texas, on an ambassador tour organized by the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council (USABC).  The trip is one of the annual activities organized by USABC, which is aimed at enhancing networking and promotion of ASEAN in various states in the U.S.  During their visit to Houston, the ambassadors had meetings with various sectors, including a meeting with Houston Mayor Annise D. Parker, during which both sides exchanged views on business environment in Houston, particularly on oil and gas sector, as well as opportunities for business cooperation between the Southeast Asian region and Houston.

In addition, the ACW discussed with executives of Witt O’Brien’s on disaster management and preparedness, as well as met executives from other local businesses, including ConocoPhillips, the world’s largest independent exploration and production company based on reserves and oil production, and discussed the company's overview and global investment including in ASEAN particularly on shale gas.

Furthermore, the ambassadors also attended a briefing at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s Johnson Space Center, as well as visited the International Space Station Flight Control Viewing Room, and the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility.  The ambassadors also met with executives of the MD Anderson Cancer Research Center of University of Texas, one of the world’s centers devoted to cancer patient care, research, education and prevention.  Both sides also shared views on how to strengthening cooperation.

The delegation joined a lunch talk session organized by Asia Society, which was participated by various local sectors, including Thai Texas Association, a group of Thai community in Houston.  The ambassadors briefed and answered questions of the audiences on various issues including business opportunities in ASEAN, ASEAN Economic Community, and Trans Pacific Partnership. 

After Houston, the ACW ambassadors will continue their trip to Atlanta, Georgia on 1 May 2013.

3rd Meeting of International Dherawhadha Buddhism University

(22-05-2013)

On 16 May 2013 the Minister of Education, Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana, chaired the opening of the 3rd Meeting of International Dherawhadha Buddhism University, "Buddhist Study Is Life Study" at Maha Makut Rajawitthayalai University in Nakhon Pathom.

This event is the third meeting of the executives and academics of Dherawhadha Buddhism University. Actually, it should have taken place in 2011, but due to the great flooding in Bangkok, the Maha Makut Rajawitthayalai University was so damaged that it could not serve as a meeting venue.

The Association of Dherawhadha Buddhism University was established to strengthen academic and social service cooperation as well as to disseminate Buddhism worldwide. Its members come from 24 universities that offer courses on Dherawhadha Buddhism. Now, more universities are interested in becoming members.

Taking place from 16 to 18 May 2013, this event saw participants from over 40 academic institutions. Besides the board meeting, there were academic conferences on Dherawhadha Buddhism where students, teachers and academics gave presentations on various aspects of Dharawhadha Buddhism useful for teaching and learning in class.

4th Asia-Europe Minister of Education Meeting

(22-05-2013)

The Minister of Education, Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana, along with the Deputy Secretary General of Office of the Higher Education Commission (OHEC), Assoc. Prof. M.D. Kamchon Tatiyakawee, and Thai delegates, attended the 4th Europe and Asia Minister of Education Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, between 13 and 14 May 2013. The meeting, hosted by the Ministry of Higher Education in Malaysia, had 149 participants from 29 countries and ministers and deputy ministers from 16 countries. There were members from 16 European countries and 13 Asian countries while the meeting welcomed new members from Bangladesh, Norway and Switzerland.

Aiming to be a forum that enables its participants to discuss and recommend educational policies to practice in Asia and Europe, the main topic of this year's meeting was 'Strategizing ASEM Education Collaboration' in terms of quality assessment on education and qualification certification. It also talked about the participation of industrial and business sectors in educational management, student mobility and life-long learning. The participants also agreed with new programs that will mobilize the Policy to Practice education reforms, namely the ASEM Work Placement Program, ASEM Joint Curriculum Development and ASEM Innovative Competences. Thailand volunteered to carry out the Compendium on Credits and Learning Outcomes in ASEM Countries program. The Thai Minister of Education then invited all participants to send university rectors to the 4th ASEM Rectors Conference and the 2nd Asia-Europe Student Forum hosted by Thailand in June, 2014.

The Meeting of Asia-Europe Ministers of Education consists of 49 member countries. It is organized every two years. In 2015, Latvia will host the event and in 2017, South Korea will organize it. Indonesia volunteered to establish the ASEM Education Secretariat between 2013 and 2017 after Germany.

On this occasion, the Thai delegates met with Japanese, Hungarian and Belgian representatives and discussed educational cooperation with them, as well as taking a field trip to the University of Malaya. They also visited the Thai embassy in Kuala Lumpur to meet its staff and Thai students who are studying there.

Updated Period for Student Loan 2013

(22-05-2013)

The public relations staff member for Surin, Ms. Kanyarat Kiatsupha recently reported that the Student Loan of Thailand is opening the e-Student loan system for Thai students who would like to apply for loans in the upcoming first semester of 2013 via the website www.studentloan.or.th. Applications start from now until 30 June 2013. While those who have not yet changed their level of education or academic institution can confirm their registration using the same username and password, new applicants can sign up for a username and password without mentioning the name of the academic institution. When they are accepted to study, the new applicants can submit an application form for loan together with the ones who have already changed their educational level or school. Submission of the form will be from 1 April to 31 July 2013.

The Student Loan Department kindly asks all applicants to finish all processes themselves and monitor the news continuously so that they can apply for loan successfully. Interested students can get more information from www.studentloan.or.th or tel. 02 610 4888.

OVEC Holds National Competition forSkilled Welders

(22-05-2013)

The Office of the Vocational Education Commission (OVEC), with the cooperation of the Department of Labor Skill Development, the Association of Teachers and Welders, U.B.M. Asia (Thailand) Co. Ltd., R.P.S. Supply Co. Ltd. and S.E.A. Engineering Co. Ltd., recently organized a national competition for skilled welders to select and screen those with professional skills of an international standard.

The Deputy Minister of Education, Mr. Sermsak Pongpanit, said that Thailand was stepping forward to become a complete industrial country with continuous investment expansion locally and internationally. So, every business sector has to focus on human resources development. The Thai Ministries of Labor and Education are responsible for creating good skilled labor to respond to the need s of the industrial sectors and of ASEAN free trade in 2015. Both public and private networks need to support the management of vocational education to create good, professional students who can be competitive with those from the other ASEAN countries.

The Deputy Secretary General of OVEC, Dr. Akanith Khlangsaeng, added that OVEC had a policy of strengthening the vocational network by establishing associations of teachers and students from various professions. This network will coordinate with many companies and organize competitions that will boost the skills of vocational students. Held in conjunction with Intermach 2013, the national competition of skilled welders introduces welding simulator technology for the first time in Asia. Its aim is to select skilled welders of international standard, to promote human resources development and to solve the problem of insufficient skilled welders in Thailand. Competitors include the general public and vocational students of lower and higher levels. Taking place from 16 to 19 May 2013 at BiTech Bang Na in Bangkok, prizes worth 10,000 Baht, 5,000 Baht and 2,000 Baht were awarded to the winners as well as an Inverter 200 A.

Good Advice for 4th ODOS Students

(22-05-2013)

On 17 May 2013, at 5.30 p.m., the Minister of Education, Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana, gave advice to students who had won scholarships in the 4th One District One Scholarship (ODOS) program before they went to study at universities in and outside Thailand.

Congratulating 98 scholarship holders, the Minister said that ODOS was a rare and very worthwhile project that allowed students themselves to choose their areas of study and where to go. Moreover, once they have completed their degrees, the students will not have to do anything in return for the funding even though some students will spend from 400,000 Baht to 1.5 million Baht a year for some courses.

The Thai government does not require that all scholars should do anything in return for the funding because it believes that they are Thai people who will be aware of the need to help the country in one way or another when they are academically successful.

The following are some words of advice the Education Minister gave to all ODOS scholars:

- At the higher education level, students should be able to realize who they want to be and what they want to do. This is the major goal of university students. Selecting where to study is important because there are many universities around the world, but students should know their capacity and academic skills. If they are not sure, students should discuss it with their advisor as early as possible.

- There are two options when choosing academic institutions to study. The first one includes institutions that teach in non-English languages like those in France, Spain, Germany or Portugal. The second one is those using English as a teaching language. Some courses like literature are difficult for students who do not know native languages other than English well. However, the Netherlands and Hungary offer English courses together with their native language. In this situation, students will learn both English and another foreign language while studying there.

- The criteria for accepting students vary in each country. Those with high ranking s will limit the number of applicants. However, some European or American universities with low rankings may not accept applicants easily while those in other countries will be glad to accept foreign students.

- Studying science is easier than social sciences or humanities because students may not have to know language very well or profoundly. Moreover, in France, courses focus on practicum with tutors. Students can graduate although they may not be particularly fluent in French.

After the Minister gave this advice, student representatives thanked the Thai government and the Ministry of Education for their support of higher education. The students promised to study hard and to help improve the country when they finish their studies.

28 Risky Areas to be Under Control: MOE

(22-05-2013)

The Minister of Education, Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana, recently chaired the launching of operational cars for the Semarak Center, the Ministry of Education, to check, monitor and control violence and fighting caused by Thai students under the program, "Going to School Safely". According to the Office of the Scout Movement, Red Cross Youth and Student Affairs, such incidents usually take place during semesters and before and after class. So, the MOE is working with the Thai Police Office, Semarak Center and Bangkok Mass Transport Authority to monitor 28 areas in five zones in Bangkok and its outskirts.

The Deputy Permanent Secretary of Education, Mr. Supakorn Wongprat, said that violence caused by some students often happened at the beginning of the first semester before the class started until 8.30 p.m. Bus stops, shopping malls and schools are places prone to violence and fighting among students. The authorities have formulated an operational plan to tackle the problem by dividing the work into 5 zones to be controlled from 16 May to 20 June.

All the zones are in Bangkok and its neighboring areas. They are:

1. in front of the Pata Pinklao Mall,
2. at the Misakawan Park,
3. at the Pathumwan intersection,
4. at the bus stop near Siam Technological College,
5. at the bus stop near Bang Pakok Witthayakhom School,
6. at the Bang Khae market,
7. at the bus stop in front of Wibul Business Management College in Tha Phra,
8. at the Om Noi market,
9. at the Ekkachai-Bang Bon highway,
10. at the Rachaburana intersection near Thonburi Rajamangala University,
11. at the Min Buri market,
12. at the Nong Jok market,
13. at the Fashion Island shopping mall, Ram Imthra,
14. in Soi Misteen, Sukhaphiban 3,
15. at Tha Mall Bangkapi,
16. at the bus stop in front of Wat Don Muang,
17. at the Don Muang train station,
18. at the bus stop in front of Central Raminthra,
19. at the bus terminal in front of Phra Si Mahathat Buddhist Temple,
20. at the Saphan Mai market, Don Muang,
21. in front of Thai Wijit Silpa School,
22. at the Kasetsart intersection,
23. in front of Central Ladprao,
24. at the Bang Na intersection,
25. at the Central Bang Na shopping mall,
26. in front of Pathum Khongkha school,
27. at the Imperial Samrong shopping mall and
28. at the Pak Nam market.

Thai & German Educational MOU

(21-05-2013)

The Minister of Education, Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana, along with the Ambassador of Germany in Thailand, Mr. Rolf Peter Gottfried Sculze, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on German-Thai Dual Excellence Education between the Ministry of Education of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Federal Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany on 16 May 2013 at the Ministry of Education, Thailand. This activity was also witnessed by senior officers from Thailand and Germany.

According to Mr. Phongthep, this MOU is an official agreement in which Thailand and Germany intend to improve and develop Thai vocational education due to the strong and long-standing bilateral relations between the two nations. The MOU will introduce the German system of bilateral vocational education to Thailand which is one of the best known in the world in order to develop Thai students' expertise, skills, capacity and knowledge. This system will enable learners to equally undergo practical and theoretical studies in both classroom and in real workplaces.

Under this MOU, the Office of the Vocational Education Commission (OVEC), with the cooperation of three companies from Germany: BMW, Bosch and B.Grimm will work together to develop Thai vocational education by employing German vocational education practices  to motivate Thai education and create a curriculum for Thailand which will facilitate working while studying and in which students will get paid. The German Ambassador, the Thai-German Chamber of Commerce and GIZ have already confirmed that, in the next phase of development, more companies in Germany will join in this project.

Camp for Scholarship Graduates on Sciences

(21-05-2013)

On 16 May 2013, the Minister of Education, Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana, chaired the opening of a camp for scholarship graduates in the sciences at the Asia Hotel in Bangkok. On this occasion, he gave a special lecture on the need for good scientists in public offices in Thailand.

Mr. Phongthep said that Thailand was in need of a lot of science personnel as many developed countries had scientists and personnel with scientifically-based knowledge to mobilize the country despite a small population and few resources.

Mr. Phongthep added that students of science have a good foundation of knowledge from basic to higher education. So, the 1,600 science scholars are knowledgeable enough to be able to complete continuous studies from bachelor degree to Ph. D. levels. After graduation, the students are expected to develop the country and contribute to Thai society.

"Thailand has fewer innovations than imitations. Imitations don't create much income for imitators or the country. Scientists should initiate new inventions while looking forward at the same time. Some innovations, such as medical are sufficiently advanced whereas others still need development. New scientists should make them happen and improve Thailand," said the Education Minister.

The project on development of human resources in the sciences (Scholarship for Sciences of Thailand) is supported financially by the Thai government. Its aim is to create Ph. D. graduates in sciences who would like to work in the public sector for national development. Scholars will get financial support to study at the Faculty of Science in 23 public universities in Thailand. From 2008 to 2013, it is expected that 1,600 Ph.D. scholars will graduate.

"Doing Good and Volunteer Spirit for International Recognition" Project

(21-05-2013)

The Permanent Secretary of Education, Mrs. Panita Kamphu Na Ayutthaya, chaired a P.R. activity for "Doing Good and Volunteer Spirit for International Recognition" Project on 16 May 2013 at the National Scout Office. Also, the Secretary General of the World Scouts, scouting executive and personnel attended the activity.

Mrs. Panita, as the project's chair, said that this was a mission concerning the formulation of systems and regulations for registering new scout members. The scout board meeting, having acknowledged the project, distributed 100,000 books to young scouts for recording good things deeds so that they can write about the good thing they do every day. In so doing, the scouts will be aware of good behavior, ethics, morality, dedication and honesty -- a good image for both Thai and international scouts.

The budget for launching this activity does not belong to the Thai government but it is from a circulating fund for general administration. The initial amount was a donation of 1,300,000 baht donation for printing books for recording good things.

The P.R. campaign started at the beginning of this month and the official launching will be on 11 June at 5 p.m. at the statue of King Rama VI, the Ministry of Education. The Minister of Education Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana will preside over the event.

MOE Prepares Hot Topics for AC

(20-05-2013)

The Assistant to the Minister of Education, Dr. Phuangphet Chunlaiad, as the Chair of the committee for mobilization towards the ASEAN Community for the Ministry of Education in Thailand, attended a committee meeting on 9 May 2013.

Dr. Phuangphet said that the committee had acknowledged some urgent topics, proposed by major affiliates of the Ministry of Education, in preparation for the ASEAN Community. The topics are as follows:
The Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) will emphasize improving Thai students' English skills and their understanding of the languages of neighboring countries in addition to knowledge of ASEAN and its diverse cultures. On 10 May, it launched a meeting to brainstorm the promotion and campaigning for English skill development.

The Office of the Education Council (OEC) will be responsible for formulating a framework on national qualifications and connecting it with that of ASEAN under the resolution from the Thai cabinet of 8 January 2013. It is now planning a workshop on putting the framework into practice and connecting it with the strategies for the four regions of Thailand. Also, it is mapping a pilot project for future operation.

The Office of the Permanent Secretary of Education is in charge of regulations, international activities and a program on ASEAN teacher and youth exchange. In December, 2013, it will organize a workshop on the best practices from all ASEAN countries.

The Office of the Vocational Education Commission (OVEC) will prepare for mobility of seven professions and 32 positions as well as human resources development to suit the needs of the labor market. This work will be done with the cooperation of different ministries in the country.

The Office of the Higher Education Commission (OHEC) will take care of producing and improving teachers and preparing Thai universities to be “international education centers". Now, Thai universities are offering 1,017 international courses for 344 bachelor degrees, 394 master degrees and 249 doctorate degrees in addition to 30 training programs. In the fiscal year of 2014, three universities in Thailand: Suranaree Technological University, Mahidol University and Mae Fah Luang University will commence a pilot project as international education centers.

The Office of Non-Formal and Informal Education, in conjunction with OBEC, will take care of the establishment of ASEAN Study Centers in both the central and regional parts of Thailand. These centers will provide free mobile tablets and snacks.
The Office of the Private Education Commission (OPEC) will take care of the relevant rules and regulation concerning foreign teachers in Thailand and the extension of their visa applications and work permits. If possible, some relevant laws will be amended for education in ASEAN and other continents.

The Ministry of Education will present all the activities proposed at the meeting at the “Go to ASEAN” festival at the end of June in Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok. Presided over by the Prime Minister, the festival will highlight the “Speak English Now!” campaign and the ASEAN Bus.

OBEC Holds Training on Asset Management

(20-05-2013)

The Deputy Secretary General of the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC), Mr. Kamol Rodklai, announced that OBEC had organized a meeting and training session with the Department of the Treasury and Asset Management for Local Offices of Education Service Areas throughout Thailand. The objective of this event was to make the department's work transparent. The training is divided into four topics:
1. The enablement of staff to learn systems of asset management;
2. Making the Treasury systems administrative and work control at the same time;
3. Responding to the governmental policy that aims to make the National Budget stimulate Thai economy, particularly for local business; and
4. The enablement of the Department of Treasury and Asset Management to focus on the worthiness of every investment it makes. For instance, the arrangement of a combined meeting saves both time and money.

OBEC expects that the meeting and training will help solve problems with asset management, such as outstanding money which implies inefficient work practices. Once the trainees complete their training, these problems will be solved correctly.