The Office of the Vocational Education Commission has established a Coordinating International Vocational Education Center to cooperate with other ASEAN partners in developing vocational education.

The Secretary-General of the Office of the Vocational Education Commission, Dr. Chaiprug Sereerak, said that the move is intended to prepare for the arrival of the ASEAN community in 2015 and upgrade the quality of Thailand’s vocational education.

The new center will promote the exchange of vocational education personnel with various educational institutions, especially those in ASEAN. It will help develop Thailand as a vocational education hub in this region.

Meanwhile, the Association of Private Vocational Schools of Thailand is working with other ASEAN countries in establishing a regional vocational education council in early 2014. The council will promote technical and personnel exchanges and develop professional standards for vocational schools and colleges in member countries.

In an effort to develop the nation’s workforce through vocational education, the Thai government has set up a joint public/private sector committee for vocational education workforce development. The committee, chaired by the Education Minister, is responsible for suggesting guidelines and measures in tackling problems concerning the production and development of vocational manpower. Its responsibility also involves workforce planning, in terms of both quality and quantity, and supporting vocational education management through joint operations between the public and private sectors.

The committee comprises 26 members. Among the members in the public sector are the Secretary-General of the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board, the Permanent Secretary for Industry, and the Permanent Secretary for Commerce. Among the members in the private sector are the President of the Federation of Thai Industries, the Chairman of the Board of Trade of Thailand, and the President of the Tourism Council of Thailand.

The first meeting of the joint public/private sector committee on 30 October 2013 discussed demands for workforce in each group of occupations. It agreed to form a joint public/private sector committee on skill clusters. Emphasis will be placed on 12 industrial groups: automobiles and automotive parts, molding, energy, food, hotel and tourism, jewelry, construction, electricity and electronics, logistics, information and communication technology, chemicals, and textiles.

The meeting also discussed the development of the vocational education curriculum in response to the demands of manufacturers and the production sector. Private vocational schools and colleges will also be encouraged to play a greater role and improve their efficiency.

Reports the Government Public Relations Department, Thailand