Minister of Education of Thailand opens the 13th ASEAN Education Ministers Meeting and Related Meetings

On August 25, 2024, at 9:00 a.m., at Chang Arena, Buriram Province, Thailand, Police General Permpoon Chidchob, the Minister of Education of Thailand, presided over the opening ceremony of the 13^th ASEAN Education Ministers Meeting and Related Meetings. The Governor of Buriram Province welcomed the attendees, including the Deputy Minister of Education,
the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, and invited guests.

The opening ceremony featured representatives at the ministerial and permanent secretary levels from ASEAN member countries, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand. Representatives from ASEAN Plus Three countries (China, Japan, South Korea) and ASEAN Plus Eight countries (Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, the USA) also attended, along with Timor-Leste as an observer, ASEAN Secretariat officials, ASEAN university networks, the SEAMEO Secretariat, and high-level education officials from Buriram Province, totaling over 10,000 people.

The Minister of Education welcomed all participants on behalf of the Thai people and government and expressed pride in hosting the significant meeting under the theme “Transforming Education in the Digital Era.” He highlighted Buriram as a hub of digital innovation with advanced technology integration, local development, and green economic initiatives, making it an ideal location to discuss the future of education and address global challenges. Attendees will visit local educational institutions known for their use of technology and life skills development, such as Lamplaimat Pattana School, which focuses on mindfulness-based education; Mechai Bamboo School, which emphasizes life and vocational skills for self-reliance; Buriram Pitthayakhom School, notable for integrating digital technology into teaching; and Buriram College of Agriculture and Technology, which balances learning with environmental conservation.

The Minister also emphasized Thailand’s commitment to enhancing education quality and integrating digital technology to improve teaching and learning. Access to digital resources will help extend education to remote and marginalized communities, aligning with ASEAN’s vision of creating an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all learners, without leaving anyone behind.