On July 27^th, 2011, Mr. Apichart Jeerawuth, the Permanent Secretary for Education, presided over a meeting where criticism of “The Strategy for Educational Development During the 11^th National Economic and Social Development Plan (B.E.             2555 – 2559      )” took place. This event was conducted at the S.D. Avenue Hotel, Bangkok.

 The Permanent Secretary informed all present that although Thai citizens had received access to more opportunities of quality education. There were still some significant issues to solve. Some of these issues are as follows: 1. Quality of education that could be divided into the following categories: The quality of learners with low educational achievement, lacking in critical and creative thinking skills and at risk of narcotics addiction; The quality of teacher and administrators as there is a shortage of teachers in some subjects and an insufficiency in academic development; and an educational administration that requires efficient decentralization to educational institutes. 2. The shortage of quality labor workforce in the future due to the changes in the population structure. There are more elderly people in Thai society and the development of workforce is not meeting with the needs of the labor market both in terms of quality and quantity. 3. The deterioration of morals and ethics as a result of Thai society consisting of many single families which lead to social problems. Also considering that their way of life has been changed due to modernization. 4. The ASEAN Community building which encourages high competitiveness and the mobility for skilled labor and technology. 5. The research and development in order to create knowledge bodies, technology and innovation which aims at self reliance still needs further support.

The Permanent Secretary stated further that the challenges of educational development are in enhancement of educational standards and lifelong learning for Thai citizens. These factors will encourage Thai citizens to overcome all changes efficiently and lead them to succeed in their responsibilities and quality of life.