Bangkok: The Cabinet has approved the "Teacher Training Project for Local Development, Phase 2," with the aim of creating highly competent teachers for government positions in their hometowns. This initiative is part of a broader effort to elevate the quality of Thai education to international standards.
According to Thai News Agency, Lieutenant Colonel Patthadarasmi Thongsalooykorn, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced that the Cabinet has sanctioned the implementation of the project from 2026 to 2039. Proposed by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, the project has received a budget approval of 2,037.96 million baht. The funds will be utilized for operational purposes, skill enhancement, and overall project management.
This new phase continues from the first phase of the teacher training program for local development and focuses on producing teachers in subjects where there is a shortage and that are crucial for basic education. The project targets creating teachers with advanced skills in teaching, English language, and technology. The initiative aims to collectively enhance student literacy in line with the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). The goal is to produce 16,033 high-quality teachers across nine cohorts, with the first cohort admitted in the 2027-2035 academic years. Teacher appointments will begin from 2031 to 2039.
Captain Patthadarasmi elaborated that the project will aid higher education institutions in producing quality teachers for fields and areas facing shortages. Teacher-employing agencies, including the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC), the Office of the Vocational Education Commission, and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), will benefit from this initiative. Graduates meeting the criteria will be appointed as teachers in their hometowns or other required areas, with a restriction on transfer requests for five years post-appointment.
The government emphasizes the importance of reforming the teacher training system and improving basic education quality. This second phase of the project aims to directly address teacher shortages in remote areas and foster a new generation of competent teachers capable of transforming educational outcomes and enhancing the capabilities of Thai youth to a global level.