Bangkok: The Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) is implementing stringent controls on student admissions for the 2026 academic year, focusing on prohibiting the buying and selling of school seats and ensuring transparency in all procedures. The OBEC will also oversee schools to ensure the fair and clear collection of fees, aiming to minimize the financial burden on parents.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pichet Phophakdee, Secretary-General of OBEC, has tasked Mr. Pichet Wanathong, Deputy Secretary-General of OBEC, with chairing the 12th/2026 meeting of OBEC executives. The meeting aimed to monitor progress and drive key policies on educational quality development. Attendees included Mr. Wisanu Thrapsombat and Ms. Phattarawan Phattarabowornwut, Deputy Secretaries-General of OBEC, along with Ms. Arunee Jiramahasarn and Ms. Atittiya Panya, Assistant Secretaries-General of OBEC, along with directors of various offices and OBEC personnel. The meeting took place at Meeting Room OBEC 1, Building 4, 2nd Floor, Ministry of Education, and via an online system.
The meeting also reviewed student enrollment plans for the 2026 academic year. For Grade 7 (M.1), 427,526 students are planned for enrollment, with 399,526 applicants. Exam results will be announced on April 1, 2026, followed by enrollment on April 4, 2026. For Grade 10 (M.4), 403,100 students are planned for enrollment, with 190,961 students previously admitted from Grade 9 (M.3), and 222,360 applicants. Exam results will be announced on April 2, 2026, followed by enrollment on April 5, 2026. OBEC emphasized the importance of adhering to student enrollment guidelines to ensure transparency and fairness, strictly prohibiting any form of bribery or corruption in exchange for school placement.
The collection of tuition fees was another focal point of the discussion. Schools with special programs may incur additional costs for activities or specialized teachers. Schools are required to clearly define their curriculum plans and costs, communicate this information to parents before enrollment decisions are made, and obtain school board approval. This information must also be submitted to the district education office for verification to prevent discrepancies and ensure fees are appropriate and fair, considering the economic circumstances and financial burdens of parents.
A significant development is the publication of the revised Digital Technology Development Plan for Basic Education 2023-2027. This plan aligns with the 20-year National Strategy (2018-2037) and the Digital Government Development Plan for Thailand (2023-2027), aiming to enhance the quality of basic education towards a Digital Thailand. Key goals include upgrading the management system to a digital organization, developing digital learning systems, promoting responsible digital technology use, and developing digital infrastructure for education. OBEC will monitor the plan's implementation at the central level, regional offices, and with relevant external agencies to ensure effective planning and implementation for the period 2028-2032.
In collaboration with the San Anot Kan Sueksa Foundation, ConnectED has organized AI and Digital Skills training courses to develop future technology skills for educators and administrators. These courses include AI Canva Master, AI Governance for Education, and AI for Future Leader, along with Soft Skills courses to enhance work and communication skills, all taught by expert instructors free of charge. The initiative expects to engage at least 100,000 participants. Additionally, the Notebook for Education project continues to provide computers to schools under OBEC. In March, 380 computers will be distributed, followed by 20 more in April, expanding learning opportunities for Thai children and youth.