Bangkok: Ajarn Tong and Associate Professor Pol. Lt. Col. Dr. Kritsanapong have jointly submitted a proposal to the Senate Legal Committee, advocating for an education reform model that positions universities as exemplars of good governance. Their submission underscores the necessity for the government and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation to bolster oversight mechanisms in light of Thailand’s standing as the 8th-ranked country in ASEAN for educational quality.
According to Thai News Agency, Assoc. Prof. Pol. Lt. Col. Kritsanaphong Pootrakool, who serves as the Vice President for Security and Chairman of the Faculty of Criminology and Justice Administration at Rangsit University, addressed Pol. Lt. Gen. Boonchan Nuansai, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Law and Justice and the House of Representatives Committee on Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation. In his letter, he emphasized the importance of universities as beacons of good governance and transparency. The proposal argues that universities should be the nation’s leading institutions, nurturing knowledgeable individuals and instilling good values to serve as societal role models. The letter warns that failure to adopt these principles could hinder Thailand’s growth, technological advancement, and societal values.
Assoc. Prof. Pol. Lt. Col. Kritsanapong highlighted the country’s challenges with corruption, particularly involving politics, law enforcement, and other related entities. He pointed out the need for curriculum revisions and the teaching of good governance, especially in universities with university councils. Despite the promising principles laid out by institutional councils in universities, he noted that many institutions face issues and have yet to achieve significant outcomes. Moreover, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation’s strategic and policy-based oversight, though sound, may require reevaluation to ensure effective governance and transparency.
The letter also draws attention to the Student Loan Fund (SLF) crisis, which lacks the necessary funds to support students, marking another pressing national issue. The proposal calls for the government and MHESI to act as the chief supervisors, implementing this policy to enhance Thailand’s educational framework and ensure that universities fulfill their potential as models of good governance.