The education continuum in Thailand is currently marred by challenges brought forth by its intricate education system, cultural and social diversity, and globalisation. Confronting these challenges and transforming education into an uninterrupted learning experience, what is known as "Seamless Education", is imperative to promoting Thailand's educational landscape as a learning paradigm and a future where transitions within Thai education are imperceptible and learning experiences are interwoven without interruption. This panel titled "Seamless Education in Thailand" will discuss a four-pronged strategic blueprint designed to ensure fluidity and robustness within the educational system: (a) formulating a strategic plan that harnesses the power of science, research, and innovation; (b) designing an operational mechanism for the implementation of this plan; (c) formulating an engagement strategy to foster collaboration among education stakeholders; and (d) drafting a communication plan to share progress and insights. By focusing on these pillars, the panel aims to address current obstacles obstructing the path to making education in Thailand a continuous journey of growth, including the diverse needs of each learner and the rapidly changing global landscape. The ultimate objective is to transform Thai education into an ecosystem that is not only responsive but also regenerative, equipping learners with the necessary skills to thrive and adapt in an interconnected world.

Biographies

Nongyao Nawarat
Chiang Mai University, Thailand

Dr Nongyao Nawarat, currently retired, formerly served as the Director of the Centre for Multiculturalism and Education Policy within the Faculty of Education at Chiang Mai University. She pioneered multicultural education in the faculty, establishing courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Her research primarily focused on the advocacy efforts of migrant community-based organisations for the educational rights of migrant and stateless children, as well as Thailand’s policy on these issues. A staunch advocate for gender equality, Dr Nawarat contributed to Thailand’s National Commission on Gender Equality Law. She holds a masters degree in Women’s Studies from the University of York, United Kingdom, and a doctoral degree from the University of Leeds, where she examined the resilience of rural women during and after the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis.

Anuchat Poungsomle
Thammasat University, Thailand

Dr Poungsomlee graduated with a degree in economics from Thammasat University, Thailand, and obtained a PhD in Human Ecology from The Australian National University. Since 1992, he has been teaching within the Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies and the Contemplative Education Center at Mahidol University, Thailand. He is currently an Associate Professor and former Dean of the newly established Faculty of Learning Sciences and Education at Thammasat University. He is also actively conducting a research and movement project titled “Leadership for the Future”, aimed at fostering collective leadership through various learning platforms and communication channels to drive change.

Sittichai Wichaidit
Thammasat University, Thailand

Dr Sittichai Wichaidit is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Learning Sciences and Education at Thammasat University, Thailand. His primary focus is on creating meaningful learning experiences in science education through various approaches, including STEM, game-based learning, authentic learning, and inquiry-based learning. He is also engaged in a project aimed at enhancing student learning quality by promoting co-agency among teachers, administrators, parents, and the community. His research is civically-minded, seen especially in his current collaboration effort alongside teachers across the country on the "Thai Teacher Agency" project, which seeks to empower teachers and enable them to become agents of change within the Thai education system.

Sahawarat Polahan
Thammasat University, Thailand

Dr Sahawarat Polahan currently serves as the Associate Dean and as an Assistant Professor within the Faculty of Learning Sciences and Education at Thammasat University, Thailand. Born in Bangkok, he holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Chulalongkorn University, and furthered his education with Master of Science and Master of Arts degrees from the University of Bristol and the University of Warwick, respectively. Dr Polahan possesses a rich background in economics, including years of service at the Bank of Thailand. He subsequently pursued doctoral studies and earned a PhD from the University of Auckland. Dr Polahan has since embarked on an academic career, with his current research focusing on future skills and student agency.

About the Presenter(s)
-Dr Nongyao Nawarat, currently retired, formerly served as the Director of the Centre for Multiculturalism and Education Policy within the Faculty of Education at Chiang Mai University.
-Dr Poungsomlee graduated with a degree in economics from Thammasat University, Thailand, and obtained a PhD in Human Ecology from The Australian National University.
-Dr Sittichai Wichaidit is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Learning Sciences and Education at Thammasat University, Thailand.
-Dr Sahawarat Polahan currently serves as the Associate Dean and as an Assistant Professor within the Faculty of Learning Sciences and Education at Thammasat University, Thailand.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Friday Schedule

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