Thailand’s Ministry of Education is embarking on a transformative journey, planning to equip 600,000 students and teachers with tablets and laptops. This bold initiative is set to reshape the learning process, ushering in a new era of digital education.
Starting next year, Thailand’s Ministry of Education plans to spend 15 billion baht on electronic devices, including iPads, tablets, and laptops, for 600,000 students and teachers.
Ministry spokesman and assistant minister Siripong Angkasakulkat updated the Bangkok Post newspaper on the plan, saying the ministry had contacted the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society to clarify what types of electronic devices could be purchased under the initiative.
The type of devices that fall under the initiative has yet to be determined. So, potentially, any device can be purchased, including tablets, iPads, laptops or Chromebooks.
The spokesperson added that the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society wants to help students and teachers by allowing electronics companies to compete to supply their products.
Siripong said the budget request will be submitted in fiscal 2025, and the amount will be decided by parliament. The pilot phase of the initiative is expected to start next year, when 600,000 devices will be provided to students and teachers. The Education Ministry, Siripong said, will buy the devices in instalments. The package includes the device, a SIM card, and an internet subscription.
‘Education Minister General Permpun Chidchob emphasised that the devices provided to students and teachers should be practical and acceptable to all,’ the spokesman said, adding that the devices would block access to inappropriate and gambling sites.
Siripong said the ambitious project, which could help schools enter a new digital age, would cost about 15 billion baht. However, students will not be able to keep the devices for themselves when they leave school, so they must hand them back.
According to the spokesman, students from Mathayom 4-6 (grades 10-12) leading schools will receive the devices in the pilot phase, while the rest will participate in the second phase.
Siripong also briefed about the progress of preparing learning content for various platforms, saying the scope of work is being determined. He highlighted that the learning content and device will empower students to study independently, anywhere and anytime, heralding a new era of flexible education.
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