Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

In a move to bolster educational opportunities, Deputy Education Minister Rinthipond Varinvatchararoj has announced the allocation of 1,200 scholarships in the third phase of the Outstanding Development Opportunity Scholarship (ODOS) programme.

 

Speaking at a registration briefing for ODOS, Rinthipond highlighted the government's continued focus on educational investment under suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. She emphasised the importance of nurturing human capital, especially in the creative economy.

 

The ODOS scheme is part of a broader effort to ensure educational fairness and supports the Thailand Zero Dropout policy. It aims to foster academic excellence while boosting economic stability through the development of a skilled workforce.

 

Currently, 1,718 students have registered for the programme, with 47.56% coming from severely disadvantaged backgrounds. These scholarships are targeted at top-performing Mathayom 4 students and first-year vocational students, equivalent to Grade 11.

 

This phase will distribute financial resources to students across 602 schools nationwide, particularly those that excel in English-language and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) courses. To fund these scholarships, the Cabinet plans to introduce a billion-baht charity lottery (approximately 1.3 billion Thai Baht).

 

Rinthipond expressed her hopes for ODOS to serve as a critical conduit for gifted students from underprivileged areas to access quality higher education and to contribute positively to the country's economic growth.

 

“The ministry is dedicated to leveraging education as a vital tool for holistic human development,” she stated, reaffirming her belief in education's transformative power.

 

This initiative marks a significant step towards bridging educational gaps, empowering young minds, and reinforcing Thailand’s commitment to nurturing a future-ready generation.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-16

 

 

Did she had this idea or was it AI just as last time?