Highhopes To Be Asia's International Education Hub

[webfact]

Highhopes to be Asia's international education hub

By WANNAPA PHETDEE

THE NATION

Published on October 11, 2009

International education in Thailand is set to grow 10 per cent yearly and the government expects to have up to 100,000 foreign students enrolled here within five years, up from about 30,000 at present, a senior Commerce Ministry official said.

"The quality of international academic institutions in Thailand is acknowledged worldwide. Much lower costs than many other countries are our strong point," said Rachane Potjanasuntorn, director-general of the Department of Export Promotion (DEP).

"Also, the rich culture, hospitality, good living environment and attractive tourist destinations are crucial factors luring more foreign students to study here," he said.

"However, to achieve growth, prestigious Thai universities should reach out to other countries and offer interesting promotions to foreigners."

The Commission on Higher Education's Bureau of International Cooperation Strategy said there were 70,174 university students attending international and English programmes in 2008, compared to 60,221 in 2007. The number of foreign students also rose to 16,361 in 2008 from 11,021 in 2007.

President of the International Schools Association of Thailand, Usa Somboon, said that in spite of the world economic recession, the number of school students had remained steady over the past few years.

There were about 32,000 students in Thailand's international schools each year. Furthermore, more school students from South Korea and Japan are studying in Thailand.

"International schools in Thailand offer the same standards as ones in Europe and the US. They have been assessed by three international assessment organisations every five years and Thailand's Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment," Usa said.

"Lots of former school students here were able to enter many world-class universities. Studying here costs an average of only US$18,000 [bt600,000] per year, while in developed countries it costs $28,000 a year," she added.

The DEP has been promoting Thailand's international education for more than 10 years. So far, about 420 international and English programme academic institutions in Thailand could provide around 900 programmes to 102,466 students.

The annual Thailand International Education Exhibition kicked off on Friday under the concept "Asia's Hub of International Education". The event is one of the strategies of the DEP to promote international education in Thailand.

Princess Yiwang Pindarica of Bhutan, who is furthering her bachelor's degree at an international university in Thailand, presided over the opening ceremony at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

Rachane said the exhibition this year highlighted specialised fields in Thailand's academic institutions, including the Aviation Institute, which was accredited worldwide, and King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, which made the world championship rescue-robots.

More than 200 leading Thai international institutes will be available to give visitors information about their curriculum at the fair until today.

Different workshops, like short movies, learning Thai and English with famous experts and singing techniques as well as students' |performances are added attractions.

Visitors will also learn more about international education from interesting talks by well-known people who have been through the experience.

-- The Nation 2009/10/11

[Thai at Heart]

"International schools in Thailand offer the same standards as ones in Europe and the US. They have been assessed by three international assessment organisations every five years and Thailand's Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment," Usa said.

And there we have the most delusional statement of the year so far.

[CelticBhoy]

Who in the West would think to send their

kid to Thailand for schooling?

The 32,000 quoted already here are the

brats of ex-pats, not kids sent here from

abroad.

[caf]

If a government official said the moon was made of cheese, would TV print it or would they print a view on the statement's veracity.

As humourous diversions, the hubs were funny when they started. But, like old jokes, they get boring after a while.

Where is the news?

[orly]

it is still too early to conclude the future of education in thailand.

at worst , it will remain at status quo .

at best, it may become the beacon going into the future and may become the most sought after destination for education for many who aspire to be well versed and well prepared for the next brave new world.

only time will tell.

ex-pat brats?

thais have a word for these brats: "nak lien" meaning students. meaning: students of life.

western equivalent in meaning: (perhaps?) children learning the ropes in life and making mistakes - lots of it - along the way to the future to become better citizens. the rest is up to the parents.

Edited October 11, 2009 by orly

[egg]

[Bagwan]

"The quality of international academic institutions in Thailand is acknowledged worldwide."

By whom?

I would be more impressed if educating the locals came first - but that may well be a suicidal move by the phu yais.

[Plus]

We already have a thread on this topic, and it follows the same pattern - people with no first hand knowledge trash the idea relentlessly.

When I read this article in paper Nation this morning I thought it would pause them and start thinking. No, all in vain.

30,000 students already - no matter.

Uni students grew from 11,000 to 16,000 in a year - no matter.

Assessed every five years - no matter.

Graduates go to major western universities - no matter.

[cdnvic]

"The quality of international academic institutions in Thailand is acknowledged worldwide.

To bad it isn't in a positive manner.

[hkt83100]

The younger sister of a friend failed her exam in accounting at Ramkanghaeng University. During the time before the second try I never saw her studying, and when I asked her why, I got a perfect Thai answer: "I know everything already, they just asked the wrong questions!"

[Donnyboy]

Who in the West would think to send their

kid to Thailand for schooling?

The 32,000 quoted already here are the

brats of ex-pats, not kids sent here from

abroad.

Tim Geithner was schooled here

not sure if thats the best answer

Edited October 11, 2009 by Donnyboy

[Donnyboy]

The younger sister of a friend failed her exam in accounting at Ramkanghaeng University. During the time before the second try I never saw her studying, and when I asked her why, I got a perfect Thai answer: "I know everything already, they just asked the wrong questions!"

gotta love the logic

[grantbkk]

Just another idiot giving his biannual statement to meet his job requirements. It's not his fault. He needed to put something in the paper so he can get his holiday bonus pay. It should just be looked at for what it is and ignored. Tomorrow we will pressing to become the hub of something else.

[PeaceBlondie]

It's about international programs at major Thai unis; nothing more. Some of those programs are fairly good even by Western standards, I guess.

[madmitch]

The younger sister of a friend failed her exam in accounting at Ramkanghaeng University. During the time before the second try I never saw her studying, and when I asked her why, I got a perfect Thai answer: "I know everything already, they just asked the wrong questions!"

I didn't think anybody actually failed exams in Thailand.

My GF has a bachelors degree in photography. The portfolio looked like something a ten year old could have produced and she hasn't a clue about the technical elements from what I have seen.

Maybe that's the plan: come to Thailand and get a degree. Anyone can do it, regardless of knowledge or ability.

Or am I being a bit harsh?

[webfact]

My GF has a bachelors degree in photography. The portfolio looked like something a ten year old could have produced and she hasn't a clue about the technical elements from what I have seen.

Its entirely your private business but does your girlfriend read this topic?

I wouldn't be surprise if you face some 'action' from her over your quote

[cdnvic]

My GF has a bachelors degree in photography. The portfolio looked like something a ten year old could have produced and she hasn't a clue about the technical elements from what I have seen.

Its entirely your private business but does your girlfriend read this topic?

I wouldn't be surprise if you face some 'action' from her over your quote

I wouldn't worry, she probably took English at the same school.

[Donnyboy]

My GF has a bachelors degree in photography. The portfolio looked like something a ten year old could have produced and she hasn't a clue about the technical elements from what I have seen.

Its entirely your private business but does your girlfriend read this topic?

I wouldn't be surprise if you face some 'action' from her over your quote

I wouldn't worry, she probably took English at the same school.

[PoorSucker]

30.000 students already.

Is that the amount here on "ED-visa" studying Thai language.

They should increase that soon due to the crackdown on back to back tourist visas.

[Petsma]

Highhopes to be Asia's international education hub

By WANNAPA PHETDEE

THE NATION

Published on October 11, 2009

"Much lower costs than many other countries are our strong point," said Rachane Potjanasuntorn, director-general of the Department of Export Promotion (DEP).

"Also, the rich culture, hospitality, good living environment and attractive tourist destinations are crucial factors luring more foreign students to study here," he said.

-- The Nation 2009/10/11

That's one of the most retarded statements I've ever had the pleasure of reading. It's good to know the quality of education is not an important factor for foreign students coming here to study. :D :D

[chrislarsson]

We already have a thread on this topic, and it follows the same pattern - people with no first hand knowledge trash the idea relentlessly.

When I read this article in paper Nation this morning I thought it would pause them and start thinking. No, all in vain.

30,000 students already - no matter.

Uni students grew from 11,000 to 16,000 in a year - no matter.

Assessed every five years - no matter.

Graduates go to major western universities - no matter.

Most people here didn't even read the article. Most are probably over 50, which means they studied when education in the West held a lower quality than in Thailand today. Many probably don't even hold a degree. This is not a forum for intellectual discussion of any kind.

[321niti123]

Many are being skeptical about "The quality of international academic institutions in Thailand is acknowledged worldwide." I go to an international school, and we are assessed by an international cooperation that comes to check up the school every few years. Grades 4-9 have to take tests (ISA test) from australia to measure there reading writing and maths capability. Our school almost always get in the top 25% in maths and is always in the middle fifty for reading and writing.

[animatic]

Who in the West would think to send their

kid to Thailand for schooling?

The 32,000 quoted already here are the

brats of ex-pats, not kids sent here from

abroad.

Spot on. While the education levels of many IntNat schools are much better,

no comparison to the private schools in the developed nations.

And make no mistake international schools are 'pay as you go' private schools.

Which by their very nature MUST aspire to be head and shoulders above ALL

publicly funded educational alternatives. If not, why pay for them?

Got a child in one of these schools now and couldn't be happier,

other than the bill each quarter. But a relatively small price for what she gains.

Having a degree is not the 'end all and be all' for success.

It DOES open doors for you, less astute job interviewers might close on NOT seeing a degree.

But the bottom line is applied talent. I know an 'officially untrained' thai, lady, photographer,

she read books, thought about the hows and whys, developed an eye, and shot a lot,

so her work is very nice if not earth shaking. But far above that of the typical Uni graduates portfolios

that I have seen. If I had to choose between her and a younger fresh from Uni I would pick her.

She does lovely work.

I have printed photos with Henri Cartier-Bressons museum exhibition printer

and best friend, so I have an idea what is good or bad work.

What you know and how you use it is more important.

Edited October 11, 2009 by animatic

[dr_Pat_Pong]

The younger sister of a friend failed her exam in accounting at Ramkanghaeng University. During the time before the second try I never saw her studying, and when I asked her why, I got a perfect Thai answer: "I know everything already, they just asked the wrong questions!"

I didn't think anybody actually failed exams in Thailand.

My GF has a bachelors degree in photography. The portfolio looked like something a ten year old could have produced and she hasn't a clue about the technical elements from what I have seen.

Maybe that's the plan: come to Thailand and get a degree. Anyone can do it, regardless of knowledge or ability.

Or am I being a bit harsh?

She picked you as her significant other.

[Thai at Heart]

Who in the West would think to send their

kid to Thailand for schooling?

The 32,000 quoted already here are the

brats of ex-pats, not kids sent here from

abroad.

Spot on. While the education levels of many IntNat schools are much better,

no comparison to the private schools in the developed nations.

And make no mistake international schools are pay as you go private schools.

Which by their very nature MUST aspire to ber head and shoulders above ALL

publicly funded educational alternatives. If not, why pay for them?

Got a child in one of these schools naw and couldn't be happier,

other than the bill each quarter. But a relatively small price for what she gains.

Which emphasizes the point that the vast majority of international schools here cannot hold a candle to the true standard boarding or private schools in the developed world. They may be better than local Thai schools, but in the way the article is trying to compare the cost of education in Thailand versus the West, it is definitely a case of you get what you pays for.

I would assume that maybe the very top schools in the country are on a par with those available in other countries in Asia, but if you live in Singapore and can afford the bills, why send your kids to Thailand. If you live in Vietnam and have the money, why would you choose to send your kids to Bangkok instead of Singapore?

[Rhys]

Well, it was about time, this THAILAND as a HUB theme resurfaced... usually, about this time.. this quest... comes up.. and once again.. April Fooles has past. 55555555

Edited October 11, 2009 by Rhys

[invex]

My wife (she is Thai) has a degree and was a computer teacher, however, don't ask her anything about soft-/hardware coz she will not know. In fact, she knows nothing at all about computers. Two friends of her have a degree also and are English teachers. However, none of the two can speak, read, write English. In fact they know nothing about the English language. Many times they feel ashame when we talk about those things, other times they just comment with; this is Thailand, land of smiles, mai penrai...

[Plus]

My wife (she is Thai) has a degree and was a computer teacher, however, don't ask her anything about soft-/hardware coz she will not know. In fact, she knows nothing at all about computers. Two friends of her have a degree also and are English teachers. However, none of the two can speak, read, write English. In fact they know nothing about the English language.

Did they graduate from one of the international programs with international students?

If not - how is it related to the topic?

[PeaceBlondie]

Topic is Thai unis' international programs for non-Thais.

[kurnell]

My wife (she is Thai) has a degree and was a computer teacher, however, don't ask her anything about soft-/hardware coz she will not know. In fact, she knows nothing at all about computers. Two friends of her have a degree also and are English teachers. However, none of the two can speak, read, write English. In fact they know nothing about the English language.

Did they graduate from one of the international programs with international students?

If not - how is it related to the topic?

How petty. Who cares??