Samut prakan: Ms. Manoporn Charoensri, Deputy Minister of Transport, expressed her support for the development of graduates from the Merchant Marine Training Center, emphasizing their role in bolstering the national economy. During the certificate presentation ceremony for the 2024 graduating class, held at the center's Multipurpose Building, Ms. Manoporn highlighted the importance of continuous learning and development in the maritime sector.
According to Thai News Agency, the ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including Mr. Kritphet Chaichuai, Director-General of the Marine Department, as well as executives, faculty, parents, shipping company representatives, and members of water transport associations. The Deputy Minister congratulated the graduates, advising them that their education was merely the first step in their professional journey. She stressed the need for ongoing personal and professional development to ensure their contribution to the country's economic growth.
The Marine Department's Merchant Marine Training Center, Thailand's first state-supervised maritime educational institution, aims to provide quality education to youth across the nation, bridging social inequality and equipping students with essential skills. It offers comprehensive training in academics, foreign languages, maritime laws, conventions, and modern technology. The center also utilizes internationally standardized simulators and training ships, Sakonwisai and Visut Sakon, for practical exercises, ensuring students gain real-world experience.
Mr. Kritphet Chaichuai, Director-General of the Marine Department, noted that the center has been instrumental in producing highly skilled marine and engineering professionals since 1971. It trains personnel at all levels to meet International Maritime Organization standards, enhancing the quality and professionalism of the maritime workforce.
The center will welcome 237 new students for the 2025 academic year, with inclusive opportunities for gender equality. The new intake will include 150 navigation students and 87 marine engineering students, marking a significant contribution to the ongoing development of Thailand's shipping industry. The class of 2024, consisting of 116 graduates, is expected to play a key role in strengthening the country's water transportation system and economy, in line with the national policy "Water Transportation for Opportunities for Thailand."