Bangkok: The Ministry of Education has taken the royal speech to heart, emphasizing history lessons to encourage children to think analytically.
According to Thai News Agency, the Minister of Education has taken the royal speech of King Rama X to heart, emphasizing history lessons to encourage children to think analytically. He revealed that on October 29, an MOU will be signed with the National Housing Authority to repair and build teachers' housing, and that he is preparing to adjust the criteria for teacher qualifications.
Professor Dr. Narumon Pinyosinwat, Minister of Education, presided over a seminar for directors of Educational Service Area Offices (ESAOs) nationwide. She explained the policy, emphasizing the royal address of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, which he bestowed upon youth, on the importance of history. He emphasized the importance of teaching history. He did not want teachers to teach by rote, "What happened in history and then test it?" Instead, he emphasized teaching so that children could understand and analyze "why a particular event happened" and "why leaders at that time made that decision." This will help children develop comprehensive analytical thinking skills. He urged all district directors to recognize the importance of history and civic duty.
Prof. Dr. Narumon also addressed Deputy Prime Minister Thammanat Prompao, who oversees the Ministry of Education. He stated that his priority is "teacher welfare and well-being," particularly regarding the dilapidated nature of teacher housing in many areas. On October 29th, the Ministry of Education, through the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC), will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Housing Authority to proceed with the project to improve and develop teacher housing. Therefore, OBEC and the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) are requested to survey the condition of teacher housing in each area to identify areas requiring repair, renovation, or new construction. The matter will then be submitted to the Cabinet for approval. This benefit will enable OBEC to establish a binding budget to continuously pay the National Housing Authority, preventing further budget cuts in future years.
Regarding teacher qualifications, after listening to feedback from various parties, which is consistent with problems encountered since assuming office, namely the criteria and evaluators for requesting promotion, the Teacher Civil Service and Educational Personnel Commission (TCSC) has reviewed the criteria to some extent and will propose new criteria for consideration on October 30.