BANGKOK – Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has announced a strategic initiative to enhance the country’s education system, aiming to produce a workforce skilled in high-tech industries. The plan, discussed at a recent National Council for Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation Policy meeting, targets key sectors including electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and advanced medical technology, alongside clean energy and environmental sustainability.
A major component of the initiative is the creation of a National Credit Bank system. This system will allow individuals to accumulate credits from both educational achievements and work experience, which can be applied toward degrees. The goal is to provide more flexibility and expand access to higher education, as well as to upskill and reskill the workforce to meet the demands of emerging industries.
The plan also includes a specific focus on the semiconductor industry, aiming to develop a workforce of at least 80,000 specialized professionals by 2030. To achieve this, six training centers will be established, and industry-specific curricula will be developed to attract investments and position Thailand as a global hub for semiconductors and advanced electronics.
In addition, the council approved a 160.13 billion baht budget for the 2026 fiscal year. A large portion of this budget will support higher education, with an emphasis on producing graduates in crucial fields such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and electric vehicles. The funding will also back research and innovation initiatives that address national challenges and promote sustainable development.
