Prayut backs STEM subjects push to boost development

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has thrown his support behind studies on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to steer the country towards the “Thailand 4.0” concept which features a new economic model emphasising innovation and technology.

He was speaking at Prince of Songkla University as part of his visit to the southern province of Songkhla to provide financial assistance to small- and medium-sized enterprises there yesterday.

Referring to education issues, Gen Prayut said the learning process must be improved to better serve the country’s development. He insisted efforts must be made to groom people in the fields which the country needs and reduce the number of those hired from overseas.

Gen Prayut said students must be exposed to analytical thinking and learn how to develop their ideas, particularly in STEM subjects, which are complex and difficult to master, adding such knowledge would move Thailand forward.

The government earlier announced a plan to allow foreign higher learning education to operate in 10 special economic zones.

Education Minister Teerakiat Jareonsettasin said the foreign candidates include Harvard University, Carnegie Mellon University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, some leading universities in the United Kingdom and several top universities from Japan.

He said the country needs world-leading universities to provide teaching support in fields that are crucial for the upgrade to “Thailand 4.0”.

Gen Prayut said the government is now paying attention to industrial development in the East since the region is ready for such an arrangement.

The administration also seeks cooperation with neighbouring countries to develop sister cities to support each other’s businesses. Songkhla has come under the scheme.

Gen Prayut said his government takes into account research as part of the country’s development to move the country forward in line with its national strategic plan. Such moves differ from the past, when governments only focused on projects promised by political parties.

He admitted the country is stuck in a middle-income trap, a situation where a country’s growth slows after reaching middle-income levels, saying drastic changes are needed to lift the country out of it.

Large amounts of money have been allocated to regional areas for development, he said.

PHOTO BY GOVERNMENT HOUSE Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha joins in a dance at a market during his visit to nearby Prince of Songkla University’s Hat Yai campus in Songkhla where he spoke about the Thailand 4.0 policy for the South. The policy is aimed at driving the country...