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Siripong Angkasakulkiat Confirms Thailand’s Tablet Project Advancement Despite Budget Cuts

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The Education Ministry remains steadfast in its mission to roll out the ambitious tablet distribution project, undeterred by the budget reduction from 16 billion to 13 billion baht, Assistant to the Education Minister, Siripong Angkasakulkiat, assured on Monday. Education Minister Pol Gen Permpoon Chidchob is dedicated to the “One District, One Quality School” initiative aimed at building a robust network of educational resources—both physical and technological—across schools in each district.

Despite the financial cutbacks, the ministry is determined to press on, emphasizing its commitment to supporting teachers and introducing innovative technologies into schools, Siripong stated. The project encompasses plans to distribute educational tools, including tablets, to students in Mathayom 4-6 classes across 1,808 schools nationwide. To this end, the ministry is engaging contractors to develop top-notch platforms and teaching content.

Currently, the project is under review for the 2025 budget allocation. The original tablet distribution budget, slashed from 16 billion to 13 billion baht, will finance a five-year lease of 600,000 tablets at a rate of 400 baht per device, inclusive of internet service. At the moment, 1,808 district high schools are registered for the project, with plans to consider the inclusion of smaller and medium-sized schools in upcoming phases.

According to the Education Ministry, the distribution of tablets aims to enhance learning flexibility, providing over 600,000 devices to students and teachers and equipping them with accessible content. The ministry disclosed last month that the total program cost, spanning from 2025 to 2029 and covering 29,312 schools, is estimated to reach 22 billion baht.

This initiative has sparked comparisons to the earlier “One Tablet, One Student” project during the Yingluck Shinawatra administration. Prior to the 2014 coup, Yingluck’s government had ambitious plans to procure or lease over 2.5 million tablets with a substantial budget of 12 billion baht for students nationwide.

With the current project, the ministry highlights a refined approach aiming to avoid the pitfalls of the past while delivering cutting-edge educational resources to empower Thailand’s future generations.

40 Comments

  1. Paul Smith July 15, 2024

    This is a huge waste of taxpayer money. We should be focusing on improving teacher training rather than getting tablets for students!

    • EducatorJane July 15, 2024

      Actually, digital resources can greatly enhance learning and provide students with skills they need in the modern world. It’s about integrating technology with good teaching.

      • Paul Smith July 15, 2024

        I get your point, but history has shown us these tablet projects rarely deliver the long-term benefits promised. Teacher quality is number one!

      • TechGuru92 July 15, 2024

        You both have valid points. But why can’t we aim for a balanced approach – investing in both teacher training and technology?

  2. Zara July 15, 2024

    I think it’s great that the government is taking steps to incorporate technology in education. It can create a more engaging learning environment.

    • ConcernedParent July 15, 2024

      Tablets are fine, but what about students who don’t even have basic school supplies? This seems like putting the cart before the horse.

    • Zara July 15, 2024

      True, basic needs are essential too. Hopefully, the project will evolve to address multiple aspects of educational inequality.

  3. Dr. Michael G. July 15, 2024

    It’s interesting to compare this with Yingluck’s project. Let’s hope they’ve learned from the past mistakes. Proper monitoring and evaluation will be key.

  4. Student123 July 15, 2024

    I’m excited about getting tablets! It will make studying so much easier with all the online resources.

    • TeacherTom July 15, 2024

      Remember, technology is a tool, not a solution. How it’s used makes all the difference.

  5. Sophia L. July 15, 2024

    The focus should be on providing equitable education. Not all schools have the same infrastructure to support such technology.

    • TechSupportTim July 15, 2024

      Good point, but the project includes internet services. The key will be consistent implementation across all districts.

  6. DigitalNative July 15, 2024

    It’s about time! The world is moving forward, and so should education systems. Tablets can revolutionize the way kids learn.

  7. RuralTeacher July 15, 2024

    This won’t work in rural areas where internet connection is scarce. We need basic educational infrastructure first.

    • CityKid July 16, 2024

      But if the program includes internet services, it could improve connectivity in rural areas too.

    • RuralTeacher July 16, 2024

      Maybe, but I’ve seen so many projects fall short due to lack of proper execution. I remain skeptical.

  8. FocusOnFunds July 16, 2024

    Reducing the budget from 16 billion to 13 billion is concerning. Will the quality of the tablets or the content suffer?

    • BudgetConscious July 16, 2024

      It’s about efficient use of funds. Sometimes cuts provoke smarter spending!

  9. Larry Davis July 16, 2024

    Laptops would be a better investment over tablets. More functionality for students.

  10. Environmentalist123 July 16, 2024

    What’s the environmental impact of distributing 600,000 tablets? This could lead to significant e-waste down the line.

    • EcoAware July 16, 2024

      Agreed. The ministry should have a plan for recycling and disposal of these devices to minimize environmental impact.

    • greenfuture July 16, 2024

      Also, how sustainable is the manufacturing process of these tablets? Let’s hope they’re using environmentally friendly practices.

  11. Grower134 July 16, 2024

    How about using this budget for agricultural education? That’s an area where Thailand needs to really innovate.

    • FarmerJoe July 16, 2024

      Totally with you there. Food security should be prioritized over gadgets.

  12. GraphGuy July 16, 2024

    Given the rapid advancement of tech, these tablets could become obsolete quickly. How does the ministry plan to address this?

  13. Marina July 16, 2024

    Comparing this to Yingluck’s project is a bit unfair. Technology and needs have evolved significantly since then.

    • HistoryBuff July 16, 2024

      True, but the point is to learn from past projects to ensure better outcomes. History is a good teacher if we listen.

  14. EducatorJane July 16, 2024

    The idea of equity in education is important here. Tablets could help bridge the gap for students in lower-resource schools.

    • SkepticalSam July 16, 2024

      I remain doubtful. Inequity in education stems from deeper issues than access to technology.

    • Zara July 16, 2024

      But it’s a step in the right direction and can highlight those very inequities, prompting further action.

  15. Jimbo July 16, 2024

    Will students become too dependent on technology and lose basic skills like handwriting and mental arithmetic?

  16. Sarah K. July 16, 2024

    I hope the teachers receive proper training on how to integrate these tablets into their lesson plans effectively.

  17. NeoClassic July 16, 2024

    Why not invest in creating better educational content, regardless of the delivery method?

  18. Athena July 16, 2024

    Expensive projects like this detract from other critical areas like school facilities and teacher salaries, which also need attention.

  19. Roger July 16, 2024

    Will the project cover all subjects, including arts and sports, or will it focus mainly on STEM?

  20. OptimisticOmar July 16, 2024

    I believe this is a positive move. It signals progress in taking Thai education into the 21st century.

  21. SkepticalSam July 16, 2024

    I’m not sure about the five-year lease. What happens after that? Another budget battle?

  22. Student123 July 16, 2024

    Can’t wait for interactive textbooks! Our current ones are so boring.

    • MomOfTwo July 16, 2024

      Make sure to still pay attention to the actual content, not just the bells and whistles on the tablet.

    • Student123 July 16, 2024

      Of course! But learning with videos and interactive content makes it more fun and easy to understand.

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