On October 22, 2024, Supamas Isarapakdee, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, announced that the Senate has approved four draft bills aimed at establishing a fund for the development of higher education. These bills include the Higher Education Act (No. ..), the Promotion of Science, Research, and Innovation Act (No. ..), the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Administrative Regulations Act (No. ..), and the National Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation Policy Council Act (No. ..). The House of Representatives has already voted in favor of these proposals.
The meeting included participation from several officials, including Pitak Ratchakitprakarn, the Minister of Labor, and Suphachai Chaisamut, the Assistant Minister of Higher Education. They provided insights into the rationale behind establishing the “Fund for Higher Education Development.” The fund is designed to enhance the excellence of higher education institutions and produce highly skilled professionals in line with the country’s demands. This initiative is seen as a crucial tool for aligning workforce development with national growth objectives, responding to rapidly changing global dynamics, and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all segments of society. It aims to provide accessible, high-quality higher education at affordable costs.
Supamas further stated that Senate members engaged in discussions, raising observations and dividing into votes for each bill. Ultimately, the Senate voted to approve all four draft bills, which the House of Representatives has already considered. A special committee of 21 members has been formed to further examine the proposed legislation, with a seven-day period allocated for amendments as per procedural regulations.
