Connecting Multidisciplinary Research to Shape a More Equitable, Resilient, and Sustainable Future for Thai Education
During 6-7 August 2026, the Equitable Education Fund (EEF) Thailand, in collaboration with the Office of the Education Council (OEC) and network partners, hosted the Thailand International Conference on Education Research (ThaiCER) 2026 under the theme “Resilient Future: Building Adaptive, Equitable, and Sustainable Education” at the Asawin Grand Convention Hotel in Bangkok.
ThaiCER 2026 builds on the shared vision of advancing an educational system that is equitable, sustainable, and resilient in the face of growing global uncertainty and inequality. The conference serves as a platform for researchers and experts from Thailand and abroad to exchange knowledge, build new partnerships, and promote the practical application of research findings.
Presiding over the opening ceremony, Mr. Prasert Jantararuangtong, Minister of Education, emphasized the significance of research, stating, “Knowledge creation and innovation rely on research. This event serves as a crucial opportunity for Thai researchers to meet and exchange ideas with international scholars, allowing them to apply this knowledge to the education sector and lay down strategies to boost competitiveness on the global stage.”
Mr. Prasert Jantararuangtong
Minister of Education
Meanwhile, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Prawit Erawan, Secretary-General of the OEC, shared his views on using research to drive meaningful change in Thailand’s educational system, noting, “Research forms the essential foundation for educational reform; applying research data to shape policy directions leads to broad systemic impact. This conference provides a valuable central platform for domestic and international researchers to work together.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Prawit Erawan
Secretary-General of the Office of the Education Council (OEC)
One of the conference’s key highlights was the official launch of the Thailand Education Research Association (THERA). Following its admission as a member of the World Education Research Association (WERA)—the world’s largest network of educational research organizations—EEF (Thailand) has worked with OEC and partner organizations to establish THERA as a national platform for educational research. THERA aims to serve as a hub uniting multidisciplinary research networks to brainstorm and support educational innovation in response to multi-dimensional challenges from technological shifts and contemporary changes.
Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), shared his vision, adding, “Educational reform is an urgent priority. The establishment of THERA will allow Thai researchers to collaborate with global associations, learn from international case studies, and elevate Thai education to meet international standards to prepare for future educational challenges.”
Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI)
The conference also featured a high-level policy dialogue with Prof. Joe O’Hara, President of WERA, and Prof. Dr. Mustafa Yunus Eryaman, Past President of WERA, alongside Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat and Dr. Kraiyos Patrawart, Managing Director of EEF (Thailand).
Prof. Joe O’Hara
President of World Education Research Association (WERA)
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Yunus Eryaman
Past President of World Education Research Association (WERA)
Dr. Kraiyos Patrawart, Managing Director of EEF (Thailand), commented on THERA’s role in connecting academic insights to policy. Developing an educational system requires not only adequate funding but also institutional network mechanisms that strengthen knowledge creation to enable sustained collaboration between academic and policy sectors and elevate Thai research to global recognition.
Dr. Kraiyos Patrawart
Managing Director of Equitable Education Fund (EEF) Thailand
“With THERA established, it opens doors to invite educators, teachers, and students nationwide to join the network and co-develop policy proposals. This ensures practitioners use evidence and data in educational planning, ultimately yielding the greatest benefits for Thai children and youth,” concluded Dr. Kraiyos.
