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Thailand Launches THERA to Bridge Global Education Research
The Office of the Education Council has introduced the Thai Education Research Association (THERA) to integrate academic research into national policy-making.
On August 7, 2026, the Office of the Education Council (OEC) officially launched the Thai Education Research Association (THERA) during the Thailand International Conference on Education Research (ThaiCER) 2026, held at the Asawin Grand Convention Hotel in Bangkok. According to Khaosod Online, the event featured a high-level policy dialogue titled “From Evidence to Impact: Shaping Resilient Education Futures.”
The initiative aims to bridge the gap between academic research and practical policy implementation, ensuring that educational studies lead to tangible improvements for students. The launch was attended by key figures, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Prof. Dr. Yoschanan Vongsawat, alongside OEC Secretary-General Assoc. Prof. Dr. Prawit Erawan and international representatives such as Prof. Joe O’Hara, President of the World Education Research Association (WERA).
For residents and expatriates, this development signals a potential shift toward data-driven reforms in the Thai education system. While the association aims to influence future policy, the specific timeline for these educational changes and the exact mechanisms for how research will be integrated into classroom practices remain to be confirmed. Observers will be watching to see how THERA’s collaboration with global networks influences the quality and accessibility of education in Thailand moving forward.