Thailand and Finland are exploring new opportunities to strengthen their educational cooperation, with Finnish organisations presenting initiatives in teacher training, digital learning and early childhood education during a meeting at Thailand’s Ministry of Education.
The meeting took place on 4 November, when Thailand’s Deputy Permanent Secretary for Education, Surapong Uemuthai, welcomed Finnish Education Ambassador Outi Hakanen and representatives of several Finnish education organisations.
Discussions focused on exchanging expertise and exploring ways to improve teacher development, introduce educational technology and reduce inequalities in access to education.
Several Finnish organisations presented their ongoing and proposed initiatives in Thailand.
Omnia, a Finnish education provider, has signed a cooperation agreement with Thailand’s Office of the Vocational Education Commission to support the professional development of teachers and education personnel.
Meanwhile, Finnish digital mathematics platform Eduten is working with Thailand’s Office of the Basic Education Commission to introduce its learning platform in pilot schools.
Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences also expressed its willingness to support Thailand’s One District One Scholarship (ODOS) programme. The university proposed offering specialised educational programmes for scholarship students, potentially including a six-week study programme similar to one successfully conducted last year.
Finnish early childhood education provider HEI Schools presented its approach to play-based learning and discussed how elements of the Finnish early childhood education model could be adapted to the Thai education system.
During the meeting, Surapong outlined five main education policy priorities for Thailand, including reducing the workload of teachers and students, addressing educational inequalities, introducing artificial intelligence into teaching and learning, and improving school safety.
The two sides also discussed broader cooperation in areas such as STEM education, vocational training, teacher development and the use of educational technology.
As a next step, Thailand and Finland plan to organise a joint education seminar in 2027 to further develop the proposals and translate the discussions into practical cooperation.
The meeting highlights Finland’s continued engagement with Thailand’s education sector, where Finnish expertise in teacher training, digital learning and early childhood education is being explored as part of efforts to improve the country’s education system.
