Thailand to open, close school terms like other ASEAN states

BANGKOK, December 15 (TNA) - Schools in Thailand will continue to open and close their academic terms in the same periods of those in other member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Education Minister General Dapong Rattanasuwan confirmed the policy on December 15, saying he has been reported by agencies concerned that the policy would hardly affect the domestic education system, in terms of both the historical and cultural aspects, although the new periods may be somewhat affected by the warm weather. General Dapong elaborated that, based on the reports he has received, elementary schools would not be affected by the new school terms periods, while students who want to further their study abroad would also have more time to make their preparations. According to the education minister, the new school terms periods would also support class arrangements of higher educational institues. The Thai education minister's remarks were in response to a proposal raised by the Council of Faculty Senates and Government Officials of Thailand that the Ministry of Education return to the previous school terms periods, citing that the new periods, which are compatible with those in other ASEAN nations, would affect class arrangements due mainly to many public holidays. (TNA)