Thailand International Education Expo : Propelling Thailand's Education Full Steam Towards Era of AEC

Online, April 1, 2012 (Newswire.com) - With the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) coming into full effect in 2015, international study programs have suddenly become a popular choice for students as well as the entrepreneurial sector in Thailand. As a response to this surge in demand, the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce is hosting the 9th Thailand International Education Expo (TIEE) at Siam Paragon from today (Friday, March 30) till Sunday, April 1, 2012.

Organized in collaboration with public and private organizations in the education service sector, the 9th TIEE showcases Thailand's leading position as the regional hub of international education. The event seeks to attract not only more foreign exhibitors, but also larger numbers of overseas students to study in this Southeast Asian paradise.

Officiating at the opening ceremony, recently held at the Royal Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon, in Bangkok, was Deputy Commerce Minister Mr. Poom Sarapol, who was welcomed by Director General of the Department of International Trade Promotion Mrs. Nuntawan Sakuntanaga, the event's organizers, members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of international education institutes from Thailand and abroad.

In his opening speech, the Deputy Commerce Minister said: "First launched in 2003, this annual exhibition has evolved into a full-fledged exposition, presenting the tremendous progress that Thailand has made in our quest to become the center of international education in this part of the world; and underscoring our readiness for the advent of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015.

"In today's cyber-connected globe, it is necessary to continuously develop human resources through high quality education. For our part, we have always encouraged our educational institutes to keep developing new innovations in education that would answer the needs of students, both foreign and Thai. At this fair, we have gathered these innovative techniques for all to see."

Mr. Poom also revealed that; "this time, the 239 booths at TIEE bring together 169 exhibitors - not only from Thailand but also from 15 other countries such as China, the United Arab Emirates, Russia and Malaysia, for example, illustrating the truly international prestige of this expo.

"In Southeast Asia, TIEE remains the meeting point for educational professionals and academic experts, for potential students and parents seeking the best curriculum, and for major suppliers of educational materials and technology. Today, Thailand remains a highly competitive education provider as we offer first-class education, along with a high standard of living and good quality of life, at a cost that is far less than those in many other countries. Indeed, as you will witness, TIEE lives up to its theme of "Live + Learn: The Choice Is Infinite," said Mr. Poom Sarapol, Deputy Minister of Commerce.

Running till Sunday, April 1, TIEE offers detailed information on education services available on all levels, while providing a series of insightful seminars and workshops as well as exhibition of innovations from university students - all aimed at enhancing the competitiveness and readiness of the country's human resources for the upcoming AEC.

Among the highlights are edutainment activities such as TIEE Talent Contest, TIEE Young Reporter, English proficiency test and games, in which competitors will win prizes galore, including scholarships.

The 9th Thailand International Education Expo is open to the general public free of charge from 10 a.m. till 6 p.m., March 30 through April 1, at the Royal Paragon Hall, 5th Floor, Siam Paragon. For further information, call + 66 (0) 2507 8387-9.
E-mail: [email protected] or visit www.thaitradefair.com