The 9th TIEE : Education Expo Boosts Thailand's Readiness for AEC

Online, April 24, 2012 (Newswire.com) - The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce, in reaffirming Thailand's growing prestige as the best place in Southeast Asia for world-class international education, hosted the 9th Thailand International Education Expo (TIEE) from March 30 to April 1, 2012.

Filling the entire 5th-floor hall at Siam Paragon in Bangkok, the three-day exposition saw a higher number of foreign exhibitors taking part, with China's booth drawing particular interest from visitors.

Mrs. Nuntawan Sakuntanaga, Director General of the DITP, expressed satisfaction in outcome, saying: "In its 9th edition, Thailand International Education Expo has achieved a striking success in terms of the international collaboration between Thai and foreign institutes. The 239 booths at TIEE brought together 169 exhibitors, including 59 booths set up by 33 foreign exhibitors from 15 countries, such China, Malaysia, Australia, Canada, United States, the United Arab Emirates, Russia and Japan, among others.

In addition, nearly 10,000 serious fair visitors from Thailand and nearly 30 other countries -- including China, Singapore, Vietnam, India, Cambodia, United States, Malaysia, the Philippines, United Kingdom and Laos, in respective order, were drawn to the event, and took part in the various edutainment activities, stage performances, displays of students' innovations and informative games that came with prizes galore.

An opinion survey of TIEE exhibitors and visitors showed a very positive response. Most exhibitors confirmed they were satisfied with the number of targetted visitors who attended the fair. They also affirmed that the TIEE provided a great business platform to establish international networks and collaboration between educational institutes. Meanwhile, the visitors said they gained in-depth and helpful information, not only for making the best choices in education and career path but also in preparing for the challenge of the upcoming AEC.

Mr. Rachapol Phanphakdee, a representative of Bangkok Maritime Group Co., Ltd., said: "Bangkok Maritime Institute is the only institute in Thailand that offers a maritime study program in English and Thai. We also cooperate with the world's third biggest shipping company - Wallem Group Limited. Today, the global maritime industry is a large and profitable enterprise where employment demand is growing continually and rapidly. At the moment, our institute is very popular among students from around the world, especially from India.

"We are participating for the first time at TIEE and this is truly helping us to promote and generate wider awareness of maritime studies among the public. Personally, I think this event really benefits students and parents a great deal, if they are looking for quality education. TIEE meets completely with our satisfaction and we will surely be exhibiting here again next year," Mr. Rachapol concluded.

Among the many visitors at TIEE was Mrs. Watchraluk Suwansri, who said: "Visiting this fair has been an absolutely informative experience. TIEE clearly proves that it is not necessary to send our children abroad to study because Thailand also offers world-class curricula, and at a cost that is far less expensive than in foreign countries. Having Thai students attend school in Thailand also helps to generate national revenue. So I highly recommend that parents and guardians seeking international education programs for their children should visit TIEE every year."