Each year on 16 January,
Thailand celebrates National Teachers’ Day to underline the importance of
teachers and to show gratitude to them.
According to the Ministry
of Education, the celebration of National Teachers’ Day 2014 focuses on the
concept of honoring “Mother and Teacher of the Land.”
The Cabinet on 7 May 2013
endorsed the proposal by the Ministry of Education to present Her Majesty Queen
Sirikit with the title of “Mother and Teacher of the Land.” The presentation
was meant to commemorate Her Majesty 80th birthday anniversary, 12 August 2012.
Her Majesty is aware of the
need to eliminate illiteracy and reduce social disadvantages. She believes that
education is necessary for human, social, and national development. Her Majesty
has contributed to Thailand’s education in many ways. For instance, she has
granted scholarships for needy students and disadvantaged youths.
Her Majesty the Queen has
accepted many educational institutions and foundations under her royal
patronage. She has also provided support for the setting up and expansion of
schools in remote areas. Her Majesty’s contribution to education is evident and
recognized in both Thailand and abroad. She is the model teacher for the royal
children, who have followed in her footsteps in providing people with education
support. Apart from promoting education, Her Majesty sometimes taught local
villagers herself, when she accompanied His Majesty the King on his visits to
the people in remote areas. She has played a vital role in non-formal education
without discrimination.
The celebration of National
Teachers’ Day 2014 is the 58th of its kind. 16 January was chosen as Teachers’
Day to commemorate the enforcement of the Teachers Act on 16 January 1946, and
it was celebrated for the first time in 1957. Various activities to mark this
occasion include a ceremony to pay respect to senior teachers, as well as an
award presentation to honor teachers, along with a discussion and an
exhibition.
This year the venue for the
celebration will be changed from the auditorium of the Office of the Teachers
Council in Bangkok to Kanchanapisek Wittayalai Nakhon Pathom School in Nakhon
Pathom province.
The Ministry of Education
has urged teachers to join education reform, as teachers play an important role
in developing human resources and reshaping society. A major feature of the
education reform is to improve the quality of teachers. Efforts have been made
for teacher development in order to raise the country’s education standards.
The topic of discussion on
National Teachers’ Day 2014 emphasizes the future of teachers in the 21st
century. The Office of the Teachers Council stressed the need for Thai teachers
to be ready for their professional development at the international standard
and to serve as models for their students.
(thailand.prd.go.th)