The Thai Education Ministry is set to distribute electronic devices, including tablets and laptops, to 600,000 high school students this year as part of a broader initiative aimed at enabling flexible learning opportunities. The project is intended to enhance access to education by providing students with the necessary tools to study from any location.
Deputy Education Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul announced on Wednesday that the cabinet had approved two ministry-led initiatives: the Digital Skill/Credit Portfolio: Empowering Educations project, valued at over 4.21 billion baht, and the second phase (2026-2031) of the electronic device distribution program, with a budget exceeding 29.76 billion baht.
According to Surasak, the ministry has secured electronic devices—including tablets, laptops, and Chromebooks—for 600,000 students attending community and opportunity expansion schools this year. In addition, the ministry has proposed an additional 29 billion baht budget for the following year to extend the program to another 1.2 million students.
The Comptroller General’s Department has recommended adjustments to the procurement criteria, specifically regarding the technical specifications required from suppliers. Surasak reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to maintaining high standards for device quality and functionality, stressing that reducing specifications could affect the effectiveness of the equipment provided to students.
The procurement process is expected to move forward swiftly, with the goal of distributing the first batch of devices by the beginning of the new academic term in May. However, Surasak noted that if any delays arise, the rollout could be postponed to the second semester. Vocational students are also expected to benefit from the initiative.
