Bangkok: Academics warn that political forces are ignoring the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) and the Ministry of Education, viewing them as "Grade C" despite them being key to lifting the country out of the middle-income trap.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Adisorn Naunon, an education scholar and president of Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University, stated during a seminar on policies to upgrade Thai universities after the 2026 election that national development cannot be separated from the political context. Political conflict and instability are major causes of development crises, including the upgrading of university quality. He also observed that most political parties' policies tend to prioritize economic well-being over policies on higher education, science, and research, which are rarely mentioned during election campaigns.
Mr. Adisorn acknowledged that the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) and the Ministry of Education (MOE) are often viewed as "Grade C ministries" that don't garner popularity or attract politicians compared to key economic ministries like Finance, Energy, or Industry. While human resource development isn't a primary vote-buying issue, the key to Thailand's escape from the middle-income trap and becoming a high-income country lies with MHESI and universities, which are the primary sources of human resource development, research, technology, and innovation.
The proposal suggests that political parties elevate the role of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) to a national agenda, using universities as a key mechanism to drive the economy and national infrastructure. This involves systematically integrating the work of universities, science agencies, and research institutions, as well as linking them with the Ministries of Economy, Industry, Energy, and Society, to ensure integrated development rather than fragmented efforts, and to create a sustainable force for national advancement.