From July 14 to 16, 2026, a delegation of faculty and students from TEC and the Graduate School at Shanghai Normal University, accompanied by Dr. Phattharamanat Sritrakul from Chiang Mai University's Faculty of Education, conducted a three-day educational field study in primary and secondary schools in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The research theme focused on "Internationalization of Basic Education in Thailand".
On July 14, the delegation first visited Puttisopon School, located in the heart of Chiang Mai's Old City. Principal Dumrong Matee, accompanied by Vice Principals Siriporn Tachanun and Patcharaporn Wisatkun, extended a warm welcome to the delegation. Since joining the International Standard School Project, Puttisopon School has offered three types of courses for grades one to six: general classes, mini-English programs, and science and mathematics classes. The school aims to cultivate students' ability to communicate fluently in Thai, English, and Chinese. During their visit, the delegation listened to a presentation of Chinese language learning for sixth-grade students, audited a Chinese class, and engaged in interviews and exchanges with school faculty and students on related topics.
On the morning of July 15, the delegation visited The Prince Royal's College (PRC). Principal Kriang Tidtijumreonporn informed the delegation that PRC is a K-12 integrated school with 6,738 students and 631 faculty and staff members. The school mission is to "shape human character". Dr. Keeratikan Fuangkarn, Head of the Foreign Language and International Relations Department, elaborated on the school's path from localization to globalization in international education, focusing on three dimensions: teacher professional development, cultivation of globally competent students, and PRC's character education. The delegation gained a detailed understanding of the school's international faculty and its approach to fostering students' global competencies.
In the afternoon, the delegation visited the Education for Future Leaders Learning Centre (EFL), a local training institution for foreign teachers. John Quinn, EFL's Curriculum Director, and Dr. Wilaiwan Wannachotphawet Quinn, its legal representative, welcomed the delegation. They introduced how EFL provides certification and internship experiences for foreign teachers in Thailand, and explored the alternative in-service training system for foreign teachers. Both sides engaged in discussions on global teacher shortages and quality improvement issues in achieving SDG 4.
On July 16, the delegation visited Kowitthamrong Chiang Mai School. Vice Principals Sujin Karakovida and Wittayakit Hanjit, along with Foreign Teacher Supervisor Julie Verachingchai, warmly welcomed the delegation. This school is dedicated to holistic education, cultivating students who possess both professional skills and correct life values. The delegation toured a local market and gained a cultural understanding of the school's community activities. During their visit, the delegation exchanged ideas with the school's foreign teachers on topics such as certification for teaching in Thailand, professional development activities, salary and benefits, and teacher retention.
The Chiang Mai research activities were well-themed and rich in content, covering various educational institutions from kindergarten, primary, and secondary schools to universities, encompassing both public and private sectors, and both on-campus and off-campus settings. Through international conferences, departmental exchanges, group interviews, faculty-student interactions, classroom observations, and informal tea breaks, the delegation gained a deep understanding of the internationalized educational practices and cooperation mechanisms in Thai primary and secondary schools, as well as the vibrant landscape of ensuring internationalized teaching staff.
