Bangkok: The Minister of Education has approved the draft criteria for curriculum accreditation and National Qualification Framework (NQF) equivalency, a move aimed at supporting credit banks and enhancing proficiency in four languages while connecting professional standards with the labor market. A summit with ASEAN officials is also on the agenda for August.
According to Thai News Agency, Professor Dr. Narumon Pinyosinwat, Minister of Education, chaired a meeting of the National Qualifications Framework Committee. At the meeting, the important agenda item of approving the draft criteria and methods for assessing curriculum consistency and equivalency according to the NQF was considered. The aim is to establish a framework, guidelines, and processes for considering, certifying, and registering curricula that align with NQF standards, facilitating the transfer of learning outcomes and the accumulation of credits in the credit banking system. The discussion focused on three aspects: curriculum design and level determination, assessment and evaluation, and quality assurance. Related issues such as organization information, course/subject details, and alignment with both NQF learning outcomes and occupational standards were also examined.
The meeting also reached an agreement on guidelines for comparing proficiency levels in four languages-English, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese-against the NQF. These guidelines will serve as a benchmark for evaluating language abilities relative to the NQF. The Council of Education will incorporate the committee's feedback before disseminating the guidelines to relevant agencies for official implementation.
The ongoing existence of the National Qualifications Framework Committee, as affirmed by a Cabinet resolution from October 7, 2025, was also acknowledged. This resolution allows for the continuation of 15 committees under the Ministry of Education, effective from October 4, 2025. The committee, led by the Deputy Prime Minister with the Minister of Education as vice-chairman and 33 other members, is responsible for setting policies and strategies for NQF implementation, promoting occupational standards, and supporting education aligned with these standards. It also aims to develop a system for accumulating and transferring learning outcomes and experiences, create a database system, and promote the NQF's linkage with ASEAN and international frameworks.
Progress has been noted in aligning the education system with labor-accepted standards and in creating learning opportunities for individuals both within and outside formal education systems. This facilitates lifelong learning and supports the ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework (AQRF), contributing to a workforce that meets domestic and international labor market needs. Continuous work has been carried out under the National Qualifications Framework Committee since 2011, focusing on policy formulation and strategy development, recognized as beneficial by relevant agencies.
Additionally, Thailand will host meetings in August 2026 to develop guidelines for implementing Criterion 11 and the 17th AQRF Committee meeting in Bangkok. The National Education Council will collaborate with relevant agencies to co-host these events.