The former Thammasat University (TU) rector will succeed Phawit Thongroj as Higher Education Commission secretary-general on October 1.

Q: What issue will you tackle first when you enter your new office?

A: Admissions. After I take up the post it will only be a few months before entrance exams take place, and I must ensure there is no repeat of this year's problems.

Over the long term, I will focus on the competitiveness of universities - public and private - nationwide, which needs to be improved to international level. This includes the Rajabhat universities or institutes of technology. We will have to support them in terms of finance and human resources.

There are many university executives who see your assignment as inappropriate because you were not in the education sector. What do you say to this?

I thank all my critics because I can change and improve myself to work with them. Actually, some people said the assignment was appropriate while some said otherwise. But it was a government decision.

I thank the critics for voicing their opinions straightforwardly. I can take it. I want their advice because working with universities is more about cooperation than ordering people around. As TU rector, I cooperated with various universities and led the organising committee for Thailand's University Games.

What worries you the most about your new role?

I do the best I can in every role I take. When I was assigned to organise the Asian Games and the World University Games in Thailand, I didn't want to do it but I did the job assigned to me with all my energy. Then people began to see me as a rector specialising in sport, about which I am happy. There were mixed reactions before I worked at the FPO. But today I'm content that I have done the best I could.

I've been following movements in the education sector and have some knowledge about the O-Net (Ordinary National Educational Test) and A-Net (Advanced National Educational Test) because my children are set to sit them. I'm also a committee member at an educational institution. I still teach, still help the university and am the vice president for the educational association. So, I've never really left education.

Some people say you landed the post because of your political connections. How do you respond to this?

My political image comes from the fact that I am a friend of caretaker deputy prime ministers Suwat Liptapanlop and Somkid Jatusripitak, who is also the caretaker commerce minister.

Let the people criticise. But let me ask this, was there any political interference while I was TU rector or when I was a dean and member of the teachers' council? I can't help it that I studied in the same class (as these politicians). What do you want me to do? I think people should take me for my work. I'll work hard, hold on to principles and be fearless. I'll do the best I can.

What about policies? Have you set anything in your mind yet?

I've just spoken to caretaker Education Minister Chaturon Chaisang who was of the same opinion - to improve the quality of universities. There are many other things to work on as well, which I will tell you after I enter office. Right now, I'm talking to many university presidents about suggestions regarding policy changes.

How are you preparing to take charge of the O and A-Net exams?

I won't have to do much because the University Presidents' Council has already set the formula. And the National Institute of Education Testing Service will organise them. I, as higher education commission secretary-general, will just supervise and lend a hand when asked.

What is your view about the problems facing the Thai education system?

The quality of education must be improved. We have to brainstorm and analyse ideas from various sectors to do this. This is what Chaturon and I agree on.

How will you - with your experience as the FPO director - support university research and harness it for commercial purposes?

Research is the heart of a university and I will try to link this research with the private sector, who could make a lot of use of it. I'll try to find ways to get both parties to collaborate more.

Chularat Saengpassa

The Nation