The organisers announced plans yesterday for the convention at the Siam Paragon cineplex, where a seminar was also held on the topic "Who Shapes the Future of Thai Education - Teachers or Others?"

Science Ministry permanent secretary Saksit Tridech said his ministry and the Ministry of Education were collaborating to launch a "science schools" project in the country's four regions.

He said Thailand was not making scientific progress as it should because of a shortage of scientists and researchers. The ministry had therefore proposed the project to get students to take an interest and excel in science.

"Today's world is strongly competitive and science and technology is a base for the country's improvement," he said.

The government had approved the science school project but suggested that it should begin on a smaller scale with special science classes in schools.

"The science classes will be

run by professors. We expect that this will help to increase the numbers of Thai scientists and researchers," Sakist said.

Srinakharinwirot University president Wiroon Tungcharoen said that education depended not only schools but on everyone - the government, private organisations, the family, temples, the media and society in general.

"We are all important in our children's education. The government cannot succeed alone in improving education - they have to cooperate with private organisations," he said.

Educa 2007, which has been given the theme "Science Education and Education Science", will be held alongside the second Satit Vichakarn, a fair at which demonstration schools across the country show off their innovations at Bitec in Bang Na from October 25-28, from 10am to 7pm.

Pasara Puthamat

The Nation