Chiang Mai’s Private Education Sector Unites to Showcase Potential and Drive Soft Power under the Theme “Chiang Mai Global Citizens”

July 24

Chiang Mai’s Private Education Sector Unites to Showcase Potential and Drive Soft Power under the Theme “Chiang Mai Global Citizens”

Chiang Mai’s private education sector joined forces in an impressive display of unity, organizing a large-scale event to showcase the potential of private schools in driving Soft Power. Held under the theme “Chiang Mai Global Citizens”, the initiative aims to shape Chiang Mai as an “Integrity City” and a Low Carbon Green City, blending Lanna cultural heritage with Thai innovation for global recognition.

The event, held at the Khum Kham International Convention Center, was presided over by Mr. Chatree Muangsawang, Inspector-General of the Ministry of Education, on behalf of the Minister of Education. Distinguished guests included Mr. Kongkrapan Werasaroj, Chiang Mai Provincial Education Officer; Mr. Saran Airanoy, Director of Non-Formal Education at the Office of the Private Education Commission (OPEC); Chinese Consul in Chiang Mai; Honorary Consul of Peru; Honorary Consul of Italy; Representative of the Honorary Consul of South Korea; and Mr. Niran Sripakdee, Director of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) of Chiang Mai. The event gathered over 2,000 participants, including executives, teachers, and students from 190 private schools across the province.

Key leaders and supporters of the event included:

* Dr. Kriang Thitijamroenporn, Chairman of the Coordinating and Promotion Committee for Private Education (Formal), Chiang Mai
* Dr. Wilaiwan Wannachotphawet, Chairman of the Coordinating and Promotion Committee for Private Education (Non-formal), Chiang Mai
* Ms. Somkid Buarawong, President of the Chiang Mai International Schools Association
* Dr. Sriprai Tain, President of the Chiang Mai Private Schools Association
* Dr. Niyada Kornkowit, President of the Association of Private School Administrators, Chiang Mai
* Dr. Carlos Lopez, Former Professor at Harvard University
* Dr. Jakrapong Kuensarn, Program Chair of Digital Innovation (International Program), CMU International College of Digital Innovation
* Mr. Tan Passakornnatee, CEO of Ichitan Group Public Company Limited

In his keynote address, Mr. Chatree Muangsawang emphasized the government’s education policy to enhance and modernize curricula to meet the needs of the fast-changing world. He stressed the importance of lifelong learning, equipping learners with critical skills, and aligning educational programs with professional standards and national strategies. He highlighted Soft Power as a crucial driver of Thailand’s vision under “Thailand Vision: IGNITE THAILAND – Uniting for a Global Future”, positioning Chiang Mai as a pioneering province in showcasing Soft Power through private education.

A key highlight of the event was the signing of an Anti-Corruption MOU between the Chiang Mai Provincial Education Office and more than 130 private schools, witnessed by Mr. Kongkrapan Werasaroj and Mr. Niran Sripakdee. The declaration, “Chiang Mai Private Education for Integrity,” underscored the commitment to ethical and sustainable development.

Other event highlights included:
* Student talent showcases, cultural performances, and a modern-Lanna fashion show
* The OPEC National Speech Contest award ceremony
* The “Top Young Minds Ask Professors” session, where selected students engaged in dialogue with a former professor from Harvard University and a professor from CMU’s International College of Digital Innovation
* The panel discussion “Chiang Mai Green City: Clean Citizens, Soft Power for a Sustainable Green Future”, featuring Mr. Tan Passakornnatee, inspiring Chiang Mai’s journey toward becoming a Low Carbon city

The event demonstrated Chiang Mai’s private education sector as a powerful force in building global citizens while preserving cultural identity, promoting sustainability, and advancing Thailand’s Soft Power agenda.