Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) and Second Vice Chair of the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council (Policy Council), announced that the Cabinet, in its meeting on 28 January 2025, approved a total budget of 160.136 billion THB for the fiscal year 2026, as proposed by the Policy Council.
Of this, 115 billion THB will be allocated to higher education to foster human resource development through both degree and non-degree programs. The aim is to produce over 670,000 graduates in fields aligned with the country’s targeted industries, and 133,000 in the soft power sectors. The funds will also support enhancing academic excellence at higher education institutions and cultivating a highly skilled workforce for emerging sectors such as semiconductors, advanced electronics, artificial intelligence, and electric vehicles, with a target of at least 20,000 skilled workers. Additionally, the budget will focus on producing graduates for area-based development (at least 1,000 individuals) and strengthening the skills of community enterprises (at least 1,000 enterprises).
A budget of 44.9 billion THB will be allocated for science, research, and innovation (SRI) funding programs dedicated to economic development, social and environmental improvements, frontier research, the development of SRI human resources and institutions, and addressing urgent national issues. These funds are expected to drive significant impacts, including enhancing the capabilities of the local medical device industry through health research, generating revenue and reducing healthcare costs. Research into rail systems and electric vehicles will further contribute to Thailand’s net-zero goals. Additionally, research aimed at supporting grassroots economic development will increase farmers’ incomes and improve their quality of life. This proposed budget framework was approved during the Policy Council Meeting on 18 October 2024.
