The National Institute of Educational Testing Service (NIETS) marked its 21st anniversary on Sept. 3, highlighting plans to expand the use of digital technology, data and artificial intelligence in Thailand’s education system.
The event, held under the theme “Celebrating 21 Years of Educational Excellence,” also recognized educational institutions for improvements in national standardized test results.
Minister of Education Prasert Jantararuangtong presented plaques of honor to schools from across the country, including St. Theresa School under the Archdiocese of Bangkok.
St. Theresa was recognized as one of only a handful of schools nationwide to demonstrate top-tier improvement in national standardized test results.
St. Theresa School Director Sr. Lampai Nuengplee, SHB, accepts the award from the minister of education on Sept. 3. Photo credit: St. Theresa School
Addressing the gathering on “National Educational Testing to Enhance the Quality of Thai Education,” Prasert congratulated NIETS and praised administrators, teachers and students for their efforts to improve academic performance.
“In an era defined by rapid technological shifts and artificial intelligence, Thai education must remain grounded in precision and adaptability,” Minister Prasert stated. “By embracing Data-Driven Education, we utilize reliable data to inform policy, bridge educational inequalities, and restore valuable time to our educators.”
The minister said the integration of AI and automation into administrative work is intended to reduce paperwork and allow teachers to focus more on students.
NIETS Director Sirida Burachat said the Ministry of Education will analyze instructional models used by award-winning schools such as St. Theresa to identify practices that could be adopted nationwide.
The methodologies will be shared through educational innovation networks so that schools in similar contexts can adapt the approaches.
NIETS also outlined digital initiatives aimed at improving learning outcomes.
National assessment data will be integrated with the ministry’s planned “EduPass” Super App to provide real-time developmental tracking for students, parents and teachers.
Business Intelligence and AI analytics will also be used to assess school performance at the local level and support more targeted interventions.
Assessment systems are also being redesigned in preparation for the PISA 2029 evaluation, which will include Media and AI Literacy skills for the first time.
St. Theresa School, located in Nong Chok, was established in 1948 under the Catholic Education Division of the Archdiocese of Bangkok.
The school emphasizes compassion, integrity and peace alongside its academic programs.
In 1959, St. Theresa became the first private school in Nong Chok to receive official government accreditation and has since served as a regional examination hub.
The school has also been recognized as a model school by the World Vision Foundation of Thailand for its work with underprivileged youth.
Accepting the award on behalf of the school community, School Director Sr. Lampai Nuengplee, SHB, said the recognition should encourage further improvement.
“This recognition fills our hearts with deep gratitude, yet it remains a marker along the journey rather than the finish line,” Sr. Lampai reflected. “We receive this honor as a gentle encouragement to press forward—refining our areas of growth, nurturing our children with wisdom and love, and ensuring every student flourishes in mind and spirit.”
