Guidelines for Vocational Education Management in Thailand: Creating New Attitudes and Values to Meet Global Labor Market Demands

Abstract

This article aims to explore aspects of vocational education that have been socially stigmatized; thus, contributing to a preference for general education over vocational tracks. This bias has resulted in an insufficient skilled workforce required by the industry. Additionally, vocational institutions are often unprepared in terms of curriculum, teaching methods, and technology, which do not align with industrial advancements; thereby, creating a skill gap between existing workers and market needs. This paper proposes methods to elevate vocational education to a global standard, starting with instilling new attitudes and creating positive social values. By doing so, all stakeholders can recognize the critical role of vocational education's human capital in advancing the industrial sector. Viewing vocational students as valuable human capital can drive economic systems through concerted efforts across society, educational institutions, and businesses, ultimately helping Thailand escape the middle-income trap and adapt to changes.