The visit took place at 10am at the Thiansirindhorn Meeting Room in the Chalerm Phra Kiat Building at Phuket Rajabhat University. Gen Daopong was welcomed by Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn, Phuket Rajabhat University President Assoc Prof Dr Hirun Prasarkarn, senior university administrators, representatives from relevant agencies and working teams.
University officials briefed the Privy Councillor on the management and use of budgets allocated for local development, as well as operational guidelines under the Rajabhat University Strategy for Local Development, which positions Rajabhat universities nationwide as key mechanisms for driving grassroots development through integrated cooperation between the public sector, private sector and local communities.
In the afternoon session, officials presented the university’s support for the Social Engineer Project, including the introduction of a credit-based learning system (Credit Bank) that allows academic qualification transfers, as well as Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) aimed at expanding lifelong learning opportunities for local residents.
Officials noted that Phuket’s status as a rapidly developing world-class tourist destination presents ongoing challenges, requiring close cooperation between educational institutions, government agencies, the private sector and the public to shape development policies and address local issues in a sustainable way. The approach is intended to strengthen both the local economy and social resilience in the face of current and future change.
Gen Daopong said he continues to carry out duties in line with His Majesty the King’s education policies, while overseeing and monitoring implementation of the Rajabhat University local development strategy nationwide, which he described as a key mechanism for strengthening the foundations of national development in a stable and sustainable manner.
Governor Nirat expressed confidence that Phuket Province, Phuket Rajabhat University and partner agencies would be able to combine efforts and vision to deliver concrete improvements for local communities. He added that recommendations from the Privy Councillor would be applied to human development, operational planning and community development, helping position Phuket as a regional hub for the economy, tourism and education in the Andaman region with links to the international level.