Funding boost for 1,200 kids
Speaking at a briefing on school registration for Odos, Ms Rinthipond highlighted the government's continued prioritisation of educational investment under suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's leadership.
She emphasised that education plays a key role in human capital development, especially in the context of the creative economy.
The Odos initiative forms part of a broader education equity strategy, alongside the Thailand Zero Dropout policy.
According to Ms Rinthipond, the programme not only supports academic excellence but also contributes to economic stability by producing high-quality, skilled labour and promoting structural equity.
The current round of registration has already attracted 1,718 applicants, with 47.56% coming from highly impoverished families. The scholarships target top-performing Mathayom 4 students and first-year vocational students, both equivalent to Grade 11.
This round will allocate funding for 1,200 students in 602 schools around the country offering strong English-language training and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programmes. To fund the initiative, the cabinet is preparing to launch a billion-baht charity lottery.
Ms Rinthipond expressed hope that the Odos will serve as a vital bridge, connecting talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds with greater access to quality higher education, ultimately contributing to national economic growth.
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