The Institute for Research and Development in Teaching Profession for ASEAN (IRDTP-ASEAN) at Khon Kaen University held an online session on June 4, 2026, to conclude the fifth and final phase of the 5th Educational Professional Development Project.

This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Secretariat Office of the Teachers' Council of Thailand (Khurusapha), Japan's National Institute for School Teachers and Staff Development (NITS), and IRDTP-ASEAN. The project is designed to support lifelong learning opportunities in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) and to foster international partnerships for sustainable development under SDG 17. The closing session was opened by Asst. Prof. Dr. Amonwan Werathummo, Secretary-General of the Teachers' Council of Thailand.

During this final phase, Mr. Uk Inprasitha, an expert in teacher professional development from IRDTP-ASEAN, summarized the progress made from the first through the fourth phases of the project. Following the summary, six program participants presented key insights gained from their study visit to Japan during the third phase of the project. The presenters included:

Mrs. Worakamon Sutawong, School Administrator at Anuban Mueang Chiang Rai School
Mr. Apiwat Tannanta, Teacher at Anuban Muang Chiangrai School
Mr. Surapong Sriprom, Teacher at Anuban Muang Chiangrai School
Ms. Wanphamaporn Atnasiao, School Administrator at Chom Thong School
Ms. Onporn Khonsanit, Educational Supervisor at the Mukdahan Primary Educational Service Area Office
Ms. Usa Phankeeree, School Administrator at Ban Han Thao School

The participants shared their observations on the significance and function of the "Open Class" approach in Japan, noting the differences in learning styles between Japanese and Thai students. They also outlined their respective plans to implement classroom development strategies in their own schools during the current academic year.

The project aims to enable participants to practically apply the knowledge and experiences gained from Japan within their schools and educational service areas. In particular, the integration of the Open Class concept and the use of digital tools like AI NotebookLM are expected to enhance lesson planning and classroom management, serving as a foundation for elevating Thai educational standards to an international level.

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