Ten pilot schools in Thailand’s Buriram and Si Sa Ket provinces have introduced Smart Classrooms as part of the UNESCO–Huawei Technology-enabled Open Schools for All (TEOSA) initiative, marking a significant step toward advancing digital education in the country. The programme is led by the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok in partnership with Thailand’s Ministry of Education and Huawei Technologies. It aims to equip educators with digital and artificial intelligence (AI) competencies, strengthen digital learning environments and support policy development related to AI in education. The initiative aligns with Thailand’s national strategy to transform education in the digital era and its National AI Strategy and Action Plan for 2022–2027.
Under the initiative, each province has established a “mother school” that serves as a regional digital hub and is connected to four surrounding “child schools” equipped with Smart Classroom technology. All ten participating schools have been upgraded with high-speed internet connectivity, interactive digital displays and collaborative learning platforms that allow real-time sharing of educational content between schools. These technologies support blended learning approaches and enable teachers to integrate AI-powered tools into classroom instruction and assessment.
The rollout of the Smart Classrooms was accompanied by professional development activities to strengthen teachers’ digital skills. A total of 45 teachers from the participating schools attended workshops and live demonstrations showcasing how Smart Classroom technologies and the UNESCO AI Competency Framework for Teachers can be applied in everyday teaching. These sessions allowed educators to observe the use of digital displays, collaborative platforms and AI-supported applications while exchanging ideas on how such tools can enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
Education leaders emphasised that while advanced technologies provide valuable tools, the success of digital transformation ultimately depends on the creativity and leadership of teachers. The initiative therefore combines investment in infrastructure with teacher training to ensure that technology is used in an ethical, inclusive and effective way that benefits all learners.
Representatives from Thailand’s education authorities also highlighted the importance of aligning technological innovation with national education priorities. The initiative demonstrates how collaboration between international organisations, government agencies and private technology partners can support the development of a more open, inclusive and resilient education system capable of responding to rapid technological change.
Huawei representatives noted that the company views technology as a tool to help bridge the digital divide and expand educational opportunities for remote and underserved communities. By combining infrastructure development, teacher training and policy support, the TEOSA initiative seeks to translate national digital education goals into practical improvements in schools.
Overall, the programme illustrates how strategic public–private partnerships can help modernise education systems by strengthening digital infrastructure, improving teaching capacity and expanding access to technology-enabled learning. The initiative is expected to contribute to Thailand’s broader efforts to build digital skills and human capital for future economic growth and competitiveness.
