Soft Power and Education Development in The 21st Century

Abstract

The sustainable and high-quality development of Thai education requires clear planning and practical guidelines. This ensures that all stakeholders can operate effectively and achieve the goal of developing learners with the characteristics and skills necessary for the 21st century. These include the fundamental 3Rs (Reading, Writing, Arithmetic) and the essential 8Cs: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Creativity and Innovation, Cross-cultural Understanding, Collaboration, Teamwork and Leadership, Communications, Information, and Media Literacy, Computing and ICT Literacy, Career and Learning Skills, and Compassion. The main objective is to create an education system that is accessible to all, equitable, and of high quality. All learners, regardless of their background, should receive quality education that meets the required standards and allows them to reach their full potential. Integrating soft power into education promotes the dissemination and inheritance of positive values and culture. The power of soft power stems from the systematic transmission of knowledge through education, influencing people's behavior and thoughts. Utilizing soft power as a tool for educational development nurtures learners to engage in continuous self-improvement, lifelong learning, and become global citizens of the 21st century equipped with knowledge, skills, and strong moral values. They will demonstrate ethical conduct while preserving and promoting the nation's prosperity through education. Therefore, integrating soft power into education is key to enhancing the quality of Thai education and cultivating quality global citizens for the future.