Government pushes eSports for schools nationwide to boost digital skills

The government is moving forward with a major educational reform by integrating eSports into schools nationwide.

The policy is aimed at transforming gaming from a pastime into a tool for skill development and career creation, opening doors to the multi-billion-baht global creative industry.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Capt. Dr. Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn announced today that the Ministry of Education is preparing to introduce e-sports into the country’s educational institutions systematically.

“The move represents a new paradigm for Thai education, tangibly linking digital literacy, creativity, and the future economy,” she said.

In the initial phase, the government will introduce e-sports through ‘TO BE NUMBER ONE’ clubs in schools across the country. This is designed to provide a creative space for youth to hone technology skills, analytical thinking, teamwork and self-management as part of a planned migration away from rote learning.

The program will also select student representatives to compete in school, national and international tournaments.

Meanwhile, the government plans to leverage this momentum to integrate eSports into a full-scale learning curricula in the future.

“The administration does not view eSports merely as entertainment. Instead, it is recognised as a high-value creative industry capable of generating substantial income and creating sustainable career paths for Thai youth,” Capt. Dr. Patdarasm emphasised.

Patdarasm concluded by saying that, if the government provides the right platform, opportunities and tools, Thai students will be fully ready to compete on any global stage.