Featured in Matichon: Teacher Jason Builds an International Volunteer Teacher Network to Expand Language-Learning Opportunities for Rural Students in Sakaeo

Featured in Matichon: Teacher Jason Builds an International Volunteer Teacher Network to Expand Language-Learning Opportunities for Rural Students in Sakaeo

The work of Mr. Wichai Nonthakan, also known as “Teacher Jason,” in establishing an international volunteer teacher network was featured in Matichon, one of Thailand’s leading national newspapers. The article highlighted his initiative to strengthen students’ English-language skills and prepare them for the ASEAN Community through collaboration between Thai teachers and international volunteers.

While serving as an assistant teacher at Wat Phutthisan School in Nong Mak Fai Subdistrict, Watthana Nakhon District, Sakaeo Province, Mr. Nonthakan was appointed to oversee an international volunteer teacher project. The initiative provided students with limited educational opportunities—both at Wat Phutthisan School and its partner schools—with direct access to English-language learning and cultural exchange activities led by volunteers from around the world.

During the first semester of the 2013 academic year, the project welcomed 17 international volunteer teachers from several countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, the Philippines, Germany, Türkiye, and Canada. The volunteers worked alongside Thai teachers to organise English-language lessons and learning activities for students in the local community.

In addition to English-language instruction, the project provided international volunteers with opportunities to learn about Thai language and culture through activities such as Thai-language classes, traditional Thai dance, Buddhist customs and traditions, and visits to significant cultural and tourist attractions in Sakaeo Province.

These activities promoted intercultural understanding and strengthened relationships between Thai schools and international volunteers. Several participants were inspired to become part of the project’s wider network and helped introduce future volunteers to educational opportunities in Thailand.

Mr. Sakchai Bannasan, then Director of Sakaeo Primary Educational Service Area Office 2, emphasised the importance of developing students’ communication skills, particularly English, in preparation for Thailand’s participation in the ASEAN Community. He also commended the initiative for bringing international volunteers into rural schools and expanding language-learning opportunities for students.

Mr. Nonthakan’s professional experience in the United States, combined with his commitment to reducing educational inequality, became an important foundation for the development of the international volunteer teacher network. The initiative helped students strengthen their communication skills, understand cultural diversity, and prepare for their future roles as global citizens.

News Source

Matichon, Vol. 36, Issue No. 12,825, Sunday, 21 April 2013, p. 17
The article featured Wat Phutthisan School’s international volunteer teacher project in Sakaeo Province and its efforts to prepare students for the ASEAN Community.