BANGKOK, 22 November 2012 – As part of Thailand’s preparations for the Asean Economic Community (AEC), which is set to launch by the end of 2015, medical specialists may need to conduct their licensing exams in English.
Consortium of Thai Medical School Secretary-General Arwut Srisukri, who oversees the syllabus of the country’s medical schools, said the move was part of efforts to prepare for competition in the labour market once the AEC goes into effect.
Under the proposal, which has yet to be approved, the written part of the Thai medical licensing exam will be presented in English. The clinical exam would continue to be conducted in Thai.
Dr Arwut said the professional body wants to ensure that doctors can measure up to potential foreign competition under the AEC which will usher in a free flow of skilled labour in many professions, including medicine in the region.
