Editorial Preface

Motoharu MATSUURA, Editorial Team Reader

　In the special section on “Global Social Science Series”, the editorial team members hope that readers can understand various countries with each different culture and nationality in the field of education and industry related on information and communication technology. They also expect that young members with little overseas experience, especially student members, to have a good opportunity to gain new information on countries that have never visited before.

　The Global Social Science Series, the third edition of the series, covers Thailand, following the first edition (February 2018) of India and the second edition (February 2019) of Great Britain. Thailand is a country with a population of about 69 million and a land area 1.4 times wider than that of Japan. In Thailand, many Japanese companies have made inroads early, and are currently among the top in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) in direct investment in Japan. In particular, Thailand’s development in the field of information and communication technology is now remarkable, following the national strategy of “Digital Thailand”, promoting active digitization in all social and economic fields, communication infrastructure and human resources developments. Therefore, further growth is expected in the future.

　In this special section, four Thailand’s researchers who are currently active in Thailand and abroad commented on the domestic circumstances in Thailand and differences in culture, life, and education with foreign countries. First, Dr. Monai KRAIRIKSH described recent trends in information and communication technology in Thailand, trends in the industry, government support policies, and human resource development and its issues. Dr. Witoon YINDEESUK introduced the education system of Thailand and the case of Japanese companies in Thailand. Dr. Nattapong KITSUWAN described the differences in culture, education, and work environment based on his work experience in Thailand, Europe, and Japan. Lastly, Dr. Praphan PAVARANGKOON described the findings obtained through the ongoing international joint research between Thailand and Japan.

　The editorial team member hope that many readers can learn more about Thailand more deeply and contribute to future international exchange through this special section. Lastly, I am deeply grateful to all the authors and translators, the editorial team members, IEICE office, and all those who have cooperated in promoting this project.