Suwithida Charungkaittikul is a professor in the lifelong education department at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand, and president of the PIMA Network, a global network of adult and lifelong learning educators, activists, and scholars. As a scholar, practitioner, and policymaker, she is a leading advocate for lifelong learning. She strives to make a tangible positive difference for people in Thailand and beyond. Charungkaittikul’s scholarship has been the driving force behind policy changes and innovative programs in her home country. Her interests range from learning city, society, and region development and lifelong learning policy to adult education and nonformal and informal education.
Charungkaittikul’s research serves as a valuable resource for decision-makers and governmental officials in Thailand and has been instrumental in shaping the country’s National Lifelong Learning Policy and Learning City initiative. Charungkaittikul’s most recent publications include her book Concepts and Guidelines for Enhancing Lifelong Learning in Thailand (2021) and the coedited The Eight Pillars of Lifelong Education: Thailand Studies (2016). Her scholarship on learning societies has earned national and international recognition, including the Thailand National Outstanding Research Article Award. Ten of her research projects have secured national and international funding, a testament to their relevance and impact. The “Chula MOOC Flexi,” for instance, a digital learning platform, has already reached 150,000 learners, equipping Thais with digital skills for the future.
Charungkaittikul’s contributions to adult education are motivated by her dedication to bridging the divide between theory and practice in lifelong learning, particularly within the Thai context. Historically, Thai education emphasized formal schooling, creating a significant gap in lifelong learning opportunities. Charungkaittikul’s vision for an “International School for Learning Community” at Chulalongkorn University has been a pivotal force in transforming lifelong learning discourse and practice. This initiative transcends traditional academic boundaries, fostering a dynamic hub for global knowledge exchange. At its core is an annual international conference on adult and lifelong learning, attracting participants from more than fifteen countries. This conference serves as a platform for sharing best practices, innovative research, and collaborative strategies in lifelong learning. This comprehensive lifelong learning ecosystem is a catalyst for creating a sustainable learning environment that extends beyond Thailand’s borders.
In addition to her roles at the university, Charungkaittikul holds several positions in national and international organizations, including assistant secretary of the Comparative Education Society of Asia: CESA and the Asia coordinator for ASEM LLL Hub. Her active participation in international collaborations with organizations like UNESCO, DVV International, and the ASEM Lifelong Learning Hub has broadened the field’s reach and fostered global dialogue.
Charungkaittikul’s contributions extend significantly beyond adult and continuing education. She has served two consecutive terms as a board committee member for the Thai Association of University Women. Her support of initiatives like the “Career Skills Development Program for Single Mothers,” in collaboration with Dusit Thani College, empower women and address the needs of aging groups. She also extends her expertise to provide strategic recommendations to help Thai cities become vibrant learning hubs. Charungkaittikul’s work with community centers and lifelong learning hubs strengthens community resilience, promotes social inclusion, and addresses equity for diverse populations.
Her multifaceted work taken together, Charungkaittikul is the consummate leader, blending scholarship, practical application, and policy influence to make lifelong learning a reality in Thailand and the Asia-Pacific region beyond.