Some Thai universities such as Kasetsart and Mahidol are working out a plan to develop new curriculums in preparation for the integration of ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) next year.

Mahidol University ranked between 450 and 500 in the World University Rankings is developing an international curriculum for professional nursing education in response to the country's strategy to grow itself as a medical hub in this region.

The programme at both levels of master and doctor aims to develop Thailand into a leading country in ASEAN in terms of nursing education, a professions might be allowed for free flow of skilled labor in the AEC after 2015.

Meanwhile, Kasetsart University is joining hands with foreign universities in opening an international program in agro-industrial innovation and technology which is expected to uphold a leading center for modern agricultural innovation in Asia. The university is also developing other study fields in preparation for the AEC included veterinary science.

The integration of ASEAN member countries was considered as an opportunity for boosting higher education in Thailand.-VNA