Leading the 25-member panel is Charas Suwanwela, professor emeritus at the Chulalongkorn University School of Medicine and a prominent advocate of research-based learning (RBL).

The committee, whose members will serve two-year terms, was established as required within 60 days of the new Constitution being promulgated.

Office of the Education Council (OEC) chief Kamol Rodklai said its mission is to study and make recommendations on policy, criteria and guidelines for the development of pre-schoolers and on means to produce effective teachers and properly govern teacher-resource management.

It will advise the government on improving all-level education and reform-related agencies, recommend ways to assist students in need to reduce inequity and promote teacher quality. It will be authorised to summon officials for questioning in matters under investigation.

The members include Suphachai Chearavanont of Charoen Pokphand Group, Kraiyos Patrawart of the Quality Learning Foundation, Chutinart Wongsuban of the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board and former Srinakharinwirot University president Chalermchai Boonyaleepun.

Other members are Tuang Anthachai of the National Legislative Assembly committee on education and sports, Pakorn Nilprapunt of the Office of the Council of State, former Bank of Thailand governor Prasarn Trairatvorakul, Amnuay Silpa School chief executive Petchuda Kesprayura and former PTT president Pailin Chuchottaworn.

Also on the committee are Yuwadee Nakhapadungrat of Mahidol Wittayanusorn School, Wiwat Salyakamthorn of the Agri-Nature Foundation, former Public Relations Department deputy chief Pattriya Sumano and former Bangchak Petroleum president Anusorn Sangnimnuan.

Chiang Mai-based rural schoolteacher Riam Singthorn is on the panel, as are Kobkul Apakorn Na Audhaya, Dr Jiruth Sriratanaban, Professor Wiriya Namsiripongpun and associate professors Daranee Utairatanakit, Chaiyuth Punyasavatsut, Tithiphan Chuerboonchai, Thisana Khaemmanee, Nichara Ruangdaraganon, Nopadol Rompho and Siridej Sujiva.

The OEC will provide secretarial assistance.