On 15 March 2011, FIDE General Secretary Ignatius Leong met with Mr. Sanit Yamkesorn (Director of the Office of Basic Education Commission, Ministry of Education, Thailand) and Mr. Prajuab Nimityongskul (President of Thailand Chess Association) at the MOE Headquarters.

For the pilot project to introduce Chess in Schools, the Thai authorities have selected 40 teachers from 20 schools all over the country. The ASEAN Chess Academy shall provide them the training, course manuals and chess equipment to enable these teachers to teach Chess in their respective schools as well as, in turn, train teachers from their respective neighbouring schools. The inaugural training of teachers will be held from 24 to 29 April and the schools will commence chess lessons in June.


(left to right): Mr. Prajuab Nimityonskul, Mr. Sanit Yamkesorn and Mr. Ignatius Leong discuss the Thailand Chess Education in Schools Development Plan and Budget.