Approaches for Developing Thai Diplomats to Become World Class

Abstract

The purposes of this article were to study the current state and desired state of the development of diplomats’ competencies and to propose approaches for training and development of diplomats’ competencies to become world class. This study employed a mixed method research design. From a total population 836 diplomats, 240 samples were selected by using stratified random sampling. The research instruments used for quantitative data were a questionnaire and an evaluation form to assess appropriateness and feasibility. Qualitative data were collected by interviewing according to a schedule. The findings on the current state of the training and development of diplomats’ competencies, were that on-the-job training and blended learning models were at a moderate level, while off-the-job training was at a low level. The findings on the desired state were at high level overall. The first priority needs index of the development of diplomats’ competencies was off-the-job training, followed by blended learning and on-the-job training. Therefore, approaches to training and development using blended learning models that combine training and development methods are needed and should be performed together with training and development methods that are already being used and have proved effective. The essential method for futher developing all competencies is coaching.