In response to a request by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) in Thailand, GRIPS conducted a half-day training program on December 20, 2013, for high-ranking officials of the BMA. GRIPS had accepted a delegation of senior professionals in human resources management from the BMA for a training program in September, 2013 (http://www.grips.ac.jp/en/training/20131010-1951/).

The 15 trainees headed by Mrs. Ninnst Chalitanon (Permanent Secretary of the BMA) visited GRIPS and attended two lectures on the merit system in the Japanese local public personnel system. Given by Professor Kiyotaka Yokomichi (vice-president of GRIPS) and Professor Hirofumi Takada (GRIPS) the lectures addressed the merit system in Japan by examining its implementation in Saitama City. The trainees listened attentively during the lectures and thereafter asked and discussed many questions during the Q & A session.