Education in Thailand: A Model for Developing Countries?

Overview & Synopsis

At all levels in the Kingdom of Thailand, education has played various roles in the country's war on illiteracy. A strong commitment by the Thai government combined with a social value structure which has supported the concept of education has helped the people of Thailand achieve a near 90% literacy rate. To provide a model for similar countries to approach the problems of illiteracy and formal schooling, this report describes the process of educational development in Thailand. Taking into account Thai culture, natural resources, and the existing economy, the structure of Thai education has been carefully developed to allow disadvantaged students equal opportunity to learn and partake in higher education. In addition to structured education in traditional schools, non-formal education is offered through radio programming, television courses, and correspondence education. Approximately 80% of the Thai population is involved in nonformal education in rural and poor areas and in regions with few schools. Thailand operates special schools for handicapped and disadvantaged students; however, mainstreaming is appreciated and utilized selectively. These special and welfare education programs tend to be unique to Thailand, but preface a model of education that can be applied to other developing countries. Numerous teachers' colleges prepare teachers to meet the demands of the non-formal education and special education. Components for educational structure development based on the Thai model are: (1) assessing the culture and climate of the community; (2) centralizing control of the educational program; (3) recognizing and supporting special education programs; (4) making provisions to sustain growth; and (5) obtaining government support. (KS)