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Towards a Better Education System: Navigating the Challenges in Thailand

By Les Huysmans

Long Read

Where we are now

The education system in Thailand has faced persistent challenges that have been widely reported in the media. From poor performance in international assessments to outdated rules and regulations, inadequate resources, and a lack of effective communication, the issues affecting the system are complex and interwoven.

Despite the efforts of many, the system remains in a state of stagnation, with government officials, administrators, schools, teachers, and students pointing fingers at each other and little progress being made. The current education standards are vague and difficult to implement, leading to confusion and frustration among educators and a lack of clarity for students.

The impact of these challenges is felt most acutely by children from less privileged backgrounds, who are limited by an outdated system that does not meet the needs of the modern world. The children of wealthier families have access to better educational opportunities, but for many, the only option is to attend under-resourced schools near their homes. This leaves many students with limited potential and limited opportunities to achieve their dreams.

Given the importance of education in shaping the future of Thailand, it is imperative that meaningful changes are made to address these persistent challenges. While each sector of education may face unique problems, it is possible to find solutions that can be implemented across multiple areas of the system. The time has come to move beyond the status quo and create a more effective and equitable education system that will serve the needs of all Thai students in the 21st century.

Developing the mentality and expectations

As Thailand moves towards a future of learning and growth, it is imperative that we shift our mentality and expectations in education. Historically, the country has operated on a behaviourist approach, where knowledge is proclaimed by teachers and absorbed by students through repetition and conditioning. While this method has been effective in teaching basic behaviours, it falls short in promoting critical thinking and mastery of complex concepts.

The younger generations are starting to challenge this traditional way of learning, yet the behaviourist approach often still prevails in the classroom. This leads to a disconnect between students and school, with students forced to rely on rote memorisation, rather than independent thinking. On the other hand, teachers find comfort in this model as it allows for easier preparation and minimises uncertainty.

To overcome these limitations and move Thailand forward in education, we must embrace a hybrid learning system that incorporates elements from different learning theories, such as constructionism, humanism, and post-humanism. This approach will allow for a more personalised and engaging learning experience that fosters critical thinking and creativity.

As a successful example, we can look to Singapore, which has blended various learning theories to create a system that works for them and has earned worldwide recognition for their educational achievements. There is no reason why Thailand cannot do the same.

However, this shift will not come easily. It will require a concerted effort from all parties involved and a positive philosophy that prioritises transparency and support for teachers and students alike. The journey may not be smooth sailing, but overcoming challenges is a necessary step towards a brighter future in education. With the right vision, goals, support, and processes in place, there is no reason why Thailand cannot rise to the top in the field of education.

Fear of Failure – The Root Cause

The current approach to teaching and learning often hinders various forms of collaboration, either due to a lack of initiative from the teacher or an inability to foster it. Although this may vary across different schools, even some students in international institutions still exhibit a fear of participation, as I have personally observed. Students, when asked about the reasons for their silence, often cite fear of judgement, fear of loss of face, and fear of making mistakes. These fears can be interconnected, but they can also exist independently. Some students are aware, and want to break out of the cycle, but have been so conditioned that it takes a long time.

At the heart of it all is the fear of failure, which stems from a culture that sets excessively high expectations, even in situations where such expectations are unwarranted. In Thailand, this fear of failure culture is largely driven by the high expectations and the pressure to stick to societal norms that emphasise obedience and conformity. This creates an environment where students are discouraged from taking risks and engaging in independent thinking, and instead are expected to simply follow the rules and do what they are told. In turn, that often leads to a lack of creativity, critical thinking, and innovation in the classroom.

This fear can also affect teachers, who may feel pressure to maintain control and avoid any situation that could lead to uncertainty or a loss of face. This often results in a reliance on traditional methods and a reluctance to innovate. Academic coaching can support teachers by helping them build the confidence to try new approaches and shift classroom culture towards curiosity and experimentation.

Ultimately, a system shaped by fear of failure is not equipped to adapt to the demands of modern education or the global job market.

Creating a Level Playing Field for All Thai Students

There are several action points that need addressing:

Community engagement and local ownership are key β€” the education of Thai children must be seen as a shared responsibility.

Elevating the Teaching Profession

To truly improve education in Thailand, we must elevate the status of teachers. This means:

Creating a culture of trust and respect for teachers will help attract and retain talented professionals and allow them to thrive.

Empowering Students for Success

We must move away from lecture-based, one-way education. Students need more than facts β€” they need skills for life:

With these in place, students become active participants in their own learning β€” and contributors to society.

Ensuring Support and Inclusivity for Foreign Teachers

Many foreign teachers arrive full of enthusiasm, only to be overwhelmed by bureaucracy, language barriers, and a lack of support. Schools must do better:

Without this, schools risk burnout, isolation, and high turnover β€” all of which impact students most of all.

Conclusion

The Thai education system is full of passionate teachers, hardworking students, and caring families. But the system itself must evolve.

To move forward, we need:

It won’t be easy. But with collaboration, transparency, and the right mindset, Thailand can shape an education system worthy of its potential.

If this sparked anything β€” questions, rants, good old curiosity β€” come say hi via the About Les page.

#education reform #general education thoughts #thai education