In a democratic society, election by free vote is the just means of coming to power or to rule. Election is therefore an implementation that all political parties must undergo. In common with each other, political parties have policies on economic, fiscal, foreign issues, etc.; while education is one of the major issues in most election campaigns aimed at gaining votes, none of the political parties have expressed concern for a national education policy.

The Education Act B.E. 2542, promulgated according to the constitution of the Kingdom B.E. 2540, states that the State must provide a basic education for all Thais, thoroughly, quantitatively and qualitatively. The effect of the Education Act is to allow alternative education systems to provide new dimensions in education and in its interpretation.

The Office of the National Education Commission (ONEC) envisioned a comparison of different education systems to drive the momentum for a reformed Thai education system in which all Thai citizens; of all age groups; all social and economic statuses; the underprivileged; and people with special talents, would receive an appropriate education and relevant skills training and development. ONEC assigned the Institute of Policy Studies to conduct the study on education systems comparison, namely "Education policies of political parties in different countries."

Yosawadee Boonyakiet, Co-Director of the Institute and Conductor of the study, made inquiries through the Internet regarding the education policies of political parties in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Japan, Singapore and Malaysia. The review was made on different topics as follows: levels of education; groups of the population; financial aspects; general subjects and aspects in education; and education management. She stated that according to her inquiries, in all countries, Information Technology and Computer Sciences were given highest priority, with computers being made available in increasing numbers and free Internet hours offered. Another common point was the policy on teacher development, such as increasing incentives. Other points included: parent participation motivation; emphasis on education for the under-privileged and handicapped, who ought to receive equal opportunities and an equal quality of education; the decentralization of policy-making and education standards boosting.

An increasing number of institutions were empowered with authority to run schools independently and Yosawadee said that incentives for industry and the private sector were initiated through fund allocations for education via tax waivers. It is suggested that all political parties should make educational policies focal points of their campaign for votes.

The way in which political parties of any country view education policy, explained Prof. Dr. Chai-anan Smudavanija, Chairman of the Institute of Policy Studies, is crucial to the development of a sound education system in these countries. While economic situations may be different, even countries with good economies may still be unable to solve associated problems incurred through a lack of a quality educated human resource. Thus, each political party should announce their educational policies distinctly. The clearer education policies are made, the more righteous the government will become. The people will support whichever political parties advocate good public health and education policies, as both of them benefit most people.

The Education Act B.E. 2542 offers educational frameworks profitable for political parties to campaign on educational issues accordingly. It is interesting that politicians concentrate on issues such as income increase, a better community and more fund allocations The politician regardless of education background, care less about improving education systems, rectifying education failures or upgrading the quality of human resources.

In the near future, there will be many significant elections in the country such as that for Bangkok Governor and the up-coming general election. Voters should pay close attention to the declared education policies of the political parties, which are no less important than economic and foreign policies; all political parties should issue distinctive education policies, since they are the most important weapons in dealing with illiteracy and human-afflicted problems.

Published in THE NATION Newspaper: Wednesday 24th, May 2000 Page A6