| Thailand's relatively weak human resource base
has been pinpointed as one of the underlying factors in the cause of the
economic and financial crisis that has hit the country over recent years.
Many have highlighted the lack of Thai graduates capable of independent
analytical thought as one factor responsible for the country's economic
downfall.
The fact of the crisis has brought home the need
for a thorough re-examination of the country's human resource development
system and set the stage for across-the-board reform of Thai education.
Only a clear analysis of immediate and long-term structural problems within
the educational system and far-sighted approach to the country's real needs
as we enter the new millennium will enable Thailand to develop as a nation
of wealth, stability and dignity, and a full-fledged member of the global
community.
Recognizing the urgent need for education reform,
the government, acting through the Office of the National Education Commission
(ONEC) under the Prime Minister's Office, has formulated policies and plans
to bring about necessary changes within the Thai system. Initial research
was carried out into the successful experiences of other countries as well
as educational provisions included within the constitutions of other countries,
and these were subsequently considered for application in the Thai system.
ONEC also prepared legal provisions on education
for consideration of the Constitution Drafting Council with the result
that the 1997 Thai Constitution contains extensive provision on education,
including equal rights for 12-year basic education with quality and free
of charge, promotion of local wisdom and national arts and culture, development
of the teaching profession, etc.
The provisions were drawn up following exhaustive
research by academic staff, close scrutiny by scholars, the input of various
interested organizations, public relations campaigns and public polls.
The result of these provisions is the National
Education Act B.E. 2542, effective in August 1999, which was drafted over
a period of 23 months. The Act represents an unprecedented and long over-due
break from traditional Thai educational norms such as lecturing and rote
learning and instead sets the foundation for a more creative, questioning
approach to studying.
The Act also sets out to decentralize finance
and administration, giving individual teachers and institutions more freedom
to set curricula and mobilize resources, which in turn will tend to increase
accountability and ensure that funds are targeted in the right areas.
The principal objectives of the Act are to ensure
that education aims at the full development of the people in all aspects
- physical and mental health, intellect; knowledge; morality; integrity;
and the pursuit of a desirable lifestyle in accordance with society and
in harmony with other people. According to the Act, the provision of education
shall be based upon the principles of a lifelong education for all; the
participation of all segments of society in educational provision; and
continuous development of the bodies of knowledge and learning processes.
The National Education Act is the country's master
legislation on education which will provide the framework for education
reform. Major aspects of this reform are:
a) Learning reform - that is, attaching highest
importance to learners. ONEC has conducted extensive research into development
of learner-oriented education which allows the student to develop at their
own pace and within their individual potential. The results of pilot projects
have been disseminated for application on a nationwide basis.
b) Administrative reform - adjustment of the administrative
structure includes upgrading the teaching profession by reorganizing systems
for teachers, faculty staff and educational personnel; and increasing efficiency
in the utilization of resources and investment for educational purposes.
The Education Reform Office will be established to make proposals, including
those regarding the drafting of necessary legislation, to ensure implementation
of these activities.
c) According to the Act, a range of legislations
and regulations must be prepared and/or amended.
The National Education Act will set the foundation
for reform efforts to prepare people for new social requirements. It will
encourage Thais to develop towards more analytical and independent thought.
The knowledge-based and learning society will help fine new solutions for
the global era. The implementation of education reform requires strong
leadership, integrated public vision and goals, and support from teachers,
lecturers, parents, students and the public.
It is incumbent on all Thai to co-operate in undertaking
these tasks and responsibilities to ensure sufficient qualifies human resources
for the ongoing development of Thailand. Education reform will bring Thai
society to a new juncture crucial in improving the people's quality of
life and prepare Thai citizens to be ready for any kind of competition
in the coming millennium.
Published on Monday 8th, November 1999 : The Nation
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