Thailand's Position on the Global Education Arena: Navigating the Crossroads
By Janpha Thadphoothon
What has been reported in Thai media (Education Rankings by Country 2025) is the disappointing result of the latest ranking of Thai education, as contextualized by global educational standings. According to the 2025 rankings, countries such as South Korea, Denmark, and the Netherlands lead the world in educational quality, demonstrating the significant role education plays in overall national well-being. Conversely, nations like Chad, Mali, and Burkina Faso struggle with alarmingly low adult literacy rates, highlighting the stark disparities in educational access and quality worldwide. The data reinforces the well-established correlation between a country's economic status and the effectiveness of its education system, a reality that prompts serious reflection on Thailand's current position and the necessary steps for improvement.
I think, to begin, we must confront the elephant in the room – the PISA results. It is well known that Thailand's performance in these assessments has been a subject of concern. The news has it that Thai students consistently score below the OECD average in mathematics, science, and reading (Bangkok Post, 2023). In my opinion, these numbers are not merely statistics; they are a reflection of the challenges we face. Again, some may say we don't need to compare with others.
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What we all know and agree upon is that PISA is just one metric, but it is a significant one. I am not sure but, it seems to me, that it highlights a gap between the desired outcomes and the current reality. My conviction is that these scores point to systemic issues that require our attention.
Let me introduce you to the notion of teacher quality. People say that a nation's education system is only as good as its teachers. I somehow think this is true. Experts say that teacher training, qualifications, and professional development are crucial (Money & Banking Magazine, 2023). I am not an expert, but I have read somewhere that the methods for teacher selection, curriculum design, and evaluation in Thailand need a closer look.
Fundamentally, I would argue that we need to invest more in our educators. My gut tells me that better training and support will lead to better student outcomes. Nevertheless, it is my belief that we must also address the curriculum itself. As we know, rote memorization is often emphasized over critical thinking and problem-solving. This approach, in my opinion, does not prepare students for the complexities of the modern world.
I’d like to entertain you with the idea that the 21st century demands a different set of skills. Digital literacy, financial literacy, and the ability to adapt to rapid change are essential. I guess it is time to reassess our curriculum and ensure it aligns with these needs. Indeed, a lot needs to be done.
However challenging, I determine to make it clear that education inequity is another pressing issue. As we know, there are significant disparities between urban and rural schools (Wittayasin, 2018). Those were the days when everything was simple, but the truth is, the funding differences between well-resourced city schools and underfunded rural schools are stark.
Some argue for increased funding for rural schools, while some argue against it, citing concerns about efficiency. Nevertheless, it is my long-held belief that (though I could be wrong) every child deserves equal access to quality education. I must admit that the complexities of budget allocation are daunting, but we must find a way to bridge this gap.
I like the idea of public-private partnerships. The private sector can bring innovation and resources to the table. However, it is my personal belief that the government must maintain oversight to ensure equity and quality.
Having said that, I realize that Thailand has made strides in certain areas. Literacy rates, for instance, are relatively high. I am sure you would agree with me that this is a testament to our commitment to basic education. However, we must not rest on our laurels.
No one knows everything, but I would like to emphasize the importance of higher education. Thailand boasts several universities that are gaining recognition in regional and global rankings. I could be wrong, but I see this as a positive sign. However, we must continue to invest in research and development to maintain our competitive edge.
They say that the number of Thai students studying abroad is increasing. This, in my opinion, is a good thing. It exposes our students to different perspectives and enhances their global competence. I somehow think we should encourage more of these exchanges.
As we know, regional collaboration is also essential. Thailand's involvement in ASEAN educational initiatives is a step in the right direction. I am sure you would agree with me that sharing best practices and resources with our neighbors will benefit us all.
Let me introduce you to the notion of cultural strengths. Thailand's rich cultural heritage can be a valuable asset in education. We can incorporate our traditions and values into the curriculum to foster a sense of identity and pride.
I am not sure but, it seems to me, that we must also embrace innovation. Technology, for instance, can revolutionize education. Online learning, digital resources, and artificial intelligence can enhance the learning experience.
In my opinion, Thailand's position in the global education arena is a crossroads. We face significant challenges, but we also have immense potential. The key is to address these challenges head-on and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.
I think, to conclude, we must adopt a holistic approach. This means investing in teachers, reforming the curriculum, addressing inequity, and embracing innovation. It also means fostering a culture of lifelong learning.
As we know, education is not just about acquiring knowledge. It is about developing critical thinking skills, fostering creativity, and
My conviction is that Thailand can rise to the challenge. We have the resources, the talent, and the determination. By working together, we can build an education system that prepares our students for the future.
I guess it is important to remember that progress takes time. We must be patient and persistent. However, we must also act with urgency. The future of our nation depends on it. In my opinion, Thailand's position in the global education arena is not fixed. It is a journey, not a destination. We must continue to strive for excellence and ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
References
Bangkok Post. (2023, December 5). Thai students score poorly in maths, reading, science. Bangkok Post. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2699504/thai-students-score-poorly-in-maths-reading-science
Money & Banking Magazine. (2023, July). Thailand's Education Crisis: Challenges and Solutions. Money & Banking Magazine. https://moneyandbanking.co.th/en/2023/79405/
Wittayasin, S. (2018). Education Challenges to Thailand 4.0. International Journal of Integrated Education and Development, 2(2), 29–35. retrieved from https://so02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/ijied/article/view/131930
World Population Review. (n.d.). Education rankings by country 2024. Retrieved [March 24, 2025] Retrieved], from https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/education-rankings-by-country
Please cite as:
Thadphoothon, J. (2025, March 24). Thailand's position on the global education arena: Navigating the crossroads. Janpha's Blog.
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