When Thai schools ask students to focus on memorizing textbooks and give a free pass to students who write reports by copying text from the internet, Thai education seriously needs a remodeling.
Education Minister Dapong Rattanasuwan admitted that there are problems in all aspects of Thai education, particularly issues concerning English proficiency and critical thinking.
Speaking during a weekly program called “Thailand Moves Forward,” Dapong revealed results of a recently-conducted study that revealed that academic performances of Thai students in math, science, English and Thai languages are below standard.
He added that they also lack critical thinking skills and discipline. Their awareness of national history has also declined, and Dapong said that courses provided at the tertiary level do not cater to the demands of the business sector.
Dapong said the ministry has begun solving the problem by reducing class hours and promoting English language learning as well as vocational skills in schools.
In last year’s EF English Proficiency Index, Thailand ranked 62nd out of 70 countries surveyed — which means their English ability is among the worst in the world.
To improve the overall English teaching in public schools, 350 Thai teachers have undergone an intensive English language course. The ministry aims to produce 13,500 more qualified English language teachers before the end of 2018, according to National News Bureau of Thailand.
