Thailand is a country located in Southeast Asia with a population of approximately 69 million people. The education system in Thailand is overseen by the Ministry of Education. In this article, we will explore the quality of education in Thailand, the compulsory education ages, breakdown the types of schools available by age, syllabus and qualifications offered, typical school hours and holidays, enrollment process, and international schools. We will also provide information on higher education options in Thailand.
Quality of Education in Thailand
The quality of education in Thailand has been a topic of debate for many years. While the government has made significant investments in education, there are still concerns about the quality of education, particularly in rural areas. According to the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) report, Thai students scored below the average in mathematics, reading, and science.
Compulsory Education Ages
In Thailand, education is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 14. This includes primary and lower secondary education.
Types of Schools Available in Thailand
Primary School
Primary school is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 11 and lasts for six years. Students learn subjects such as mathematics, science, social studies, language, and physical education.
Lower Secondary School
Lower secondary school is compulsory for students between the ages of 12 and 14. Lower secondary school lasts for three years and focuses on the core subjects of mathematics, science, social studies, language, and physical education.
Upper Secondary School
Upper secondary school is not compulsory, but it is available for students between the ages of 15 and 18. Upper secondary school lasts for three years and offers a range of subjects, including mathematics, science, social studies, language, and physical education.
Syllabus and Qualifications
Schools in Thailand follow a national curriculum that is overseen by the Ministry of Education. The curriculum includes subjects such as mathematics, science, social studies, language, and physical education.
After completing upper secondary education, students can take the Ordinary National Educational Test (O-NET) or the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level, which are recognized qualifications for higher education.
School Hours and Holidays
School hours in Thailand vary depending on the level of education. Primary school students typically have five hours of class per day, while secondary school students have six hours of class per day.
The school year in Thailand runs from May to March and includes two semesters. Students have a one-month break in October and a two-month break for summer vacation.
Enrollment Process
In order to enroll in a school in Thailand, students must provide a birth certificate, a proof of address, and a photo. For students transferring from another school, a transfer certificate is also required.
There is significant competition for enrollment in the more prestigious schools in Thailand, particularly in urban areas.
International Schools in Thailand
For expat families, there are several international schools available in Thailand that offer education in English or other languages. These schools typically follow the curriculum of their home country and offer qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE).
Some international schools in Thailand include:
- Bangkok Patana School: https://www.patana.ac.th/
- International School Bangkok: https://www.isb.ac.th/
Higher Education in Thailand
There are several higher education options available in Thailand, including universities, colleges, and vocational schools. Thai universities offer undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of subjects, including engineering, medicine, law, and humanities.
In order to be eligible for higher education in Thailand, students must have completed upper secondary education and obtained a recognized qualification.
Some popular universities in Thailand include:
- Chulalongkorn University: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/
- Mahidol University: https://mahidol.ac.th/
- Kasetsart University: https://www.ku.ac.th/en
In conclusion, the education system in Thailand is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 14 and includes primary and lower secondary education. Schools in Thailand follow a national curriculum overseen by the Ministry of Education and offer qualifications that qualify students for higher education. School hours and holidays vary depending on the level of education, and enrollment in schools is competitive. For expat families, there are several international schools available in Thailand that offer education in English or other languages. Finally, higher education options in Thailand include universities, colleges, and vocational schools that offer undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of subjects.