Thailand scores badly in education assessment ranking

News > Local News

Thailand scores badly in education assessment ranking

Published: 28 Nov 2012 at 17.09
Online news: Local News

Thailand's education system is ranked 37th out of 40 countries assessed in latest global index ranking published by British education and publishing group Pearson Plc.

Finland took first place with a score of 1.26 points, followed by South Korea and Hong-Kong. Following them are two other Asian countries: Japan and Singapore.

Thailand scored badly, with 1.46, and had only three countries below it in the ranking.

This article is older than 60 days, which we reserve for our premium members only.You can subscribe to our premium member subscription, here.

Forum

Your comments

OldThaiHand
Post : 654
Send message

Discussion 45 : 01 Dec 2012 at 13.5245
Post this to my Facebook
I find it interesting and quite sad that there has not been a follow-up story to this, no comment from the Minister of Education or response from the PM.

This is probably the most serious issue facing Thailand, and yet nobody is addressing it at all.
Like dislike 1 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
wdk
Post : 1
Send message

Discussion 44 : 29 Nov 2012 at 23.4844
Post this to my Facebook
As to English: as long as the language is taught as an academic exercise and not for communicative purposes, by teachers who teach English speaking Thai; there is mainly teacher talk in poor English, with students not asking questions for fear of making mistakes or to embarras their teachers; as long as term plans try to cramm all the grammar repetively into one term, year in year out, killing students' curiosity; teaching is teacher centered, there is no hope. Thai English teachers believe they know better and ignore advice by their Farrang colleagues. There are some very rare exceptions, though. However, the students are not the problem.
Like dislike 3 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
ottete
Post : 15
Send message

Discussion 43 : 29 Nov 2012 at 14.3343
Post this to my Facebook
Why are these 10,000 students cramming? Last minute study as their usual practice. If they have been diligent since their grade school until high school they won't get nervous with their university entrance test. For sure they will pass with excellent results. But if they have been lazy what can you expect.

I pity the parents for they really don't know whether their child is diligently studying in school or are just easily go lucky, playing and partying. They just keep providing and paying what their children demand.

If they failed in their test, parents would just say 'never mind. Better luck next time.' Passing a test is not a luck.
Like dislike 3 people liked / 1 people disliked this comment
ricefield
Post : 2,378
Send message

Discussion 42 : 29 Nov 2012 at 11.2942
Post this to my Facebook
Disc 40 - Before my son hit grade 1 we spent a month traveling around five northern provinces trying to find a decent English school for him. We drove over 4500 KM and went to about 40 schools. Some were totally useless, some way too expensive, some run down, most had no library, teacher turnover was horrid. One that was rated highly and expensive had an English teacher that couldn't carry on a conversation with our then 4 1/2 year old in English or Thai. So we're doing what the elites do, we're sending my son overseas where he just flourishes.
Like dislike 4 people liked / 2 people disliked this comment
Miguelito
Post : 1
Send message

Discussion 41 : 29 Nov 2012 at 10.1041
Post this to my Facebook
As long as people are not fueled by as sense of intellectual satisfaction there is no hope.
Like dislike 3 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
ottete
Post : 15
Send message

Discussion 40 : 29 Nov 2012 at 09.2940
Post this to my Facebook
If you go and observe the good schools in other countries outside of Thailand, their educational standards are very high, cut-off grade is 75% not 50%, teachers are highly qualified, challenges students to be thinkers not reflectors, teachers are never considered as entertainers (sanok sanok), students are diligent, responsible and dependable. Once students failed they have to repeat, because of this students work hard not to be left behind from their classmates.

A parent asked the child, 'How is school?' Child's response 'Sanok sanok!' The parents in stead of asking 'what have you learned in school today?
Like dislike 7 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
banmebkk
Post : 2,423
Send message

Discussion 39 : 29 Nov 2012 at 09.1439
Post this to my Facebook
Thailand has one of the biggest education budget around the world. People cry about outdated textbook and unqualified teachers, yet the government spends more money on buying tablets instead of solving the root cause.
Like dislike 8 people liked / 1 people disliked this comment
whatajoke
Post : 1,773
Send message

Discussion 38 : 29 Nov 2012 at 07.3738
Post this to my Facebook
This is a rather pithy article. What were the 40 countries, if most were developed then being 37th isn't too bad. Thailand's education infrastructure and literacy rate actually isn't bad relative to developing nations, but it's underpar relative to the wealth of the nation. It's improved considerably over a generation (my mother-in-law has a grade 8 education). Most the criticisms revolve around the fundamental education policy & reform which is a cultural thing. Judging by the disarray of politics, it's not surprising education is in the doldrums. The two are inexplicably linked, resulting in a fake democracy.
Like dislike 4 people liked / 13 people disliked this comment
commonman
Post : 211
Send message

Discussion 37 : 29 Nov 2012 at 05.5337
Post this to my Facebook
#15 - Two things I know for certain - education is a reflection of the values of society and it begins in the home.
Like dislike 17 people liked / 1 people disliked this comment
commonman
Post : 211
Send message

Discussion 36 : 29 Nov 2012 at 05.4636
Post this to my Facebook
It's partly cultural - the Mais Pen Rai attitude does not mesh well with a focused approach. Studying and test taking are not likely to be considered sanook. No need for better teachers is there is no value in or desire for learning. If you're looking for some humour in the situation, consider the behavioural level of our leaders.
Like dislike 11 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment

1 2 3 4 5 Next Last

Thailand scores badly in education assessment ranking | Bangkok Post: news