Academics have said that schools need to prepare for a second wave of Covid-19 infections if they are to avoid further disruptions to the education of their students.

"The pandemic denied many children, particularly those in rural areas, learning and self-development opportunities," Dilaka Lathapipat, Human Development Economist for the Education Unit of the World Bank based in Bangkok, said.

He suggested education-related units must urgently address this problem while getting ready to deal with a possible second wave of Covid-19 infections more efficiently.

The economist was one of the speakers during Friday's "My School and Covid-19" online discussion arranged by the Princess Maha Chakri Award Foundation, the Ministry of Education and education organisations.

Mr Dilaka also warned that Thailand is not yet able to use online learning, even for short periods, following the results of a survey that showed a gap between urban and rural children in terms of the equipment they have for remote learning.


While there are many factors that have an impact on the quality of education in Thailand, the level of state investment is far lower than others assessed by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Students were also bullied at school more than other students in OECD countries.