Nuanchawee Chaitongdee is optimistic about her future as an English language teacher.

It is critical that
education reforms continue

Dr Somwung of Onesqa recently urged the future government
to prioritize education reform in Thailand

Some weeks ago, I wrote an article concerning civil service, the code of ethics and social responsibility. In the article, I alluded to the fact that some civil servants in administrative positions sought personal gain, when in fact they ought to be acting on behalf of the general public.

Prof Dr Somwung Pitiyanuwat, director of the Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment (Onesqa), in a recent article in Learning Post went much further in highlighting, what I believe, is a deeply rooted problem affecting Thai education today, and that is the shift from the education of our children to teachers' rights and benefits. He reported on comments by the Minister of Education, Prof Dr Wichit Srisa-an, who expressed his concerns on several matters.

Dr Wichit said that while the public expressed their points of view, professional associations were not producing "guidelines" or "suggestions" of their own. This, coupled with "low motivation" and "poor teamwork", has led the minister to comment that, "innovative and effective educational leadership is lacking."

Now is the time for action

With the general election fast approaching, it will be critical that the new government move quickly to advance education reform, and do it at a quicker pace than before.

Education rights have been championed by all political parties; however, the Minister of Education correctly, in my opinion, asks for the continuation of educational rights in order for Thailand to achieve schools of the highest quality.

Dr Somwung states that active involvement is vital and I couldn't agree more. I am a guest in Thailand and as such, I am always careful to respect that fact. It is not up to foreigners to dictate educational policy or reform. What I found pleasing about Dr Somwung's article was that it was the Minister of Education that was expressing the same views held by many Thai teachers of English.

Teachers should be given every right and opportunity to take part in the reform of education in Thailand. A priority for the next government and minister should be the development of teaching skills and new methodologies. Armed with new skills, Thai teachers of English, indeed Thai teachers of all subjects, can adapt to new and challenging technologies and increased demands of student learners. Acquiring these and other new skills is an area that will need government financial assistance and moral support, because teachers in the government sector are notoriously underpaid for the wonderful job they do.

Teachers and the general public have critical parts to play. As Dr Somwung rightly pointed out, there are positions on councils, committees and educational boards that are crying out for concerned parents to add their ideas and motivational drive in order to advance the prospects of their children.

The future is in the hands of the electorate

The Minister of Education informed us in Dr Somwung's article that the new draft constitution of 2007 sets even clearer objectives, while integrating education in a more comprehensive way, committing the governments of the future to a continual program of reform.

Recent reports in the press have the Asian Development Bank expressing concern that Thailand is falling behind the rest of the region economically and the Finance Minister Chalongphob Sussangkarn informing us that policies need to be coordinated to support "overall macro economic growth."

In addition, there appears to be 30,000 extra freshmen applying for loans to attend university, thus raising concerns that there may be a high drop out rate if these students do not receive the loans they applied for. Not everyone who attends university leaves with a degree; however, those from poorer backgrounds should be allowed the opportunity to study.

The new government, whoever they may be, will have the chance to advance the cause of education in Thailand by careful management of policies designed to reward innovation and dedication to duty, while showing compassion for the less advantaged in society that need help in their quest for education and advancement.

Education has a direct influence on the economy and the society of a country and needs to be driven equally by teachers, parents and governments. With all stake holders working together, Thailand will see itself rise in the economic ratings due to the determination of an educated workforce. These same well-educated citizens will, in turn, guarantee the preservation of Thai culture and heritage.

Steve Graham is an English language teacher at the Language Center, Udon Thani Rajabhat University in northeast Thailand. If there are any comments or areas for debate that you would like to discuss, you can contact Steve at: shed_chelsea@hotmail.co.uk .