Thailand’s Education Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat has urged the new government to immediately back her reform agenda, warning that without swift action, the country’s schools risk falling further behind global standards.
According to several news sources, Narumon defended the quality of Thai education, insisting schools and universities “can be as good as any in the world.” But she acknowledged persistent shortcomings — especially weak English proficiency, outdated curricula, and teacher debt — that she says the government must now confront head-on.
At the center of her plan is a proposal to merge more than 5,400 small schools into larger institutions over the next three years. Officials argue this would allow resources to be pooled and improve learning outcomes, particularly in under-resourced rural provinces. Parents and teachers, however, worry that closing local schools could tear at the social fabric of communities and force children to travel long distances every day.
Education Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat addresses parliament in Bangkok as she calls for urgent education reforms Photo Courtesy Bangkok Post
The reforms also aim to ease the financial burden on teachers and cut down administrative work that keeps them from the classroom. Expanding STEM programs and improving English teaching are highlighted as priorities in the ministry’s 2025–2026 education framework, which aligns with Thailand’s long-term national development strategy.
Still, the challenge is enormous. Consolidating schools requires significant investment in infrastructure and transport, while updating curricula and retraining teachers will need sustained government funding. Narumon’s push for early backing signals her determination to secure momentum before political attention shifts elsewhere.
For many families, the stakes are deeply personal. Thailand’s low rankings in international education benchmarks have raised concerns about job prospects in a region that’s rapidly advancing in technology and trade. Whether Narumon’s plan can win support from both lawmakers and local communities will shape the country’s education system for years to come.
