Bangkok: Professor Yotsanun Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, alongside Mr. Prasert Chantharawong, Minister of Education, announced a significant reform in Thailand's educational curriculum focusing on History, Civics, and Thai Language. The initiative seeks to transform Thai children into well-rounded global citizens by promoting a competency-based curriculum approach.
According to Thai News Agency, this curriculum reform aims to enhance the depth and meaning of lessons without degrading the current educational standards. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that true competence extends beyond professional skills, encompassing a holistic development of individuals. The reform in history education will shift from rote memorization to analytical learning, enabling students to understand the nation's development and the monarchy's historical role.
The new Civics curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking skills while preserving Thai identity. Planned activities aim to foster teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and volunteerism, equipping students to thrive in a changing world. Minister Prasert Chantharawongthong highlighted three main components of the ministry's framework: course content, student development activities, and extracurricular activities that instill desirable characteristics such as patriotism and honesty.
The Ministry encourages the integration of technology in education, using digital media and community resources to provide real-world experiences, particularly in history lessons. Teachers will have the freedom to select the most suitable media for their students' context.
Regarding the Thai language, the reform underscores the importance of maintaining one's mother tongue as a foundation for learning additional languages. The Minister noted that strong native language skills facilitate quicker and more effective second language acquisition. The Ministry also addressed concerns about Thai students in international schools lacking Thai language proficiency, expressing readiness to support improved language skills while respecting each institution's curriculum.
The Ministry of Education has communicated these guidelines to all educational institutions, adhering to the National Education Act and core curriculum. The first subcommittee meeting for drafting the National Education Act will take place on June 4, 2026, chaired by Professor Wisit Wisitsora-at, with participation from education experts.