The Strengths and Weaknesses of Thailand
As An Education Hub in Southeast Asia
Thailand has achieved a number of impressive actions in education. It has significantly increased the size of its system at all levels. Literacy rates are at an impressively high 95 percent rate[1] and universal primary education has been basically achieved. Over 80 percent[1] of all the teachers have received bachelor’s degrees or higher. At the Ministry of Education itself, there have been over 400 individuals with doctorate’s degrees[1].
The strengths of Thailand as an international education hub are due to various factors. One of the advantages is its location, that is, it is in the center of Southeast Asia. It is very accessible to many countries, in other words, it is a gateway that links it to them and vice versa. Thailand has been blessed with wonderful, natural environments. It is also renowned for its customs and traditions. Furthermore, its civilization has been much improved. All of these have given a very good impression to the foreigners here and abroad. There have been exchanges between Thailand and other countries in terms of academic matters. The international education programs in Thailand have been satisfying to everyone concerned, both the benefactors and the students themselves, let alone the owners of those places of learning.
According to difference sources, like the internet and local reporters’ interview reports, a powerful aspect, that seems to be the strongest and most attractive point, is the advantage of affording the tuition fees which are obviously a lot cheaper than those in western countries, e.g. European countries and the United States, in spite of utilizing the education system similar to ours. It is also significant to point out that the living expenses here such as housing rentals, dormitory rentals, food prices, transportation fares, clothing prices, and medical treatment fees are much more affordable. Furthermore, Thailand has been opened to welcome every nationality of a varied culture, has never practised racial discrimination which is the separation of people because of their kinds of complexion. Speaking of religious sects, there has been no problem about them here either. Because of these grounds, not only the local students but also the international ones have found that this country has been worth-coming and staying for educational and pleasurable purposes.
In spite of the economic decline in our nation, countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Korea, and Taiwan still allow their children to further their studies in Thailand.
Despite these quantitative successes, several key problems have persisted. The current weak situations both in economy and politics reflect the lack of harmony among the authorities that result to the unsystematic and sluggish progress for the benefit of the country and the people. Consequently, these unfavorable economic and political affairs of Thailand have given negative attitudes to foreigners.
The insufficient publicizing of the Thai international curricula or the lack of information about them both locally and internationally is one weakness in Thailand as an education hub.
English is not the native tongue here. English isn’t the medium of instruction here either. It is not commonly spoken by the local in and out the schools. We have no sufficient and competent teachers of English. Therefore, foreign students do not normally make Thailand their final choice to pursue their education. In these aspects, Thailand is different from Singapore.
Another matter of concern is the lack of personnel or agencies to promote the international programs in other countries. Agencies in diverse area can be hired, for instance. Facilitating the process of issuing the students’ visa to foreign students can be considered another problems.
Even though we have had some sky-train and sub-way lines in the capital, traffic congestions on land have still been a big cause of chaos and pressure among travellers.