Mechai urges Thais to push for good education

“If you want to help your country, improve its education,” Dr Mechai Viravaidya said during the launch of a project organised to empower teachers. Mechai is the founder of the innovative Lamplaimat Pattana School in Buri Ram.
Set up by the EDP Foundation and the Office of Basic Education Commission, the project aims to provide fresh perspectives and ideas from specialists to teachers as well as school executives. Mechai reminded people that no government could own the country since it only lasted for four years.
“Governments come and go, so when problems persist, everybody in the country must tackle them,” he said, adding that teaching is a very important occupation and the society should recognise the importance of the role teachers play. He also said that teachers and university lecturers should also be aware of how important their role is and strive to ensure that young people get a good education.
“Don’t be indifferent to students’ poor grades,” he said, adding that it was high time Thailand adjusted its education concept.
“It should not just be simple maths and reading and writing. Students must be taught to think and analyse,” he said.
Mechai added that new-generation teachers would be needed to implement the new concepts, emphasising that schools should position themselves as the centre of people’s lives regardless of age and also play a role in economic development.
Moreover, he said, the rich should be encouraged to improve the education system.
“Education is vital to Thailand’s future, and rich people should be aware that they cannot live in a failed state,” he said.