FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
nationthailand

What takes place in Thai schools is not education

What takes place in Thai schools is not education

Re: "To boost education, emphasise critical thinking over conformity", Editorial, August 21.

Thank you for your excellent and perceptive editorial on the need to emphasise critical thinking over conformity in education. I only hope that it is read and absorbed by those who have power to effect change.
I live in Thailand because I love the country and its people, so maybe that is the reason I despair at what passes for education in Thailand. I have studied and taught in schools and universities in the UK, and studied briefly at university in Thailand. I have many Thai friends, most of whom are post-graduates or have children in Thai schools.
It quickly became apparent to me that whatever takes place in these schools and universities is not what most of the world understands as education. Education involves the development of an inquiring mind, understanding, innovation, the ability to distinguish between fact and fancy, using the power of reason to challenge received ideas and question the status quo. Basically, making students think. 
In Europe, reading a book or newspaper on public transport is common, but it is rare here. TV news is extremely parochial. There seems to be no interest in or knowledge of world history, geography or literature, or of other cultures.
The last thing the powers that be want in Thailand, it seems to me, is for the population to be educated. What takes place instead is an attempt at indoctrination into “the Thai way”. Elders must always be respected and looked up to, so you never question your teacher, even if you don’t understand, even if she or he is talking nonsense. You listen, try to remember, and repeat what was said in the test. You do not voice a personal opinion because conformity is all. Dress uniform (at university even!) reinforces this.
Keith Barlow
nationthailand