Enlightenment through education in Thailand : Thai education and the influence of culture

Abstract

This study seeks to explore education in Thailand and the impact of cultural influences. In an effort to examine education and its prevailing influences, thirteen hypotheses about education in Thailand were developed; at large, their proof and/or disproof are as a result of a questionnaire survey. Specifically developed questionnaires were administered to 601 Thai students, teachers and parents in Thailand, in 1992. Three central themes emerged from the results of the survey and the supporting literature, they are: (1) Thai culture, inclusive of the Buddhist faith, is inherent in education in Thailand; (2) The expectations of education are enormous and the regard for education is eminent; and (3) The locus of control resides with the Ministry of Education.