The Structure of Thai Education

Abstract

This chapter is largely descriptive providing a detailed overview of the structure of Thai education from preschool to graduate studies. It covers not only formal but also nonformal and informal education. Detailed statistics are provided related to the size and scope of the various parts of the structure. While the Ministry of Education (MOE) is the major provider of educational programs and services, there are many other ministries and entities involved in offering education, which are described, reflecting the important principle of the 1999 NEA, “all for education.” Considerable attention is devoted to the major restructuring of the MOE which occurred in 2003 as part of the 1999 education reform initiative. By way of summary and synthesis, the chapter provides an important historical overview of the evolution of the four major structural changes in Thai education. The chapter concludes with a description and analysis of the new structure for decentralization articulated in March, 2016.