Opportunities for family life education in Thailand

Abstract

Thailand is experiencing significant and rapid economic, demographic, and social changes that are having significant impacts on family life. The institution of the family is highly valued in Thai culture, reflected in the explicit inclusion of human development and family relationship topics in their educational standards. However, an actual field of family science or family life education appears fragmented even in the midst of an increasing need to help families understand how societal changes are impacting family life and the need for new knowledge and skills to cope and thrive. This chapter provides an initial examination of some of the forces that are converging to create a pressing need for action. It also suggests important partners who could be involved in the development of a robust family life education field in Thailand.