Local communities need to get more involved

Lite Beer · May 10, 2014

EDITORIAL
Local communities need to get more involved
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Education reform has been woefully delayed by political opportunism and strife; it's time this vital sector got a better deal

When the country's people are at one another's throat over politics, so many things are held hostage. One of them is of course education, or education reform.

Cool heads, political stability and sound commitment with a long-term vision are needed if reform is to see the light of day. But that hasn't been the case. Not only because of the political instability but because so many of our education ministers are not willing to look at reform as a long-term process. And so they go after something like computer tablets for students to leave their mark and make names for themselves.

This past week, the Education Reform Assembly (ERA) has called on the next government, whenever one can be formed, to place education reform high on the agenda to avoid the business as usual attitude of recent policy.

Chatchawal Thongdeelerd, a leading member of the ERA, blamed the failure to reform on political meddling. Like others he warned that the unwillingness to address the root cause of the problem could have a negative impacts on future generations.

A set of proposals was announced at the recent meeting between the ERA and representatives from nine education groups, including the Network of Parents, the Small Schools Network, the Thailand Education Deans Council and the New Generation Network.

The group called for a separation of politics from education, possibly in the same manner as the separation of state and religion in secular Western countries. This is because politics has long held education reform hostage. The idea is worth considering, as it would give education reform and revision a sense of continuity.

Another interesting point was that many of these groups were calling on the Education Ministry and other central bureaux to reduce their influence on the country's education system, especially their right to oversee all schools across the country. Many believe that parents and the local community should have a bigger say in this respect.

Moreover, schools of different regions should have a different syllabus to reflect the local identity and values.

Indeed, for too long the focus of education was designed to make life easier for the administrators, where as the focus should be on the students themselves. We need to get our priorities straight.

What is lacking is the role of the community. Parents and community leaders should not wait for the authorities to do everything for their children. They need to be more active and take matters into their own hands if they are really concerned about their children's future, and the nation's future for that matter.

The fact that reading comprehension for Prathom-3 students is still lacking suggests that more has to be done and some things have to change.

Critical and analytical thinking should be encouraged, rather than memorisation for entrance exams and tests. Acting Education Minister Chaturon Chaisaeng has suggested that some schools, especially those in the southernmost provinces, should embrace the concept of bilingual education, which mean classes should be conducted in Malay first and in standard Thai later.

But because of the fact that the Thai governance is so centralised, the education policy planners in Bangkok are blind to the needs of the remote communities.

Last, but not least, we need to hold teachers accountable as well. If the teachers are not able to get the student motivated to learn and enjoy learning, perhaps they should be removed and make room for others who might be able to do a better job.

-- The Nation 2014-05-11

Mango Bob · May 10, 2014

They load teachers with so many additional duties that they work 10 to 12 hours a day. Teaching classes with 40 to 50 students is just stupid how do they learn anything. Get some of the non teaching jobs to administration. Teachers still have to hand score test. Living the dark ages Let the teacher teach not to kiss the administration ass to get things done. Pay them what they are worth.

selftaopath · May 11, 2014

They load teachers with so many additional duties that they work 10 to 12 hours a day. Teaching classes with 40 to 50 students is just stupid how do they learn anything. Get some of the non teaching jobs to administration. Teachers still have to hand score test. Living the dark ages Let the teacher teach not to kiss the administration ass to get things done. Pay them what they are worth.

That may be true for some teachers. However I know several who are "in school" at work ONLY 14 hours a week. These are foreigners who get a very high salary compared to Thai teachers.

Tatsujin · May 11, 2014

They load teachers with so many additional duties that they work 10 to 12 hours a day. Teaching classes with 40 to 50 students is just stupid how do they learn anything. Get some of the non teaching jobs to administration. Teachers still have to hand score test. Living the dark ages Let the teacher teach not to kiss the administration ass to get things done. Pay them what they are worth.

Yes, indeed, why hasn't Thaksin addressed this issue with any of the Govt's he's had in place for the past 10+ years? You always complain about "the establishment" doing nothing, well come on, Thaksin's the one that's been running the Govt the longest over the past 10+ years so if there is a failing here (or anywhere else) it's on his watch.

chainarong · May 11, 2014

This post should be off topic , it crops up so many times over the years that it is just a load of BullS!!t They haven't a clue , but loads of money would help in attracting professionals , nobody in their right mind would come to Thailand to teach when you can get fifteen grand a month, in Japan or HK, like , native English teachers are an means to an end.

NongKhaiKid · May 11, 2014

Local communities should get involved in many things but what does ' involved ' mean.

Up here in Isan's red villages ' involved' means doing as instructed by the village headman who is following orders and money from somebody higher in the pecking order.

Mango Bob · May 11, 2014

They load teachers with so many additional duties that they work 10 to 12 hours a day. Teaching classes with 40 to 50 students is just stupid how do they learn anything. Get some of the non teaching jobs to administration. Teachers still have to hand score test. Living the dark ages Let the teacher teach not to kiss the administration ass to get things done. Pay them what they are worth.

Yes, indeed, why hasn't Thaksin addressed this issue with any of the Govt's he's had in place for the past 10+ years? You always complain about "the establishment" doing nothing, well come on, Thaksin's the one that's been running the Govt the longest over the past 10+ years so if there is a failing here (or anywhere else) it's on his watch.

Once again you know nothing but got a lot to say.

Piichai · May 11, 2014

They load teachers with so many additional duties that they work 10 to 12 hours a day. Teaching classes with 40 to 50 students is just stupid how do they learn anything. Get some of the non teaching jobs to administration. Teachers still have to hand score test. Living the dark ages Let the teacher teach not to kiss the administration ass to get things done. Pay them what they are worth.

You obviously don't have children in school.

Many teachers exhibit the same lackadaisical attitude and sense of entitlement one sees in the current PTP roster.

Education improvements are very important for the future of Thailand. I'd love to see it start by weeding out the bad seeds.

scorecard · May 11, 2014

They load teachers with so many additional duties that they work 10 to 12 hours a day. Teaching classes with 40 to 50 students is just stupid how do they learn anything. Get some of the non teaching jobs to administration. Teachers still have to hand score test. Living the dark ages Let the teacher teach not to kiss the administration ass to get things done. Pay them what they are worth.

Yes, indeed, why hasn't Thaksin addressed this issue with any of the Govt's he's had in place for the past 10+ years? You always complain about "the establishment" doing nothing, well come on, Thaksin's the one that's been running the Govt the longest over the past 10+ years so if there is a failing here (or anywhere else) it's on his watch.

Actually the paymaster appointed himself as the education minister at one stage with all sorts of wild promises. Nothing happened, six months later he quietly passed the minister position to someone else.

Piichai · May 11, 2014

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They load teachers with so many additional duties that they work 10 to 12 hours a day. Teaching classes with 40 to 50 students is just stupid how do they learn anything. Get some of the non teaching jobs to administration. Teachers still have to hand score test. Living the dark ages Let the teacher teach not to kiss the administration ass to get things done. Pay them what they are worth.

Yes, indeed, why hasn't Thaksin addressed this issue with any of the Govt's he's had in place for the past 10+ years? You always complain about "the establishment" doing nothing, well come on, Thaksin's the one that's been running the Govt the longest over the past 10+ years so if there is a failing here (or anywhere else) it's on his watch.

Once again you know nothing but got a lot to say.

He asked an important question, and that's your response?

Shameful.

Tatsujin · May 11, 2014

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

They load teachers with so many additional duties that they work 10 to 12 hours a day. Teaching classes with 40 to 50 students is just stupid how do they learn anything. Get some of the non teaching jobs to administration. Teachers still have to hand score test. Living the dark ages Let the teacher teach not to kiss the administration ass to get things done. Pay them what they are worth.

Yes, indeed, why hasn't Thaksin addressed this issue with any of the Govt's he's had in place for the past 10+ years? You always complain about "the establishment" doing nothing, well come on, Thaksin's the one that's been running the Govt the longest over the past 10+ years so if there is a failing here (or anywhere else) it's on his watch.

Once again you know nothing but got a lot to say.

Oh, Great Oracle of the Squishy Fruit, Fount of All Knowledge (as long as it's biased and supports Thaksin's agenda) . . . please enlighten this unworthy soul so that this poor, misguided fool can see the light and understand how Thaksin has improved the education levels in Thailand over the last 10+ years . . .

EDIT: I forgot to ask . . . "bob" . . . I'll need 3 independently verifiable sources when you answer the question about how Thaksin has so wonderfully improved education in Thailand . . . along with pictures, charts and a powerpoint presentation, just so I know you are telling the truth and not talking out of your ass, and by the way, anything from KhaoSod won't count, OK?

Edited May 11, 2014 by Tatsujin

scorecard · May 11, 2014

They load teachers with so many additional duties that they work 10 to 12 hours a day. Teaching classes with 40 to 50 students is just stupid how do they learn anything. Get some of the non teaching jobs to administration. Teachers still have to hand score test. Living the dark ages Let the teacher teach not to kiss the administration ass to get things done. Pay them what they are worth.

You obviously don't have children in school.

Many teachers exhibit the same lackadaisical attitude and sense of entitlement one sees in the current PTP roster.

Education improvements are very important for the future of Thailand. I'd love to see it start by weeding out the bad seeds.

Including the many teachers who have stated strongly that they refuse to listen to any discussion / training about changes in teaching and learning methodology.

I have a Thai outer family member who is very familiar with student centered learning and is a fully qualified teacher with a proper teaching license.

He started work in a gov't school and immediately set up his class room for student centered learning and immediately used this approach including getting the children to speak and respond etc. Within a couple of days he got approached by the teacher 'mafia' at the school (big school) and was told to stop it or else.

Piichai · May 11, 2014

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

They load teachers with so many additional duties that they work 10 to 12 hours a day. Teaching classes with 40 to 50 students is just stupid how do they learn anything. Get some of the non teaching jobs to administration. Teachers still have to hand score test. Living the dark ages Let the teacher teach not to kiss the administration ass to get things done. Pay them what they are worth.

Yes, indeed, why hasn't Thaksin addressed this issue with any of the Govt's he's had in place for the past 10+ years? You always complain about "the establishment" doing nothing, well come on, Thaksin's the one that's been running the Govt the longest over the past 10+ years so if there is a failing here (or anywhere else) it's on his watch.

Actually the paymaster appointed himself as the education minister at one stage with all sorts of wild promises. Nothing happened, six months later he quietly passed the minister position to someone else.

I seem to recall something like eight different Education ministers in five years.

winstonc · May 11, 2014

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

They load teachers with so many additional duties that they work 10 to 12 hours a day. Teaching classes with 40 to 50 students is just stupid how do they learn anything. Get some of the non teaching jobs to administration. Teachers still have to hand score test. Living the dark ages Let the teacher teach not to kiss the administration ass to get things done. Pay them what they are worth.

Yes, indeed, why hasn't Thaksin addressed this issue with any of the Govt's he's had in place for the past 10+ years? You always complain about "the establishment" doing nothing, well come on, Thaksin's the one that's been running the Govt the longest over the past 10+ years so if there is a failing here (or anywhere else) it's on his watch.

Once again you know nothing but got a lot to say.

stop staring in the mirror ..its awfully vain...

NongKhaiKid · May 11, 2014

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

They load teachers with so many additional duties that they work 10 to 12 hours a day. Teaching classes with 40 to 50 students is just stupid how do they learn anything. Get some of the non teaching jobs to administration. Teachers still have to hand score test. Living the dark ages Let the teacher teach not to kiss the administration ass to get things done. Pay them what they are worth.

Yes, indeed, why hasn't Thaksin addressed this issue with any of the Govt's he's had in place for the past 10+ years? You always complain about "the establishment" doing nothing, well come on, Thaksin's the one that's been running the Govt the longest over the past 10+ years so if there is a failing here (or anywhere else) it's on his watch.

Actually the paymaster appointed himself as the education minister at one stage with all sorts of wild promises. Nothing happened, six months later he quietly passed the minister position to someone else.

He also told teachers in Khon Kaen he would put more money into education but not those that didn't vote for him.

fatdrunkandstupid · May 11, 2014

The international programs at most of the schools across the country have just been dealt a death blow by the new crack down on tourist visas.

I know 12 farang teachers. All but one of them are on tourist visas.

Local community involvment is entirely facile, when the schools will be unable to recruit and retain teachers.

Edited May 11, 2014 by fatdrunkandstupid

mcsam · May 11, 2014

Here is my take on the education system in Thailand, just my opinion.

The "No fail policy" encourages laziness as all it does is set children up for failure in the future. In the world of work people have to work hard and be competent or they lose their job. They should have to work for their grades and the grades should be honest and not "paid" for. Exams, in the early years, should be abolished unless they are written by people skilled in exam writing. Assessments should be used and should be based on what is practical for real life, particularly in English. Many children can read and write but are unable to hold a basic conversation because the learning is text book driven. Lessons should be fun and engaging and student driven, and not taught by rote because parents complain if some text book pages are not completed.

Task based learning should be introduced to encourage critical thinking and problem solving skills in children.

Teachers should be "allowed" to approach parents if their children are not doing well so they can work together to find a solution to the problem or maybe change children to a vocational route, not everyone can be a a rocket scientist. Parents should also be encouraged to connect with the school, including parent education classes where they can be taught skills that can be used at home to encourage and help their children to become more engaged with education.

Thai education is all "flash and no substance", being seen to do something pretty or perfectly should be replaced by work which has been produced by children, with mistakes, to give children a sense of pride and achievement in what they can do and not rubbed out/changed by a teacher so that it's perfect.

I have worked on 2 major education reform projects and Thailand is one country which needs reform urgently. Education should be about doing what is right for that child, not about what looks good and having perfect, unrealistic exam grades.

I have been here for 6 months and I am sick and tired of the daily battle I have with Thai management. Therefore, I am moving on in 2 months time.

Mango Bob · May 11, 2014

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They load teachers with so many additional duties that they work 10 to 12 hours a day. Teaching classes with 40 to 50 students is just stupid how do they learn anything. Get some of the non teaching jobs to administration. Teachers still have to hand score test. Living the dark ages Let the teacher teach not to kiss the administration ass to get things done. Pay them what they are worth.

Yes, indeed, why hasn't Thaksin addressed this issue with any of the Govt's he's had in place for the past 10+ years? You always complain about "the establishment" doing nothing, well come on, Thaksin's the one that's been running the Govt the longest over the past 10+ years so if there is a failing here (or anywhere else) it's on his watch.

Once again you know nothing but got a lot to say.

Oh, Great Oracle of the Squishy Fruit, Fount of All Knowledge (as long as it's biased and supports Thaksin's agenda) . . . please enlighten this unworthy soul so that this poor, misguided fool can see the light and understand how Thaksin has improved the education levels in Thailand over the last 10+ years . . .

EDIT: I forgot to ask . . . "bob" . . . I'll need 3 independently verifiable sources when you answer the question about how Thaksin has so wonderfully improved education in Thailand . . . along with pictures, charts and a powerpoint presentation, just so I know you are telling the truth and not talking out of your ass, and by the way, anything from KhaoSod won't count, OK?

You just want to make this a Thaksin issue as if the education system just went bad in the last 10 years. If you know nothing about the education system you should just stick to your rants in the news section.

ginjag · May 11, 2014

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They load teachers with so many additional duties that they work 10 to 12 hours a day. Teaching classes with 40 to 50 students is just stupid how do they learn anything. Get some of the non teaching jobs to administration. Teachers still have to hand score test. Living the dark ages Let the teacher teach not to kiss the administration ass to get things done. Pay them what they are worth.

Yes, indeed, why hasn't Thaksin addressed this issue with any of the Govt's he's had in place for the past 10+ years? You always complain about "the establishment" doing nothing, well come on, Thaksin's the one that's been running the Govt the longest over the past 10+ years so if there is a failing here (or anywhere else) it's on his watch.

Once again you know nothing but got a lot to say.

Oh, Great Oracle of the Squishy Fruit, Fount of All Knowledge (as long as it's biased and supports Thaksin's agenda) . . . please enlighten this unworthy soul so that this poor, misguided fool can see the light and understand how Thaksin has improved the education levels in Thailand over the last 10+ years . . .

EDIT: I forgot to ask . . . "bob" . . . I'll need 3 independently verifiable sources when you answer the question about how Thaksin has so wonderfully improved education in Thailand . . . along with pictures, charts and a powerpoint presentation, just so I know you are telling the truth and not talking out of your ass, and by the way, anything from KhaoSod won't count, OK?

Most of these clones are restricted to one line of answering after that you notice they have FLED THE SCENE. When you hit the nail on the head the answer is yellow-dem- Suthep -anti democratic OR they go to another topic to attack.

The teacher who resides opposite my home goes out at 8am travels 50 kilometers one way to teach and is back at home at 16-30.

w/e off -has a lady to do her washing, very big house, and just notice how many holiday days they have per year.

looking back in time we were always jealous of the Spanish public holidays compared to UK near double but compared to Thailand teacher time out--WOW

Few teachers work 14 hours a day and have 50 to the class, but in some towns this happens. The money thrown away is the biggest scandal of all, one of the highest spending nations on earth on education.

Not many posters live in remote rural areas, and so some are not aware of the hired mini bus trips used by teachers on any excuse to out of class.

I helped at a high school years ago and asked why the children in some classes did not have a teacher-a principle said---they are at a meeting---in the UK meetings were before lessons start or after school.

There are exceptions to the norm. LOCAL COMMUNITIES parents business could help more at schools and political discussions held in towns to sort out problems. The main problems are no freedom of speech as everyone has to conform to the controlling government.

Tatsujin · May 11, 2014

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Oh, Great Oracle of the Squishy Fruit, Fount of All Knowledge (as long as it's biased and supports Thaksin's agenda) . . . please enlighten this unworthy soul so that this poor, misguided fool can see the light and understand how Thaksin has improved the education levels in Thailand over the last 10+ years . . .

EDIT: I forgot to ask . . . "bob" . . . I'll need 3 independently verifiable sources when you answer the question about how Thaksin has so wonderfully improved education in Thailand . . . along with pictures, charts and a powerpoint presentation, just so I know you are telling the truth and not talking out of your ass, and by the way, anything from KhaoSod won't count, OK?

You just want to make this a Thaksin issue as if the education system just went bad in the last 10 years. If you know nothing about the education system you should just stick to your rants in the news section.

You complained about education here Watermelon Bob, and as Thaksin-led Govt's have been in charge for most of the last 10+ years, then the responsibility for that lack of improvement or doing much of anything else lies at their door.

So, please, tell me just what Thaksin has done to improve education in Thailand . . . or are we back to what you guys usually do which is ignore the difficult questions because by answering them truthfully, you get exposed as being brainwashed, blind idiots?

I know the reason why if you are interested . . . despite your consistently loud and strident claims that "the establishment" want to keep the poor Thai's uneducated . . . Thaksin himself wants exactly the same thing . . . it's how he's got to where he is today, he's doing exactly what he continually claims "the amart" are doing. Pity you and the rest can't see that.

Smokemachine · May 11, 2014

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They load teachers with so many additional duties that they work 10 to 12 hours a day. Teaching classes with 40 to 50 students is just stupid how do they learn anything. Get some of the non teaching jobs to administration. Teachers still have to hand score test. Living the dark ages Let the teacher teach not to kiss the administration ass to get things done. Pay them what they are worth.

Yes, indeed, why hasn't Thaksin addressed this issue with any of the Govt's he's had in place for the past 10+ years? You always complain about "the establishment" doing nothing, well come on, Thaksin's the one that's been running the Govt the longest over the past 10+ years so if there is a failing here (or anywhere else) it's on his watch.

Once again you know nothing but got a lot to say.

Oh, Great Oracle of the Squishy Fruit, Fount of All Knowledge (as long as it's biased and supports Thaksin's agenda) . . . please enlighten this unworthy soul so that this poor, misguided fool can see the light and understand how Thaksin has improved the education levels in Thailand over the last 10+ years . . .

EDIT: I forgot to ask . . . "bob" . . . I'll need 3 independently verifiable sources when you answer the question about how Thaksin has so wonderfully improved education in Thailand . . . along with pictures, charts and a powerpoint presentation, just so I know you are telling the truth and not talking out of your ass, and by the way, anything from KhaoSod won't count, OK?

You just want to make this a Thaksin issue as if the education system just went bad in the last 10 years. If you know nothing about the education system you should just stick to your rants in the news section.

Hey, your reply sounds similar when people question about Thaksin and his corruptions. Then the Thaksin lovers will said corruption is not created by Thaksin. Before him, corruption has long exist.

Same as your post, education system did not gone bad during Thaksin adminstration, it has went bad before Thaksin exist.

Conclusion we can say Thaksin indeed a good man.

Mango Bob · May 11, 2014

What did Abhisit do during his three years in office? Nothing. not a damn thing. He was too busy trying to get Thaksin passport back. Spend more time worrying about Thaksin then he did about anything else in the government. But of course Abhisit party was never elected they sneaked in the back door. Shameful, very shameful.

Edited May 11, 2014 by Mango Bob

ginjag · May 11, 2014

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Oh, Great Oracle of the Squishy Fruit, Fount of All Knowledge (as long as it's biased and supports Thaksin's agenda) . . . please enlighten this unworthy soul so that this poor, misguided fool can see the light and understand how Thaksin has improved the education levels in Thailand over the last 10+ years . . .

EDIT: I forgot to ask . . . "bob" . . . I'll need 3 independently verifiable sources when you answer the question about how Thaksin has so wonderfully improved education in Thailand . . . along with pictures, charts and a powerpoint presentation, just so I know you are telling the truth and not talking out of your ass, and by the way, anything from KhaoSod won't count, OK?

You just want to make this a Thaksin issue as if the education system just went bad in the last 10 years. If you know nothing about the education system you should just stick to your rants in the news section.

You complained about education here Watermelon Bob, and as Thaksin-led Govt's have been in charge for most of the last 10+ years, then the responsibility for that lack of improvement or doing much of anything else lies at their door.

So, please, tell me just what Thaksin has done to improve education in Thailand . . . or are we back to what you guys usually do which is ignore the difficult questions because by answering them truthfully, you get exposed as being brainwashed, blind idiots?

I know the reason why if you are interested . . . despite your consistently loud and strident claims that "the establishment" want to keep the poor Thai's uneducated . . . Thaksin himself wants exactly the same thing . . . it's how he's got to where he is today, he's doing exactly what he continually claims "the amart" are doing. Pity you and the rest can't see that.

Bob and his ilk are not programmed to post positive achievements of this now defunct government, seemingly only to disrupt discussion and cry down any critics. The main question put to these posters is "What mega achievements have the government under their belt in the last 3 years"

NEVER yet has this been answered, If I were a pro government poster and believed in them I certainly would defend the party with anything we did mega positive.

It never happens so I do question the pro posters about this subject. Therefore are some of them posting this way for other reasons ???

I only get feedback from this similar to======"just because we do not share your view" but the question is what is their view if they are so adamant the government is on song---tell us about the good come from it.????

Valentine · May 11, 2014

What did Abhisit do during his three years in office? Nothing. not a damn thing. He was too busy trying to get Thaksin passport back. Spend more time worrying about Thaksin then he did about anything else in the government. But of course Abhisit party was never elected they sneaked in the back door. Shameful, very shameful.

He did help the families financially by ensuring free books & uniforms.

Tatsujin · May 11, 2014

What did Abhisit do during his three years in office? Nothing. not a damn thing. He was too busy trying to get Thaksin passport back. Spend more time worrying about Thaksin then he did about anything else in the government. But of course Abhisit party was never elected they sneaked in the back door. Shameful, very shameful.

Yet more deflection.

You raised the issue about education. I ask again, how did Thaksin improve things during his lengthy tenure?

Robby nz · May 11, 2014

What did Abhisit do during his three years in office? Nothing. not a damn thing. He was too busy trying to get Thaksin passport back. Spend more time worrying about Thaksin then he did about anything else in the government. But of course Abhisit party was never elected they sneaked in the back door. Shameful, very shameful.

The usual red crap, if you have no answer go to what about the Dems, in this case it doesnt work as he did plenty.

If you had any idea at all you would know he raised the age of free education from 12 to 15.

Then there was subsidised school uniforms and free books which now have to be paid for

He also had a package of education reforms on the table which were dumped by PT in favor of tablets.

Now try to answer the question.

What has Thaksin done in the last 10+ years.?

Then after that tell us how much has been sucked out of the education budget by the tablet scheme ?

Incidentally there was recently a news item recently that now the PT govt is out of action the education ministry is looking to revive The Dems reform package.

But then you don't read any other news so you wouldn't know.

ginjag · May 11, 2014

What did Abhisit do during his three years in office? Nothing. not a damn thing. He was too busy trying to get Thaksin passport back. Spend more time worrying about Thaksin then he did about anything else in the government. But of course Abhisit party was never elected they sneaked in the back door. Shameful, very shameful.

Yet more deflection.

You raised the issue about education. I ask again, how did Thaksin improve things during his lengthy tenure?

We just have to back track to see why Bob posts like this, as he is not interested in what Abhisit did, only says he did nothing because it isn't in hi agenda. see # 23 I am trying to see the point of the clan of anyone criticizes the PTP we have to deny logic.

Morch · May 11, 2014

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They load teachers with so many additional duties that they work 10 to 12 hours a day. Teaching classes with 40 to 50 students is just stupid how do they learn anything. Get some of the non teaching jobs to administration. Teachers still have to hand score test. Living the dark ages Let the teacher teach not to kiss the administration ass to get things done. Pay them what they are worth.

Yes, indeed, why hasn't Thaksin addressed this issue with any of the Govt's he's had in place for the past 10+ years? You always complain about "the establishment" doing nothing, well come on, Thaksin's the one that's been running the Govt the longest over the past 10+ years so if there is a failing here (or anywhere else) it's on his watch.

Actually the paymaster appointed himself as the education minister at one stage with all sorts of wild promises. Nothing happened, six months later he quietly passed the minister position to someone else.

I seem to recall something like eight different Education ministers in five years.

No need to go that far back, four of them since August 2011: Worawat Ua-apinyakul, Suchart Thada-Thamrongvech, Phongthep Thepkanjana, Chaturon Chaisang.

It's just so hard finding the right person for the job....

belg · May 11, 2014

let the farang, with already a legit long stay visa, do some volunteer teaching without compensation, and without all the hasstle...

what could be the problem ?

mcsam · May 11, 2014

let the farang, with already a legit long stay visa, do some volunteer teaching without compensation, and without all the hasstle...

what could be the problem ?

I sincerely hope this was a sarcastic/rhetorical question but, just in case.....

1) To be an effective teacher takes a LOT of training

2) It takes dedication

3) It takes passion

4) It takes knowledge and understanding of how language works

5) It takes ongoing professional development because research and knowledge are continually evolving

6) It takes being able to build effective relationships with parents

It is not simply a matter of...."If you can speak it, you can teach it"

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