Student groups oppose deregulation of public universities

[webfact]

Student groups oppose deregulation of public universities

BANGKOK, 27 March 2015 (NNT) - A group of university students have begun protesting at Parliament against the draft acts currently under consideration by the National Legislative Assembly (NLA).

The group consists of representatives from Kasetsart University, Khon Kaen University, Burapha University and Thammasat University. The advocates have presented a petition containing over 2,000 signatures opposing the bills that would deregulate five government universities.

Jedsarit Namkod, a student at Khon Kaen University, delivered the petition and expressed his concerns to the media. He claimed the legislation is being deliberated without consulting students, who have a major stake in the issue.

Mr. Jedsarit has asked the NLA President to allow the bills to be scrutinized by the students and the general public.

The majority of legislators in the NLA have agreed with the draft laws, which would give universities more independence and enhance management efficiency. Universities would be able to structure their curricula to suit the specific needs of each school.

Public universities that stand to be affected by the bills are Suan Dusit Rajabhat University, Khon Kaen University, Thammasat University and Kasetsart University. Meanwhile, another draft act under NLA consideration would merge Kalasin Rajabhat University with Rajamangala University of Technology Isan.

-- NNT 2015-03-27

[Chris Lawrence]

So, does this mean the cost of education will be higher? If this is the case, will this also mean the cost of a higher education will be put out of reach of all Thais or give education to just a select group who pay?

[trogers]

So, does this mean the cost of education will be higher? If this is the case, will this also mean the cost of a higher education will be put out of reach of all Thais or give education to just a select group who pay?

Would not make much of a difference. Those who can afford are already sending their kids overseas at grade school levels.

And the reason is that Thai universities cannot achieve any international standings.

[Chris Lawrence]

So, does this mean the cost of education will be higher? If this is the case, will this also mean the cost of a higher education will be put out of reach of all Thais or give education to just a select group who pay?

Would not make much of a difference. Those who can afford are already sending their kids overseas at grade school levels.

And the reason is that Thai universities cannot achieve any international standings.

Yes, but to completely exclude people from the opportunity to a higher education does not promote what the General has been saying about Thailand’s competiveness.

Most job adverts in Bangkok ask for a university education.

[trogers]

So, does this mean the cost of education will be higher? If this is the case, will this also mean the cost of a higher education will be put out of reach of all Thais or give education to just a select group who pay?

Would not make much of a difference. Those who can afford are already sending their kids overseas at grade school levels.

And the reason is that Thai universities cannot achieve any international standings.

Yes, but to completely exclude people from the opportunity to a higher education does not promote what the General has been saying about Thailands competiveness.

Most job adverts in Bangkok ask for a university education.

There are two directions to aim for: bring the standard of education up and force the general populace to set a higher target, or bring the standard down in compliance with the desire of the general populace.

The latter is okay if Thailand isolates itself with protectionism. So pull out of AEC.