In 2024, educational inequality remains a significant barrier affecting students in many areas of Thailand, particularly in the 10 provinces with the highest number of students from the Very Poor group. According to data from the Information System for Equitable Education (iSEE) of the Equitable Education Fund (EEF) Thailand, the provinces with the highest percentages are:
- Mae Hong Son: 45.09%
- Narathiwat: 39.81%
- Nakhon Phanom: 39.22%
- Amnat Charoen: 39.21%
- Roi Et: 38.61%
- Kalasin: 37.73%
- Yasothon: 37.73%
- Mukdahan: 35.90%
- Sisaket: 35.86%
- Sakon Nakhon: 35.18%
It is noteworthy that Mae Hong Son has held the top position for the highest number of students from the Very Poor group for seven consecutive years, from 2018 to 2024.
Solutions to Address Educational Inequality
To address educational inequality in Thailand, the EEF has implemented several measures:
- Conditional Cash Transfer: In 2019, the EEF provided scholarships to over 800,000 poor students to alleviate learning barriers and increase educational opportunities.
- Home Visits and Student Screening: Over 400,000 teachers nationwide visited the homes of more than 2 million poor students to assess their situations and offer targeted support.
- COVID-19 Crisis Assistance Centers: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the EEF worked with various partners to set up support centers to assist students who struggled with online learning due to a lack of electricity and learning devices.
- Teacher and Education Personnel Development: Training programs have been provided for teachers in remote areas, helping them design learning activities suitable for vulnerable students.
- Promoting Flexible Learning: Alternative education programs, such as dual education, non-formal education, and distance learning, are offered to ensure students can continue their education despite economic or geographical constraints.
- Collaboration with Private Sector and Organizations: The EEF collaborates with private companies and relevant organizations to provide scholarships, career development projects, and skills training aligned with labor market demands.
- Reducing Technology Inequality: High-speed internet has been installed in remote schools, and technological devices have been distributed to ensure students can access digital knowledge equally, such as through the SIM Learning Project.
- Career Guidance and Job Opportunities: Support is provided to students at risk of dropping out, ensuring they have access to career counseling and training that matches labor market demands.
- Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation: The EEF has developed a data system to monitor and track the situation of special poor students systematically, enabling the adjustment of support measures effectively.
These measures are significant steps in reducing educational inequality and creating opportunities for every Thai child to receive quality education equally. Despite efforts to address these issues, further measures are necessary, such as improving education quality in remote areas, supporting health and nutrition, and creating opportunities for vocational skills development, ensuring all students have equal chances to learn and grow in Thai society.
