Publication Code: Y91A

Educational Options for the Future of Thailand: Synthesis Report

Contents

Sustaining Thailand's economic growth and at the same time achieving a more equitable distribution of income requires attention to the human resource base and human resource development system. This is one of the most critical areas for improvement and reform for the future, and is an explicit objective of the Seventh National Economic and Social Development Plan. In addition, education has a significant role to play in instilling appropriate social and cultural values to Thai youths, particularly at a time of rapid socioeconomic change.

The 1991 TDRI Year-End Conference examines the key educational options for the future of Thailand. This covers the formal education system, the non-formal education and training system, and on-the-job training. Key issues will be equity, efficiency, flexibility and relevance of the various components of the broadly interpreted "educational system."

The Conference is divided into five sessions, with the topic for each session as follows:

1. Education and Development of the Thai Economy: Reversing the Imbalance
2. Education and Social and Cultural Values: The Changing Role of Teachers
3. Educational Management: Public and Private Sector Roles in the Provision of Education
4. The Changing Face of Agriculture: Designing Appropriate Information and Training Systems for Farmers
5. Education and Training: Supporting the Development of Industries and Services

Altogether, there are 15 separate research reports for the Conference. These are assembled in 2 volumes of papers.

The purpose of this synthesis is to pull together the main findings and recommendations from the research reports for each session. It also serves as a guided tour of what will be found in the research reports.

December 1991