When it comes to Thailand’s education system, you could say the debate is far from academic. Amidst the hallowed walls of the House of Representatives, People’s Party MP Parit Wacharasindhu did not hold back as he dissected the nation’s educational budget with the precision of a seasoned surgeon. Parit’s sentiments echoed through the debate on the 2026 fiscal budget like a clarion call for change, railing against what he believes is an inefficient system propped up by a tide of increasing funds.
Delving into the nitty-gritty, Parit underscored that although the Ministry of Education continues to feast on the largest slice of the budget pie, the results seem half-baked. In 2026, a staggering 355 billion baht is earmarked for education—a 3.8% hike from 2025. Yet, could this substantial increase be tantamount to throwing baht into the wind? Parit seems to think so, pointing out that the framework of spending seems frozen in time.
Blame it on the curriculum, he says. The enactment of the 2025 curriculum, in Parit’s words, was like a rush job on a house of cards. Ill-considered and hasty, the curriculum threatened to fritter away precious resources. His suggestion? Doubt the new, embrace the tried-and-true: a competency-based curriculum that’s not just another educational fad but a program steeped in research and substantial teacher training.
Parit’s daylight critique also shone on the shoulders of overburdened teachers. In his view, the current barrage of paperwork leaves them scant time to teach, resulting in a learning experience that’s more about ticking boxes than engaging minds. He champions the idea of cutting red tape over adding more hands, allowing teachers to breathe and, more importantly, to prepare lessons that spark true intellectual curiosity.
Addressing the educational playing field, Parit recognizes that inequity isn’t just the elephant in the room—it’s an entire herd. Scholarships, he argues, can feel like patchwork solutions when the overarching needs are so great. Take the One District One Scholarship (Odos), which aims to uplift 5,700 students. To Parit, it’s akin to gambling on a lottery with too few winners to make the odds worthwhile. Instead, he’s urging the government to put money where it can level more playing fields, such as the Student Loan Fund (SLF) which, with reform, could offer a broader bridge to opportunity.
In an era where technology reigns supreme, does it make sense to throw billions at developing educational platforms? Parit questions a whopping 13-15 billion baht earmarked for initiatives like “Anywhere Anytime,” wary of it becoming a black hole of redundant tech projects unless closely regulated.
As we scale this dizzying tower of reform proposals, university degrees find themselves under the microscope. No longer should they stand as mere golden tickets to employment. Instead, Parit advocates for a paradigm shift where educational qualifications are synched in harmony with the pulsating demands of tomorrow’s job market.
Finally, turning the spotlight on workforce development, Parit highlights an ever-present disconnect. Take the “One Village, One Thai Dish Chef” initiative—a flavorful idea on paper but less so when the restaurant industry is experiencing an 89% rise in business closures. Clearly, the government’s vision of soft power is amiss. Parit’s own recipe for success? A clever concoction he calls “Private Sector Chooses, Learners Train, Government Pays,” where the market spurs demand and individuals follow their aspirations with the government acting as the benefactor to this grand dance of skill and opportunity.
What Parit’s impassioned arguments reveal is a call for heartfelt introspection and bold innovation—a hope that with the right revamp, Thailand’s education system can finally make the grade.
Parit’s right! Throwing more money at education doesn’t solve the problem. We need a complete curriculum overhaul instead of wasting resources!
Agreed! More funds should go towards teacher support and training. Tired of the same ineffective measures year after year.
Exactly, teachers are stuck with too much paperwork and not enough teaching time. Just ridiculous!
Wow, 355 billion baht for education? Why not spend that on tech if it’s going digital!
Tech’s good, but only if it’s not wasted on redundant projects. More thought is needed in those decisions.
True, but digital learning is the future and should be prioritized!
The problem with our education system is it’s frozen in time. We need creativity and less bureaucracy.
I completely agree. Our system is outdated and doesn’t equip students with real-world skills.
But creativity alone won’t help. We need to ensure teachers are motivated and well-trained first.
Scholarships may help, but reforming Student Loans seems more effective to make education accessible.
SLF can truly make a difference if it’s managed properly. Don’t want another financial disaster!
Exactly, it needs proper regulation and oversight, otherwise, it’s just like going in circles.
My child’s school seems more concerned with ticking boxes than actual learning. When will this change?
Hopefully, the government starts listening. Parents need to make noise for change to happen.
Agreed. More parental involvement can push for necessary reforms sooner rather than later.
Parit’s ideas might sound good, but where’s the guarantee they won’t be another failure in disguise?
We need to rethink vocational training as well! The gap between education and jobs is alarming.
Agreed. Many graduates don’t fit the market needs. Education must be aligned with industry demands.
Will Parit’s suggestions really make a difference? Past reforms haven’t gone well.
True, but his focus on teacher training could improve outcomes. We need to give new ideas a chance.
Let’s hope it works. But skepticism remains, considering past failures.
I believe Parit is correct in questioning current investments in technology. Oversight is crucial to avoid wasteful spending.
Yes, better oversight could ensure money is spent on meaningful and effective tech initiatives.
The ‘One Village, One Thai Dish Chef’ initiative is out of touch with reality. Industry needs should guide education more effectively.
Transition to competency-based curricula should have been done ages ago! It’s basic educational reform.
Agreed, but we also need a solid plan and support system to transition smoothly.
Thailand’s approach to education reform needs to consider global best practices alongside local needs.
People complain but don’t realize reforms can take years to show results. We need patience.
True, but without immediate actions, we’ll lag even further behind globally.
How about cutting the red tape and letting teachers focus on teaching? Seems like a straightforward solution.
Absolutely. Teachers need freedom and resources, not more bureaucratic chains.
Is Parit really bringing new insights? Or just recycling old critiques with a fancy coat of paint?