Category: The Bangkok Post

Thailand is embarking on an ambitious effort to raise the performance of its students in the global education rankings by integrating artificial intelligence into classrooms. The reform aims to reverse years of academic decline and prepare students for a rapidly changing digital world.

In the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa) conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to test the reading literacy, mathematics, and science skills of 15-year-olds in over 65 countries, students in Thailand scored less than the OECD average.

The national results, also lower than those from the last assessment in 2018, underscored weaknesses in the education system and the urgent need for new, technology-driven learning models, critics said.

The next four years will be critical, authorities say, as Thailand prepares for the generation born in 2025, who are expected to grow up with AI-supported learning from an early age.

The Bureau of Academic Affairs and Educational Standards (BAAES), under the Office of the Basic Education Commission (Obec), is leading the effort to bring AI into classrooms nationwide.

Bangkok in pole position

Bangkok deputy governor Sanon Wangsrangboon said schools under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) have been transforming digitally for more than three years.

Speaking to the Bangkok Post recently, Mr Sanon said the work requires not just funding but clear policies on responsible technology use and long-term planning.

By the end of this year, he said, every Prathom 6 (Grade 4) student across 437 BMA schools will have access to their own computer for the first time.

He said pilot projects in six schools using AI-powered learning showed a marked improvement in student engagement, with many of the students arriving at the school early and staying late to continue lessons.

To improve English proficiency, seen as essential for global competitiveness, the BMA has launched a citywide strategy combining technology, teacher training, and student development.

In partnership with education startup Edsy and SVOA Public Co Ltd, the BMA introduced Edsy AI Coach, an intelligent platform that helps students practice English pronunciation and grammar.

“Hiring native English teachers is costly and not always possible,” Mr Sanon said, adding that AI helps enable personalised learning in large classes.

Last year’s report from pilot schools found that students improved fluency by 10%, language accuracy by 14%, and pronunciation by 12% within two months, he said.

Encouraged by the results, the project has now been expanded to 136 schools in its first phase and will soon cover all BMA schools.

Smarter learning

At the national level, BAAES has developed AI-based teaching materials and handbooks for teachers and students.

More than 60,000 students and 700 pilot schools have taken part in training programmes, helping build early AI literacy among young learners. “Teaching with AI reduces teacher workload and personalises instruction,” said Eakasit Piyasangtong, director of BAAES.

“We’ve partnered with Google, Microsoft, and other global organisations to use tools such as Gemini, Chattivity, Deepseek, and Leonardo. More than two million educators have already participated in AI-related training.”

The Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) is also promoting digital ethics through its Digital Citizen Plus curriculum. The programme helps teachers develop “digital intelligence”, ensuring that students learn to use technology safely, responsibly, and creatively.

Globally, 97% of students are exposed to AI in some form, but more than half pursue AI learning independently. Mr Eakasit said Thailand’s strategy aims to close this gap through structured classroom programmes and comprehensive teacher training.

The World Bank has observed that Thailand’s investment in innovation and future skills remains lower than that of countries like South Korea or Vietnam. “Thailand has begun moving toward innovation and creativity, even developing its own innovation index — one of the few countries to do so,” said Melinda Good, the World Bank’s Division Director for Thailand and Myanmar.

“But greater investment in innovation and education beyond the basics is essential,” she said.

Mr Eakasit noted that Thailand’s cultural diversity and creative traditions give it an edge in developing AI learning models suited to local needs. “AI can support not only STEM education but also arts and problem-solving,” he said. “Students can combine technology with traditional skills to create original, high-quality work.”

AI learning now begins as early as kindergarten and continues through secondary school, teaching students to use AI tools, recognise their influence, and think critically about ethical implications.

With nearly 60,000 students and 700 schools already engaged, Thailand’s foundation in AI literacy is growing steadily. The next phase, Mr Eakasit said, will focus on building a full AI ecosystem, from access to devices and local data centres to research hubs and ethics education.

“Thailand’s long-term goal,” he concluded, “is to move beyond being an AI consumer and become an AI innovator”.

The Electronic Transactions Development Agency (Etda) is conducting a study into efforts to govern the gross profit (GP) fee charged by digital platforms, having been assigned this task by Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Chaichanok Chidchob.

Chaichana Mitrpant, executive director of Etda, said the agency would explore two potential methods to oversee the GP fee with the Trade Competition Commission of Thailand.

The first question relates to whether Etda’s electronic transaction committee has the legal authority to set the GP rate. The trade commission also plans to evaluate whether it is empowered to govern the GP rate.

Both agencies plan to work together more closely to establish guidelines to govern the GP fee, he said.

Mr Chaichanok said earlier he wanted to address alleged monopolisation of the online delivery business by foreign e-commerce platforms, with the aim of benefiting consumers.

The DES Ministry also plans to push for digital platforms to adopt a lower GP rate.

Some e-commerce platforms have already expressed their intention to participate in talks on the GP issue, said Mr Chaichanok.

In a related matter, Mr Chaichana said the ministry asked Etda to monitor enforcement of the law governing online ride-hailing platforms, which took effect on Oct 2.

Etda is asking platform operators to review limitations in the law as it seeks ways to help them fully comply with the regulations.

He said the ministry has many bills it plans to push for cabinet consideration, including the draft of the Digital Platform Economy Act. This new law is meant to support social and economic development, as well as increase public confidence in the electronic data system and prevent potential damage to the public.

The draft sets out duties for digital platforms according to their type and size to protect consumers, ensure fair competition and encourage their self-regulation in accordance with the principles of good governance.

The Thai government plans to launch the second phase of its “co-payment” consumer subsidy scheme in January, a government spokesperson said on Monday, as the government tries to boost a struggling economy.

The size of the next phase has not been decided yet but will be financed from the 2026 fiscal budget, Siripong Angkasakulkiat told a news conference.

The first phase of the scheme, worth 44 billion baht ($1.34 billion) and covering about 20 million people, was fully subscribed on the first day of registration on Monday, he said.

The scheme is among a series of government measures aimed at lifting economic growth above 2.2% this year. On Tuesday, the cabinet will consider new incentives to boost domestic tourism, including tax deductions.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s government has limited time to implement its measures, with the premier planning to dissolve parliament by the end of January with a general election to be held in March or early April.

The energy minister on Monday ordered a reduction in pump prices of 50 satang per litre for diesel and 30 satang for all kinds of petrol, effective from 5am Tuesday.

Auttapol Rerkpiboon said had ordered the board of the state Oil Fuel Fund to make the reduction to help reduce the cost of living and stimulate the grassroots economy.

The price of standard diesel will fall from 31.44 baht to 30.94 baht per litre. Retailers will decide whether to apply the cut to premium diesel.

On Monday retail petrol prices ranged from 27.89 to 49.84 baht per litre in Bangkok.

Prices are slightly higher in provinces outside the Bangkok area.

Thailand is quietly establishing itself as a global epicentre of longevity. With around 45,000 citizens aged 100 or over, the country ranks fifth worldwide for its centenarian population, after Japan, the United States, China and India — a testament to improved healthcare, better nutrition, and rising public awareness of healthy ageing.

Yet beneath this positive statistic lies a growing welfare dilemma. While today’s centenarians thrive thanks to traditional extended families, future generations face isolation and financial insecurity.

The core concern, says Asst Prof Nattapat Sarobol of Thammasat University’s Faculty of Social Administration, is the widening gap between the lived experience of the oldest generation and the demographic reality awaiting their children.

“This makes us think that we should be concerned about how centenarians in the future will be able to live alone,” she said.

The shift is prompting a national re-evaluation of retirement, self-reliance and social defence mechanisms.

Family support fades

Her team conducted research among 101 centenarians to explore their living conditions, lifestyles and sources of happiness. The study found that being surrounded by family was a key contributor to their long lives.

“Most centenarians described happiness as deriving from simple pleasures — spending time with children and grandchildren, living in modest but comfortable homes, and feeling useful to their communities.

“Importantly, a sense of pride was a consistent theme: participants valued being able to care for themselves and contribute to society, even in small ways,” she said.

However, she warned strong family support systems may not endure much longer.

“Thai families are changing,” she said. “Where people once lived together and supported one another, we are now seeing increasing isolation. The question is: how will future generations of 100-year-olds live when family support declines?”

The implications extend beyond emotional well- being.

Without family support, older adults may struggle with basic daily tasks, from cooking and cleaning to accessing healthcare and managing finances. This could lead to increased dependence on state services, which are already under pressure.

Shifting structures

The research paints a sobering picture of what lies ahead. Japan’s number of centenarians is expected to surpass 100,000 soon, and Thailand is following a similar path, she said.

Children born after 2016 are projected to live well into their 80s or 90s, with many reaching 100. Yet the social conditions that support older people are fading fast.

Elderly Thais have often relied on large families for care. Today, smaller families and lower birth rates mean that many older adults may have no children to depend on.

“The study shows our centenarians generally have no debt or savings,” she said. “They survived not because of financial planning but because of family support. That system is breaking down.”

She said the traditional life pattern — 20 years of study, 40 years of work, and 15 years of retirement — is now obsolete.

Modern life expectancy has shifted the pattern to 20-40-30, meaning people could live 30 years or more after retirement, and in many cases up to 40 years.

This longer lifespan has prompted debates about extending the retirement age. But as Asst Prof Nattapat said, the issue goes beyond economics.

“It’s not just about money or keeping people employed longer,” she said. “It’s about redefining what life after 60 means. We must encourage people to stay active, capable and self-reliant for as long as possible.”

The economic burden

Nonarit Bisonyabut, Senior Research Fellow at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), said the phenomenon was part of a global trend.

“Advances in medicine have made people live longer, but with fewer children being born, the proportion of elderly is growing rapidly,” he said. “It creates what I call ‘the burden gap’ — fewer working-age people supporting more elderly dependents.”

He said that, in the past, several siblings would share the responsibility of caring for ageing parents.

“Today, one child may have to care for both parents and even in-laws — four people in total,” he said. “This is a heavy financial and emotional load.”

A concerning number of older people are already living alone. Millions of Thai households now consist solely of elderly residents with no younger relatives to support them. For these individuals, the risk of poverty, loneliness and health problems increases sharply.

Mr Nonarit also warned that while extending retirement might ease the pressure, it cannot solve everything.

“The key is not merely to push retirement later but to create policies that help older adults work as long as they wish and are able,” he said. “We need to match older workers with roles that suit their experience and physical capacity.”

He added that rising household debt and competing government priorities compound the problem.

“The state budget is already stretched thin — covering infrastructure, defence, education and healthcare. There’s simply not enough to guarantee comprehensive welfare for all elderly citizens,” he said.

Preparing for the future

The Department of Provincial Administration says Thailand now has about 45,561 people aged over 100, a big increase from 36,402 just a year earlier.

This rapid rise highlights Thailand’s transformation into one of the world’s leading longevity nations — but also underscores a growing welfare challenge.

Experts warn that if current trends continue, Thailand could soon mirror Japan, where the elderly often live alone and die unnoticed.

However, Thailand faces an even greater risk: while Japan’s elderly may lack companionship, they generally have financial security. Thailand’s older citizens may face both loneliness and poverty.

“Japan is about 30 years ahead of us in this ageing trajectory,” said Mr Nonarit. “We are heading in the same direction, but with fewer safety nets.”

Both scholars stressed the need for long-term care systems that combine family, community and government support.

They also want policies that allow retirees to remain economically active, such as flexible hours, and incentives for businesses to hire and retrain them.

“Active ageing should become the new norm,” said Asst Prof Nattapat.

“Even if one lives to 80 or 100, the goal is not just to live longer, but to live better. Society must adapt to keep older people engaged, valued and self-sufficient.”

The ruling Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) says it is not opposed to a member of another party chairing the parliamentary committee vetting constitutional amendment drafts, as the opposition Pheu Thai Party prepares to nominate Chusak Sirinil for the post when the panel meets later on Monday.

BJT list MP Korawee Prisananantakul, a member of the House-Senate joint committee on constitutional amendments, said on Sunday the committee will fill up key positions and set a working schedule in its first meeting on Monday.

While BJT has yet to decide whether it will nominate a candidate for committee chair, Mr Korawee said the party has no issue if an MP from another party assumes the post.

“There are several qualified candidates, such as Chusak Sirinil or Cholnan Srikaew from Pheu Thai who are well-versed in legal matters,” Mr Korawee said.

However, since the charter draft proposed by the People’s Party has been picked as the core reference for the amendment effort, he said appointing a chairman from that party would be more appropriate.

“If the BJT’s version had been selected as the main draft, we would have proposed someone from our side — such as Paradorn Prisananantakul — as chair,” he said.

“But since it’s not our draft, we don’t mind if the chair comes from another party. What’s important is maintaining a constructive atmosphere within the committee.”

On concerns that the committee might touch on chapters 1 and 2 of the constitution — which cover the state’s fundamental principles and the monarchy — Mr Korawee said the issue should be discussed by the committee.

“Our draft explicitly stated those chapters would not be amended,” he said, noting that Pheu Thai had shown no signs of disagreement on this point.

“If we want genuine progress in amending the constitution, we should avoid anything that could lead to its failure.”

Key Pheu Thai member and Nan MP, Cholnan Srikaew defended the party’s decision to nominate Mr Chusak.

“He is highly qualified and has long experience in constitutional work. However, the final decision rests with the committee,” said Dr Cholnan, a former Pheu Thai leader.

The parliamentary committee reviewing the constitutional amendment bill held its first meeting on Monday, electing Nutthawut Buaprathum, a list-MP from the People’s Party (PP), as chairman via a secret ballot.

Of the 43 members, 40 attended. Mr Nutthawut won by 25 votes to 12, with three abstentions, defeating Chousak Sirinil, a Pheu Thai list-MP.

Three deputy chairmen were named: Chawengsak Rengpaiboonwong (Bhumjaithai), Pol Col Tawee Sodsong (Prachachat), and Senator Premsak Piayura. Ausorn Kaewwichien (PP) was appointed committee secretary.

Spokespersons include senators Norasate Prachyakorn and Phisit Apivatanapong, Phanida Mongkolsawat (PP), and Ekaporn Rakkwamsuk (Pheu Thai).

The panel will meet three times a week from Oct 22. Only 11 meetings are scheduled before the draft’s second reading in late November.

The PP’s bill proposes a constitution drafting assembly (CDA) of 35 members selected by parliament from 70 candidates elected by the public, plus a 100-member advisory council chosen from all provinces.

Deputy Prime Minister Borwornsak Uwanno last week proposed holding the referendum and general election on March 29 next year to reduce costs and comply with the four-month roadmap agreed under the memorandum between Bhumjaithai and the PP, following the latter’s support for Anutin Charnvirakul as prime minister.

Re: “Timor-Leste finally joins the Asean fold”, (Opinion, Oct 14).

Kavi Chongkittavorn’s article brings good news not only to Timor-Leste and Asean countries, but also to global multilateralism in crisis. The accession of Timor-Leste as Asean’s 11th member symbolises renewed confidence in enlarging regional cooperation and inclusive diplomacy.

It also highlights the role of education in Thailand, as many Timorese diplomats who have been trained at Assumption University in Bangkok will have now the chance to serve their homeland in multilateral diplomacy.

Ioan Voicu

Verbal ping-pong

I will not reference any particular letters, nor will I name the contributors who have turned PostBag into their own personal game of verbal ping pong with their tit-for-tats on climate change and global warming, drug use and abuse, and the efficacy of vaccines in fighting disease.

These are undoubtedly important issues, but these battles of words involving three or four serial letter writers does little to enlighten anyone. I was annoyed once by Eric Bahrt’s repetitive letters, but he has been dethroned by some of what we see now. May I add my voice calling on the editor of PostBag to apply more discipline. (Now I will sit back and wait to be called an advocate of censorship.)

David Brown

Cartoon therapy

Your regular syndicate cartoonist Matt Davies needs therapy. Never have I witnessed such one-sided derangement. Even the totality of your publication, unapologetically way left-leaning, appears balanced compared with Davies’ output.

I have zero confidence you will publish this, but here’s hoping.

Gary Fox

Clear as day

Re: “Puppetry ran amok”, (PostBag, Oct 12).

I would have to agree with Eric Bahrt that it is ridiculous, given all the images of starving and suffering Palestinians shown on television, to ask whether any people in Gaza have actually starved since the Israelis declared war on the Palestinians about two years ago!

I honestly don’t see how can people question what is so patently obvious to any neutral observer.

Paul

Wimping out

Re: “Army defends psych-ops”, (BP, Oct 13).

Given the other awful conflicts in the world today, the Cambodian response to Thailand’s bloodless psych-ops (which has been a tactic for hundreds of years) is very wimpy.

Get some ear plugs or turn up the boom box if you have one. Or respond in kind.The UN has much more important things to deal with.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has hired superstar Lisa — Lalisa Manobal — as a tourism ambassador for 12 months. The move clearly illustrates the country’s attempt to regain the tourist momentum, which has been lost in recent months.

Thailand has already been dethroned by Vietnam for the first time as the favourite destination for Chinese travellers to Southeast Asia. Neighbouring Malaysia is also emerging as a strong contender to attract more tourists.

The kingdom continues to struggle with a tourism hangover caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. It has yet to reach the figures seen before the outbreak, when the nation welcomed nearly 40 million foreign arrivals — the largest proportion of them Chinese.

The struggle persists this year, although more Chinese tourists visited the kingdom during the recently concluded Golden Week than expected.

Thailand recorded 24 million foreign arrivals in the first nine months of this year, a 7.5% drop from the same period last year, says the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

“Collaborating with Lisa as Amazing Thailand Ambassador marks another significant milestone in presenting the charm, diversity and wonders of Thailand from a fresh perspective,” boasted TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool.

“Lisa is one of Thailand’s greatest sources of pride,” the tourism chief added.

That is how Thailand presents itself to tourists: come here and enjoy tom yum kung and other dishes, magnificent temples, stunning beaches and more. These messages have been repeated time and again, yet the number of holidaymakers has not returned to pre-pandemic levels.

The decline in popularity is not because Thai soup has lost its spicy kick, temples have become monotonous, or beaches have lost their allure.

The sharp drop in tourist numbers — especially among Chinese visitors — is largely due to concerns over personal safety in vehicles, at sea and on the streets.

Thailand is notorious for its high rate of road accidents; World Health Organization statistics bear this out. Maritime safety fares no better.

One of the most tragic incidents occurred in July 2018, when the Phoenix tour boat sank off Phuket, claiming the lives of 46 snorkellers. Accidents involving buses, vans and boats with tourists aboard happen regularly, often due to reckless driving and poor safety standards.

Perhaps the gravest concern is for the safety of life itself. The sharp decline in Chinese visitors this year was triggered by the abduction of actor Wang Xing in January, who was kidnapped and trafficked to an online scam centre in Myanmar.

The incident sent shockwaves through China, prompting many would-be tourists to reconsider travelling to Thailand. The fear is that they could be abducted and trafficked upon arrival at a Thai airport.

In August, two Malaysian tourists were set on fire by an unemployed security guard on a street in downtown Bangkok. While the incident may have been unpredictable, it underscored the perception that danger can strike anywhere, at any time.

Thailand has yet to implement serious measures to reassure tourists that their safety is a priority — whether walking the streets or travelling by boat or bus. Visitors also risk being overcharged by unscrupulous taxi or tuk-tuk drivers.

Official responses to such incidents are often limited to apologies and the occasional bouquet of flowers for hospitalised victims, accompanied by empty promises.

This lack of action is unsurprising, given the risks faced by citizens themselves. Travelling along Rama II Road is a case in point — drivers never know when a brick or part of a pedestrian bridge might fall onto their vehicles.

One day, this could happen to a bus full of tourists en route to the beaches of the central or southern provinces. Fortunately, it hasn’t happened yet.

The TAT is enthusiastic about using Lisa to restore Thailand’s top-tier tourism status and attract new visitors. But unless Thailand addresses its safety shortcomings, even a dozen Lisas won’t be enough.

The filling of the massive sinkhole on Samsen Road in Bangkok’s Dusit district has been completed, paving the way for the demolition of the damaged Samsen police station, Bangkok’s governor said.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said on Monday at the sinkhole site that 1,700 cubic metres of crushed stone had been levelled over the sand-filled sinkhole, which now appeared stable enough for people to walk on. Nearby structures, including police flats, Vajira Hospital and nearby commercial buildings, showed no movement or additional cracking, except for the Samsen police station, he said.

The next step, the governor added, would be the demolition of the Samsen police station followed by road reconstruction. The demolition was expected to take about four days. Because the station’s floors were built using the post-tension technique, the work must be done with great care to prevent the slings from snapping, he said.

Mr Chadchart noted that no date had been set yet for the reopening of Samsen Road.

He said the project would also involve restoring subway tunnels beneath the road and reconstructing underground utilities, including water mains and sewers. All work would proceed cautiously with safety as the top priority.

The sinkhole, which appeared on Sept 24 on Samsen Road in Dusit district, formed above an underground railway station being built for the Mass Rapid Transit Authority’s (MRTA) Purple Line extension. It initially measured about 30 metres wide, 30 metres long and 20 metres deep.

The state-run MRTA attributed the incident to the area’s water-saturated, soft soil, which cracked and flowed into the tunnels and the under-construction Vajira Hospital station on the Purple Line.