Source - Bangkok Post Website (Eng)

Tuesday, March 04, 2008  09:02

          'Thainess' and education

          The prestige and status of teachers in Thai society has been gradually eroding, and more action should be taken to elevate the importance of schools

          Two articles in the Bangkok Post have given great insight into the problems facing Thailand and its higher education establishments.

          The first article, written by Saichol Sattayanurak (February 9), explores how the idea of "Thainess" fits into the modern world. The second article, penned by Dr Richard Watson Todd (February 10), explains the need for accountability and quality control in Thailand's tertiary education system. The articles complement each other.

          Saichol explained in great detail the Thai-style hierarchical social structure and the duty of people in "high social spaces" to be kind to those in "low social spaces" in order to prevent exploitation.

          Saichol blames the expansion of capitalism for turning social relationships into more commercial relationships based on profit and loss, weakening the ethic of kindness to such an extent that it has lost its influence. He emphasizes that "Thainess" has acted as an obstacle for Thai people who are adapting to global changes.

          This situation could be related to the increased bureaucracy, administrative oversight and centralization in the article written by Dr Watson Todd. He informs us that a more businesslike managerial culture of goal setting and numeric measurements to quantify performance may be in conflict with a public university's primary objectives, which are "to generate and disseminate knowledge and provide useful services to communities and the nation."

          Todd goes further by giving us three key principles that could be used by universities as guidance. First, quantification should be restricted to a few major indicators in order to keep bureaucracy to a minimum. Second, there is a need for academic freedom and work autonomy; and finally, administrators should facilitate students into doing their best work rather than "controlling bad actions."

          Action is better than talk

          As a foreigner looking in, I find it fascinating that these two articles covered a major problem _ the ability to balance Thai identity and bureaucracy with the rapidly changing demands placed on the country's teachers and its education system.

          Thailand's education system is often discussed, yet there seems to be a lack of action when it comes to solving problems. Who has the ultimate responsibility for making decisions? New committees are often established to explore problems and come up with solutions. However, the reported results still need to be pushed through by someone who has the authority.

          The government has presented its new policies to parliament, and the opposition has highlighted the lack of education reform. Could we be in the same stagnant position as before? Do the nation's representatives know what is wrong with the Thai education system? Do they have the will to do something about it?

          As a guest in this country, it is not polite to critique its education policies; however, Thai teachers are concerned about heavy workloads, large class sizes, the lack of facilities and low salaries. Are their voices being heard?

          Teachers were held in high esteem in previous times, but their prestige in Thai society has gradually eroded.

          Teachers may now be considered in one of the "low social spaces" mentioned by Saichol, yet their grievances seem to go unheard.

          What is needed is someone from the "high social spaces" to show the leadership, kindness, courage and responsibility to push forward education reforms to help teachers and students.

          Steve Graham is an English language teacher at the Language Center, Udon Thani Rajabhat University in northeast Thailand. If there are any comments or areas for debate you would like to discuss, you may contact Steve at: shedchelsea