The Thaiger
Thailand bans competitive exams, rankings for children under six
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Thailand’s Education Ministry has ordered state and private schools nationwide not to use competitive exams, pass-fail systems or rankings for children under six, saying early education should focus on development rather than academic competition.
Key facts
- Deputy government spokesperson Captain Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn announced the directive today, August 27, saying the ministry had instructed the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) and Office of the Private Education
- Thailand’s Education Ministry has ordered state and private schools nationwide not to use competitive exams, pass-fail systems or rankings for children under six, saying early education should focus on development rather than academic
- The directive reinforces the Early Childhood Development Act 2019, which requires children under six to receive care, development and education appropriate for their age across physical, mental, emotional, social and intellectual
- Under the guidelines, schools should move away from academic kindergarten exams and instead assess each child’s development through observation.
Summary
Deputy government spokesperson Captain Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn announced the directive today, August 27, saying the ministry had instructed the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) and Office of the Private Education Commission (OPEC) to ensure schools comply.
The directive reinforces the Early Childhood Development Act 2019, which requires children under six to receive care, development and education appropriate for their age across physical, mental, emotional, social and intellectual development.