Thailand’s small public schools face mounting financial and operational challenges as student enrolments continue to fall, prompting the Office of the Basic Education Commission (Obec) to seek new management strategies and reduce teacher workloads. The issue is set to be discussed at a nationwide meeting of education directors between July 1 and July 3, 2025.
According to Obec, the student population under its jurisdiction has declined by nearly 100,000 over the past academic year, dropping from 6.4 million to just over 6.3 million as of June 10. The trend raises concerns about the viability of small schools, which struggle under Thailand’s per-head funding model.
Acting Sub Lt Thanu Wongjinda, secretary-general of the Basic Education Commission, said the commission is drafting a proposal for the incoming education minister aimed at easing non-teaching duties that have long burdened teachers.
Administrative tasks such as procurement and project management—typically beyond the scope of teachers’ training—are common, contributing to increased stress. The issue gained national attention following the suicide of a teacher in Buri Ram province, reportedly due to overwhelming administrative responsibilities.
Obec is evaluating ways to shift these tasks to support staff, but many would require additional training, particularly in financial and inventory management. Training programmes tailored to administrative staff are under consideration, with the aim of allowing teachers to focus exclusively on instruction.
In addition to addressing staffing and funding issues, Obec is prioritising safety for 416 schools situated along the Thai-Cambodian border. A recent assessment found that 230 of these schools lack proper bomb shelters.
To respond to these risks, Obec has instructed the Office of Administration to identify high-risk locations and coordinate with other agencies to construct protective facilities. Border schools are also required to conduct emergency drills and appoint safety officers to manage evacuation plans.
The upcoming nationwide meeting will bring together directors of local education areas to explore viable models for sustaining small schools and improving the overall quality of public education.
Details of the proposal, safety plans, and management strategies will be presented to the new education minister once appointed.
