Politics
Thai Political Parties Call for Overhaul of 1999 Education Act
Representatives from the Pheu Thai, People's Party, and Democrat Party have identified the 1999 National Education Act as a primary obstacle to successful educational reform.
According to a report by Matichon Online on August 8, 2026, members of Thailand’s major political parties—including Pheu Thai, the People's Party, and the Democrat Party—have publicly criticized the 1999 National Education Act. The parties argue that this legislation is the root cause of failed educational reform efforts in the country.
During recent discussions, representatives from these parties suggested that the current legal framework is outdated and ineffective, proposing a complete overhaul or the creation of new legislation to replace the existing act. The consensus among these political groups is that the current system hinders progress and requires a structural revolution to meet modern standards.
For residents and expatriates in Thailand, this development is significant as it signals a potential shift in national education policy, which could eventually impact international schools, curriculum standards, and the broader academic environment. However, it remains to be confirmed how these parties intend to draft the new legislation and whether they can secure the necessary parliamentary support to enact such a significant change. As of now, the proposal remains in the discussion phase, and no specific timeline for the introduction of a new bill has been established.