The Ministry of Interior is stepping up efforts to tackle education inequality by launching a nationwide campaign to reintegrate out-of-school children into the classroom.
Ministry spokesman Manat Suwannarin announced Tuesday that local governments have been instructed to lead the initiative. The campaign aligns with the “Thailand Zero Dropout” policy, approved by the cabinet in May 2024, which seeks to ensure no child is excluded from education.
Collaboration Across Agencies
The Ministry of Interior, under Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, is working closely with the Ministry of Education and other agencies. Their goal is to identify and assist children who are not attending school.
In February, provincial governors were ordered to form special committees to oversee the effort. These committees will collaborate with Provincial Education Offices to track and support at-risk students.
Grassroots Mobilization
Local administrations—including municipalities and tambons—have been tasked with implementing a four-step process:
- Prevention – Stopping children from dropping out.
- Intervention – Providing immediate support.
- Referral – Connecting families with educational resources.
- Monitoring – Ensuring long-term attendance.
“No child should be missing from the state’s educational care,” Manat said. He emphasized that local leaders must ensure access to both formal and non-formal education, tailored to each child’s needs.
Progress and Challenges
Recent data shows some success: the number of out-of-school children fell from 1.02 million (2023) to 880,000 (2024). However, officials admit more work is needed.
Manat praised Surin and Buri Ram provinces for their strong partnerships between government, civil society, and businesses. These regions have developed flexible learning programs to meet students’ real-life challenges.
High-Level Oversight
Deputy PM Anutin has been personally monitoring the campaign’s progress and has commended leading provinces. The Ministry of Interior stressed that local governments play a critical role in achieving the Zero Dropout goal and building a more inclusive education system.
The push reflects Thailand’s broader commitment to educational equity, ensuring every child has access to learning opportunities.
