PATTAYA, Thailand – The Ministry of Education (MoE) has announced plans to amend the Private School Act of 2007, citing concerns over foreign teachers exploiting loopholes to demand compensation after their contracts expire. While the government frames the move as protecting local schools and Thai educators, critics argue it highlights a deeper tension in Thailand’s private education sector: balancing international staffing appeal with fairness and transparency.
Education Minister Prof. Dr. Narumon Pinyosinwat and Monton Paksuwan, Secretary-General of the Office for the Promotion of Private Education, met with representatives from 12 private school associations to discuss issues surrounding Section 86 of the Private School Act. The section effectively exempts private school operations from several labor laws, including those covering labor protection, social security, and workers’ compensation — yet mandates that employees receive benefits no less than those prescribed under labor protection law.
According to ministry sources, foreign teachers have increasingly interpreted this exemption as a legal basis to claim post-contract compensation, creating friction and perceived inequities between foreign and Thai teachers. Reports suggest some foreign educators have demanded sums far exceeding standard compensation for Thai staff, raising concerns among school administrators about sustainability and fairness.
“While the measure aims to prevent abuses and clarify interpretations, it risks discouraging qualified foreign educators from working in Thailand,” says one education policy analyst. “Private schools rely on international teaching talent to maintain competitive programs, particularly in English-language instruction and international curricula. Overcorrecting the law could shrink the talent pool and compromise educational quality.”
Prof. Dr. Narumon acknowledged the issue has persisted for some time and emphasized that the proposed amendment is designed to clarify contractual obligations and prevent disproportionate claims. The MoE plans to present the revisions to the Cabinet around November 2025.
Critics warn that the problem extends beyond legal loopholes. Private school contracts are often inconsistently structured, and Thai teachers still face disparities in pay and benefits, raising broader questions about equity and the sector’s dependence on foreign staff. “If the government focuses solely on limiting foreign claims without addressing wage gaps and contract clarity for all teachers, the reform may be a short-term fix rather than a systemic solution,” the analyst adds.
As Thailand continues to attract international educators, policymakers will need to carefully balance regulatory oversight with maintaining the country’s reputation as a destination for quality private education — ensuring fairness without deterring the very talent that helps sustain it.
