BANGKOK, Thailand – The Education Ministry is working to reduce the number of out-of-school children to zero by 2026, even though current figures exceed 600,000 nationwide.
Education Minister Prasert Chandraruangthong said the number has already declined from about 1 million, as agencies continue efforts to return children to the education system. Authorities are developing coordinated strategies to reintegrate students and address the challenges that prevent students from returning to school.
According to Prasert, the government will continue the “One District, One Scholarship” program for its second and third cohorts, providing support to capable students who lack educational opportunities. Additional measures include improving per-student budget allocation to ensure fairness across regions and adjusting teacher development to better match local needs.
Plans are also being considered to establish dedicated committees overseeing scholarship programs and to address out-of-school children more effectively. (NNT)
