Bangkok: The government is accelerating efforts to upgrade the safety and quality of education in preparation for the start of the 2026 academic year.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with 18 agencies, is implementing Quick Win initiatives to create safe schools while simultaneously reducing the cost of living and increasing subsidies to assist parents nationwide.
Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, is moving forward with comprehensively upgrading the Thai education system. Emphasis is placed on both the quality of learning and student safety, while also addressing the cost of living for parents during the back-to-school period through systematic collaboration among various agencies.
Ms. Lalida stated that most schools under the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) nationwide will open for the new semester on May 18, 2026, with some gradually opening on May 14-15. Currently, all schools and educational service offices are urgently inspecting and improving readiness in all aspects, including electrical systems, school buildings, learning equipment, playgrounds, and teacher housing, to ensure maximum safety and create a learning environment conducive to the happy development of Thai children.
In terms of policy implementation, the government has assigned the Ministry of Education to organize workshops to drive five key educational missions, emphasizing the "All for Education" approach. This involves soliciting feedback from teachers, educational personnel, and all sectors to collaboratively design an education system that addresses real-world needs, reduces centralized directives, and increases tangible public participation.
Furthermore, the government is accelerating proactive measures regarding school safety as a quick-win priority. On May 15, 2026, the Ministry of Education will hold a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on "Establishing a Student Safety System" with 18 key agencies, including the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Interior, the Royal Thai Police, and social welfare organizations, to create a comprehensive system for student care, prevention, and assistance.
The deputy spokesperson also clarified measures to alleviate the financial burden on parents, stating that the government is continuing its efforts through the Ministry of Commerce's "Back To School 2026" project, offering discounts of up to 86% on over 1,000 educational products and services from April 30 to May 31, 2026. This includes school uniforms, learning materials, IT products, and various supplementary services, available at department stores, government-subsidized shops, and online platforms nationwide. It is expected to save citizens at least 300 million baht.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet also approved a continuous increase in per-student subsidies for the 2026 fiscal year, covering both the second semester of the 2025/2026 academic year and the first semester of the 2026/2026 academic year. The increases apply to all levels and expense categories, including tuition fees at 2,040 baht per person per year for pre-primary, 2,280 baht for primary, 4,200 baht for lower secondary, and 4,560 baht for upper secondary. This also includes support for school supplies, uniforms, and additional funding for small schools, aiming to reduce the financial burden on parents and improve the quality of education equitably.