Thailand
The education policy of the Kingdom of Thailand is based on EFA principles and the goals and targets of the Biwako Millennium Framework, but policies to include children with disabilities in the national education system began more than a decade ago:
u 1994 Special Development Plan for persons with disabilities;
u 1997 Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand upholds the right of all Thai citizens to at least 12 years of free, compulsory education provided by the government The provision of EFA must cover all target groups, including those with physical, mental, intellectual, emotional, communication and learning disabilities, as well as all other disadvantaged groups;36
u 1998 A public forum was organized in order to identify problems, needs, and suggestions of persons with disabilities;
u 1999 was proclaimed the “Year of Education for Persons with Disabilities” and the National Education Act, which mandates the policy that all persons with disabilities must have the same educational opportunities as others, was passed It required schools to place public notices stating “Any disabled person who wishes to go to school may do so” 37