University academic year to return to old system
Back to old school year with school holidays in hottest time of year March, April & May, so students can escape classroom during hot period.
The academic year for university students is set to revert back to the old system, starting in June and ending in March.
The high temperatures in April and May are not suitable for attending classes, with the period more appropriate for holidays and tourism, according to the Assembly of Faculty Senate Chairs of Thailand (AFCT) which announced the change.
Under the current system, the first semester runs from August to December, and the second semester from January to May. Universities are closed from June to July. Under the old system which the AFCT wants to revive, the year runs from June to October and November to March.
CURRENT SYSTEM IN LINE WITH ASEAN
The current system has been in place for almost two years, but is now seen by most AFCT members as not suitable to Thailand's way of life, culture and climate.
The current system, which is in line with the rest of Asean.
STUDENTS & TEACHERS WANT OLD SYSTEM
The change followed a survey conducted by the assembly that showed 86.3% of AFCT educators and students disagreed with adopting the Asean study year for Thai universities, while only 13.6% agreed.
As a result, 38 Rajabhat universities and nine Rajamangala universities of technology will be allowed to switch their academic terms back to the old system.
The decision will be up to each university council.